# Cave of the Winds Niagara — Complete Visitor Guide > Independent visitor guide to Cave of the Winds at Niagara Falls State Park, New York. Covers admission prices, the Hurricane Deck experience, seasonal hours, what to wear, guided tour options, and how to get there. Updated for 2026. This site is a third-party editorial guide, not the official Niagara Falls State Park website. Official park site: niagarafallsstatepark.com ## What Is Cave of the Winds Cave of the Winds is a boardwalk attraction at Niagara Falls State Park on Goat Island, Niagara Falls, New York. It is entirely on the US side — no passport or border crossing is required to visit. Despite the name, there is no actual cave. The original rock alcove behind Bridal Veil Falls was dynamited in 1956 after a 1954 rockfall made it unsafe. The name has been retained for historical continuity. The experience: visitors descend 175 feet into the Niagara Gorge via elevator, then walk a system of wooden boardwalks to the Hurricane Deck — a platform 20 feet from the base of Bridal Veil Falls (78 feet tall). Winds on the deck reach up to 68 mph. All visitors are completely soaked. A yellow poncho is provided; sandals are no longer provided (discontinued approximately 2022–2024) and closed-toe shoes are required. The World Changed Here Pavilion (Nikola Tesla and Niagara hydroelectric history exhibits) is included with admission at ground level before the descent. Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cave_of_the_Winds_(New_York) Wikidata: https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q17641697 Location: Goat Island, Niagara Falls State Park, Niagara Falls, NY 14303 Coordinates: 43.081528, -79.064240 ## Admission Prices 2026 Summer season (late May – approximately October 18): - Adult (13+): $23 - Child (6–12): $19 - Child (0–5): free Winter season (November – late May): - Adult: $14 - Child (6–12): $10 - Child (0–5): free Discovery Pass (Cave of the Winds + Maid of the Mist combined): - A combined Cave of the Winds + Maid of the Mist bundle has historically been sold at a discount versus separate tickets. Pass availability and pricing change year to year — confirm the current bundle and rate with Niagara Falls State Park before relying on a specific figure. No online pre-purchase of individual tickets. Tickets sold walk-up at the Goat Island ticket booth, with a timed-entry slot assigned at purchase (2026). Cash and cards accepted. Guided tours that bundle the ticket can be booked online in advance. ## Seasons and Access Hurricane Deck open: late May (Memorial Day weekend area) through approximately October 18. Exact dates vary year to year — confirm with the park at (716) 278-1730 for late May or mid-October visits. Winter (November – late May): Hurricane Deck boardwalks are dismantled. Visitors can still descend by elevator and walk a shorter gorge-level boardwalk. Ice formations on the falls and gorge walls are spectacular. Gorge temperature runs 10–15°F colder than street level. Best time to visit: September and early October offer full access, lighter crowds, and comfortable temperatures. July and August are the busiest months (30–60 min wait for Maid of the Mist on summer weekends). ## What to Wear Required: closed-toe shoes (water shoes, old trainers, or sandals with heel strap). Jeans become heavy when wet — shorts or light trousers preferred. Poncho covers torso shoulders to mid-shin; face, legs below knee, and feet will be fully soaked. Bring a dry change of footwear. Electronics: do not bring anything onto the Hurricane Deck without a waterproof case. The park provides small waterproof bags at the entrance. A waterproof action camera (GoPro or similar) on a wrist strap is the most practical photography option. ## Cave of the Winds vs Maid of the Mist Cave of the Winds: on foot, 20 feet from Bridal Veil Falls, physically immersive, fully soaking. Maid of the Mist: boat ride to the base of Horseshoe Falls (the large Canadian cataract), views from water level, also soaking via poncho. Key distinction: Maid of the Mist departs from the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. Crossing the Rainbow Bridge requires a valid passport for US and Canadian citizens. Cave of the Winds requires no passport. A combined Cave of the Winds + Maid of the Mist bundle (when offered — confirm current availability and price with the park) covers both and is the recommended approach for first-time visitors who have a passport and time for