Howe Caverns

Howes Cave, NY

52°F

inside, all year

139

steps on the tour

90 min

on the main tour

$29.50

adult ticket

A cave in Howes Cave, New York whose 90-minute traditional tour covers 1.25 miles on foot plus a quarter-mile underground boat ride.

The story

On May 22, 1842, Lester Howe entered the cave with Wetsel and explored about one and a half miles of passageways. In February 1843, Howe purchased the property from Wetsel for $100. At age 33, Howe opened Howe's Cave as the country's third commercial cave venture, charging 50 cents for an eight-to-10-hour tour. The cave operated as a show cave until the 1870s, when industrial mining for limestone took over and tours ceased for 45 years. The Signature Rock Discovery Tour opened to the public on May 3, 2015, revealing a 1,200-foot section closed since 1900.

Found: May 22, 1842
Open to visitors since: 1843

History source: howecaverns.com.

What you'll see

Titan's Temple
The Giant Formation
Lake of Venus
Bridal Altar
Winding Way
Signature Rock
Congress Hall
Music Hall
Franklin Avenue
The Dam
The Old Boat
The Fan
The Pipeline
Gypsum

Tickets and timing

Adults: $29.50 (ages 13–64), seniors $26.50
Kids: $19.50 (ages 5–12), free for 4 and under
How long it takes: 90 minutes
Hours: Lantern Tours are offered Friday and Saturday evenings year-round; Signature Rock Discovery Tour is offered in July and August at 10:00am on select dates.
Booking: Traditional tour tickets are sold online only, non-refundable. Under-17s must be with an adult 18+. Groups of 25+ book by phone (518-296-8900).

Getting around underground

The walk: 1.25 miles with 139 stairs, plus a 0.25-mile boat ride.
Wheelchairs: The cave is not handicap accessible; wheelchairs and other wheeled devices are not permitted in the cave.
Strollers: Strollers are not permitted in the cave.

Dogs, weather and what to wear

Dogs: ADA compliant service animals are permitted in the cave.
Temperature: 52°F (11°C)

Good to know

Minimum age: No minimum age for the Traditional Tour; Signature Rock Discovery Tour requires age 14 and over; Lantern Tour requires age 16 or older.
Best time to go: Book online in advance for the lowest price; arrive 15-30 minutes early.
Elevator: Yes, a 156-foot descent by elevator.
Food and drink: Food and beverages are not permitted in the cave. Groups may not consume outside food on the property unless purchased through the Howe Caverns Café.
Wildlife: ADA compliant service animals are permitted in the cave.
On site: Gift shop, Cafe, Sweet shop, Gem mining, Motel, Escape room, Museum

Special tours and events

Escape room, cave yoga and weddings; a 3-hour Signature Rock Discovery Tour returns in summer 2027.

Getting there

255 Discovery Drive, Howes Cave, NY 12092

Albanyabout 33 miles
New York Cityabout 139 miles
Buffaloabout 227 miles

Directions in Google Maps

Distances are straight-line from each city center.

Questions people ask

How long does a visit to Howe Caverns take?

90 minutes

How cold is it inside Howe Caverns?

52°F (11°C).

Can you visit Howe Caverns in a wheelchair?

The cave is not handicap accessible; wheelchairs and other wheeled devices are not permitted in the cave.

Are dogs allowed at Howe Caverns?

ADA compliant service animals are permitted in the cave.

Do you need to book Howe Caverns in advance?

Traditional tour tickets are sold online only, non-refundable. Under-17s must be with an adult 18+. Groups of 25+ book by phone (518-296-8900).

When was Howe Caverns discovered?

May 22, 1842, according to the cave's own history.

Is there a minimum age for Howe Caverns?

No minimum age for the Traditional Tour; Signature Rock Discovery Tour requires age 14 and over; Lantern Tour requires age 16 or older.

Where is Howe Caverns?

255 Discovery Drive, Howes Cave, NY 12092

Listed in: cave boat tours, caves with an elevator, caves with camping or lodging

Checked on 2026-10-22 against howecaverns.com (home and pricing pages). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.