The Mountain Eagle - Howe Caverns

Howe Caverns is a landmark underground attraction in Howes Cave with tours, lodging, events, and group experiences.

Traditional Cave Tours

Whether you live in New York, want to take a day trip, or are looking for a fun affordable overnight stay, Howe Caverns is one of the most exciting NYS natural attractions.

Every tour of Howe Caverns begins with a 156 ft descent below the earth’s surface…

On your journey you will wind through limestone corridors, pass through cavernous galleries, walk under massive boulders, and take a serene boat ride on a subterranean riverbed carved over countless millennia. The cave is 52°F (11°C) so a jacket or sweatshirt and closed-toed comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Flip flops are NOT permitted in the cave. The cave tour consists of a 1.25 mile walk with a 0.25 mile boat ride. There are 139 stairs throughout the tour.

The Traditional Tour

Experience a 90 Minute Guided Walking Tour

Your journey will begin in Lester Howe’s above ground study where Howe himself will regale you with the story of how he discovered our great cave. You will travel through the enormous main cavern, pass through impressive galleries and walk under huge boulders which precariously hang overhead. You will walk alongside the River Styx stopping to marvel at the wonders of Titan’s Temple and The Giant Formation on your way to the Lake of Venus where you will enjoy a short serene boat ride. Your tour will conclude with a stop at the romantic Bridal Altar and an exciting twisting, turning walk through the Winding Way.

Signature Rock Discovery Tour

Finally, A Century Old Question Will Be Answered: What’s Behind Those Dam Doors?

Family fun destination Howe Caverns has unveiled its newest and “oldest” spelunking cave tour, The Signature Rock Discovery Tour. The 2.5 hour exploration tour reveals the mysteries of portions of the caverns that have not been open to the public in over 100 years.

Policies and Disclosures

The cave is not handicap accessible; wheelchairs and other wheeled devices are not permitted in the cave. Food, beverages, strollers, or bags of any kind are not permitted in the cave. Wearable carriers are permitted for infants and toddlers only. Carrier must be front wearing or an unframed back carrier. ADA compliant service animals are permitted in the cave. Please call and notify the Business Office to be accommodated for the boat ride.

All tickets for your party must be purchased for the same tour time. Tickets purchased for multiple time slots cannot be combined.

Please arrive 15-30 minutes early to use the restrooms. Gift shops close when the last tour comes out of the cave (specialty tours excluded).

Howe Caverns Café

Overlooking the picturesque Schoharie Valley, The Howe Caverns Café is open daily 8am to 6pm July 1st-Labor Day. Hours will vary at the discretion of our Executive Chef. After Labor Day through early May, the Café is open on a limited basis and will be available for scheduled student and tour groups. The Café is closed in the Winter. Enjoy a wide selection of fare including: Paninis, fresh, high-quality deli sandwiches, homemade soups, pizza, specialty hot dogs, seasoned fries, chicken tenders and many seasonal specials. The Howe Caverns Café is also available for reunions, wedding receptions, family gatherings, and business Meetings & Conferences. We offer an ideal location with gorgeous view and can incorporate a group tour of the caverns, glassblowing or our escape room to make your event memorable.

Howe Caverns Motel

Located across from the Main Lodge on the Howe Caverns Estate, the Howe Caverns Motel is owned and operated by Howe Caverns, Inc. overlooking the beautiful Helderberg Plateau. Every room in the motel has a spectacular view! Guest rooms and family suites suit everyone from business travelers to couples to vacationing families. Guest rooms are equipped with all the modern conveniences. Microwave and 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, flat screen TV’s with over 80 High Definition channels, WI-Fi and individually controlled heating and cooling systems. Howe Caverns Motel is a smoke-free facility! Sorry… NO PETS! We also have an outdoor pool for your enjoyment that is open from July 1st through Labor Day (weather permitting). And, best of all, kids stay FREE in the room with adults. Group friendly, please contact the Business Office at 518-296-8900 for pricing. We have 2 rooms with handicap accessible showers.