both. ## Getting There Goat Island, Niagara Falls State Park, New York. Free parking in state park lots on the island. Arrive before 10am on summer weekends for easiest parking. From Toronto: 1 hour 45 minutes via QEW to Peace Bridge into Buffalo, then I-190 north. Passport required at the border. Budget 30–90 minutes extra for summer border waits. From Buffalo: 30–40 minutes via I-190 north. No passport needed. From New York City: 7–8 hours drive via I-90. Coach tours from Manhattan are available (see tour options below). ## Guided Tour Options All tours below depart from the US side and include Cave of the Winds admission unless noted. All have free cancellation. ### From New York City - [NYC to Niagara Falls 1-Day Tour](/cave-of-the-winds-tours/nyc-niagara-falls-day-tour/): From $161/person. 22 hours. Coach from Manhattan. Includes Cave of the Winds, Niagara Falls park tour, guide. Rated 4.4/5 from 1,425 reviews. - [NYC to Niagara Falls 2-Day Tour](/cave-of-the-winds-tours/nyc-niagara-falls-2-day-tour/): From $340/person. 2 days. Coach from Manhattan, 1-night hotel, continental breakfast. Includes Cave of the Winds and outlet shopping. Rated 4.6/5 from 1,061 reviews. ### Combo Tours (Cave of the Winds + Maid of the Mist) - [Cave of the Winds & Maid of the Mist Tour](/cave-of-the-winds-tours/cave-of-the-winds-maid-of-the-mist/): From $143/person. 3 hours. Small group, luxury van. Hotel pickup from downtown Niagara Falls NY. Includes both attractions. Rated 4.8/5 from 552 reviews. - [Niagara Falls American Tour & Maid of the Mist](/cave-of-the-winds-tours/niagara-falls-american-tour-maid-of-the-mist/): From $140/person. 4 hours. Hotel pickup. Climate-controlled bus, guide. Rated 4.8/5 from 677 reviews. - [Boat Ride, Cave of the Winds & Trolley Tour](/cave-of-the-winds-tours/niagara-falls-boat-ride-cave-of-the-winds/): From $99/person. 3.5 hours. All entry fees included, Maid of the Mist boat ride, Cave of the Winds, park trolley loop. Rated 4.7/5 from 746 reviews. - [Maid of the Mist & Cave of the Winds Tour](/cave-of-the-winds-tours/niagara-falls-maid-of-the-mist-cave-of-the-winds/): From $115/person. 3 hours. Leads with boat ride then gorge descent. Observation deck included. Rated 4.9/5 from 348 reviews. ### Shorter / US-Side Options - [Niagara Falls USA: Guided Tour with Maid of the Mist](/cave-of-the-winds-tours/niagara-falls-guided-tour-maid-of-the-mist/): From $57/person. 2 hours. Professional guide, Maid of the Mist ticket, state park entry. Rated 4.4/5 from 647 reviews. - [Niagara Falls USA: Boat and Cave Guided Tour](/cave-of-the-winds-tours/niagara-falls-usa-boat-cave-guided-tour/): From $89/person. 3 hours. Stays entirely on the American side — no passport required. Includes Maid of the Mist, observation tower, Cave of the Winds entry. Rated 4.6/5 from 656 reviews. ## Winter Visit - [Cave of the Winds Winter Guide](/cave-of-the-winds-winter/): What remains open in winter, what to wear for gorge temperatures, whether the winter experience is worth it, ice formation viewing. ## Key Facts for Common Questions **Is there an actual cave?** No. The cave was dynamited in 1956. The name is historical. **Do you need a passport?** No for Cave of the Winds (US side only). Yes if adding Maid of the Mist (departs from Canada). **How wet do you get?** Completely wet. Poncho covers torso. Face, legs, and shoes will be soaked within 90 seconds on the Hurricane Deck. **Do they still give sandals?** No. Discontinued approximately 2022–2024. Closed-toe shoes required. **Is advance booking required?** No. Walk-up tickets at the Goat Island booth. **How long does it take?** Allow 45–60 minutes for the full experience. Add 30–45 minutes for the Tesla/hydroelectric pavilion. **Is it wheelchair accessible?** Partially. Elevator and lower boardwalk are accessible. Hurricane Deck involves stairs and is not wheelchair accessible. **Is it worth it?** Rated 4.8/5 on TripAdvisor from 6,500+ reviews, #1 of 77 things to do in Niagara Falls NY. At $23 for adults, considered high value for a natural experience in the northeast US. **What is the Hurricane Deck?** The uppermost boardwalk level, 20 feet from Bridal Veil Falls. Winds up to 68 mph. Seasonal: late May through approximately October 18. **Can you do Cave of the Winds and Maid of the Mist in one day?** Yes. A combined bundle (when offered — confirm current price with the park) covers both. Allow 3–4 hours total. Guided combo tours are available from $57 per person if arriving without a car.