Get ready for a fun and affordable day out with the family. Whether you live in New York and want to take a day trip, or you are passing through the area looking for a fun affordable family vacation, Howe Caverns is one of the most exciting New York State attractions. Your family can spend the day or several days in the park and experience Howe Caverns above and below ground!
Looking for an adventure on the Traditional Tour? Currently, the Traditional Tour must be booked online in advance. According to HoweCaverns.com, “Tickets purchased at multiple time slots cannot be combined. Tours depart promptly. If you are late, you forfeit your tour. We cannot issue refunds or accommodate time changes.”
Descend 156 ft. Below the Earth’s Surface
Wind through limestone corridors, cavernous galleries, under massive boulders, until you discover a subterranean riverbed carved over countless millennia. Deep in the cave, the solid rock appears fluid: creating strange formations, flowing sheets, and dripping stalactites. Mysterious grottos lead off into distant, unexplored passages. Shadows hide secrets in deep cracks and crevices. Take a serene boat ride on a subterranean riverbed carved over countless millennia. The brick path twists and turns descending into the depths, downward to the glassy surface of an underground lake that trails off into the absolute darkness of the cave’s Eastern Terminus… this is the ultimate Howe Caverns experience.
About Howe Caverns
Howe Caverns is the largest show cave in the Northeast U.S. and is the second most visited natural attraction in the state of New York welcoming an average of 150,000 to 200,000 visitors per year. It was discovered in 1842 and early tours were given from 1843 to 1900. Present-day guided tours of its living limestone cave have been conducted for 90 years. The site is located in Schoharie County, on a beautiful mountainside with spectacular views overlooking the Helderberg Plateau.
Special expeditions such as Lantern Tours and Family Flashlight Tours are popular activities, and in 2015 Howe Caverns opened the Signature Rock Discovery Tour that takes visitors on a 2.5-hour exploration behind the mysterious dam doors and the limestone dam into parts of the cavern that have not been open to the public in over 100 years.
A popular family destination and host to school and scout field trips, the property also features Howe to Escape, the Howe Caverns Motel, and the HC Mining Company.
Grab your helmet and headlamp for the three-hour Signature Rock Tour, 156 feet below the Earth’s Surface. | Photo from Howe Caverns
Cruise the Lake of Venus on underground river boat tour deep within the cave. | Photo from Howe Caverns
“Howe Caverns is a unique and interesting tourist spot. The cave tour was engaging and exciting with great views, picture opportunities, and plenty of good times to be had.”
—Cody O., Hillsborough Township, NJ
Howe To Escape
Get ready to experience the most immersive escape room in the Capital Region
“The Cave” – the ultra-max penitentiary – houses the most notorious criminal geniuses in the country. Built 15 stories underground, The Cave knows how to keep people from escaping, and for years infamous individuals have spent their time behind its triple-reinforced cell walls and state-of-the-art security systems. Until now, when one motley crew has managed to breach the confines of their containment sector and it’s up to you to stop them!
Book this exciting test of your puzzle-solving skills today by calling 518-296-8900. The escape room is by reservation only and available Monday through Saturday.
A beautiful view from the lodge. Take a peek with the observation binoculars. | Photo from Howe Caverns
Where to Stay in Howe Caverns
Located across from the Main Lodge on the Estate, the Howe Caverns Motel is owned and operated by Howe Caverns, Inc. overlooking the beautiful Helderberg Plateau.
With amazing views from every room, guest rooms and family suites suit everyone from business travelers to couples, to vacationing families. And, best of all, kids stay FREE in the room with adults.
Guest rooms are equipped with all the modern amenities. Microwaves and mini-refrigerators are available in all rooms. Additional conveniences include in-room phone with free local calls, in-room coffee maker, hair dryer and ironing board with iron. Plus, the motel features large bathrooms, satellite televisions, Wi-Fi and individually controlled heating and cooling systems.
Howe Caverns Motel also has an outdoor pool for your enjoyment! Weather permitting, take a dip from July 1st through Labor Day.
Save Even More with One of Howe Caverns’ Packages
Have the most fun, and get the most value out of your visit. To suit your needs and budget, Howe Caverns has combined cavern tours, lodging, and dining options into a variety of affordable vacation packages. Their long-standing relationships with other nearby Upstate NY attractions allow them to expand the value and the fun of visiting Howe Caverns. With several packages to choose from, there’s an option for every visiting guest, family, or group.
Tour & Stay Package
One night’s stay at the Howe Caverns Motel, two adult tickets for the Traditional Howe Caverns Tour, ½ pound of our homemade fudge, one large bag of gem mining rough, and a souvenir.
Lantern Tour Package
The Lantern Tour Package includes a one night stay for two at Howe Cavern Motel and two tickets to the special Lantern Tour.
Sweetheart Tour Package
Enjoy the spectacular view from your room at the Howe Caverns Motel. Included in your package in addition to one night’s stay and 2 tickets for a guided Lantern Tour, will be champagne for two and homemade fudge waiting in your room upon arrival.
Sunday Family Flashlight Tour Package
Take on an exciting, educational adventure. In addition to a one-night stay at Howe Cavern Motel, explore a living limestone cave, carved by an underground river over the course of millions of years. You will receive four tickets to the tour, one bag of gem mining rough, some homemade fudge, and flashlights and headlamps for the tour.
Take Amtrak to Howe Caverns
Experience Howe Caverns via Amtrak to Albany-Rensselaer Station in Albany-Rensselaer—Don’t forget to use the Amtrak See New York and Save 15% discount!
Pick up your reserved NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car right at the Albany-Rensselaer Station. Click here to reserve your car or call the Albany-Rensselaer office today at 518-427-3893.
