Discover the Cave of the Winds in Niagara Falls, NY

With insights from Niagara Falls State Park officials, learn the history of the Cave of the Winds attraction and know what to expect during your visit.

The Cave of the Winds & The World Changed Here Pavilion is a top attraction in Niagara Falls, New York that gets visitors up close and personal with Bridal Veil Falls, one of the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls. In this article, you’ll learn how the attraction came to be — including the reason why there is no actual cave involved — and the three steps you’ll experience during your visit so you’ll be prepared to have the best time possible.

Why is it called the “Cave of the Winds?"

In 1834, two college students were climbing around the American Falls and discovered an overhang that made a small cave behind Niagara Falls. By 1841, guided tours began charging money to travel down to the cave. “The allure of standing behind a waterfall and the open space under the overhang of a rock ‘cave’ made for a must-see experience,” says Angela Berti, director of public affairs, Niagara Falls State Park. “Many early travel guides listed it as something you just had to do.”

Over time, the bottom of the overhang began falling, and by September 6, 1920 (Labor Day), a larger section of rock let loose and the cave was closed to the public. A few years later, it would reopen as the attraction we know today. While the attraction no longer involves a “cave,” the name stuck around.

What to Expect When You Visit the Cave of the Winds

Step 1: The World Changed Here Pavilion & Film

The attraction begins at The World Changed Here Pavilion in Niagara Falls State Park. This interactive space tells the story of how the park began and the inspiring things that happened in the area, such as the generation of alternating current by scientist Nikola Tesla — a feat that truly changed the world!

Through interactive exhibits and an engaging eight-minute film about the beginning of the nation’s oldest state park, visitors begin their Cave of the Winds experience by understanding why there is more to the area than a gorgeous view.

Step 2: The Elevator

After the film, visitors make their way down the side of the cliff and into the Niagara Gorge via an elevator shaft.

According to Cave of the Winds Manager Brendan Walsh, the shaft was cut through the rock of the cliff. Starting from the bottom, workers cut into the side 170 feet, then up 170 feet — or 17 stories. It took over two years to complete in total (1922–24). Much of the rock that was excavated was used to make the elevator house and other buildings in the park.

The shaft was lined with concrete and the elevators opened in 1925. Officials can only guess the number of people who had a hand in the project but they imagine several of the excavators quit along the way.

Step 3: The Hurricane Deck

After exiting the elevator shaft at the bottom of the cliff, visitors are given a poncho and directed to the wooden decks and walkways. On the decks, visitors have the ability to reach out and touch the water flowing from the Bridal Veil Falls, and the bravest can head up to the top-most deck, known as the Hurricane Deck, to get drenched in the falling water.

Even before the collapse of the cave in 1920, wooden decks were built every year for the attraction. They would need to be taken down before winter’s ice set in and rebuilt every year, which still happens today.

“The Cave of the Winds deck crew has always strived to give visitors the closest access and best possible views of the Falls,” says Berti.

The Cave of the Winds & The World Changed Here Pavilion is open daily in all four seasons year-round. View times and learn more here.