Howe Caverns is known first and foremost for being one of the largest natural attractions in New York State besides Niagara Falls. Additionally, it's the largest show cave in the northeast, which draws many visitors from all over to explore its depths. Luckily, visitors to this unique cavern have their choice of tours, the most popular of which is a traditional tour of its best underground features.

Those looking to fit this tour into a day trip will be happy to know it's completely doable, as it's not too long. However, it is long enough to detail everyone one might want to know about the amazing Howe Caverns, along with some features that can only be seen within its cave walls.

The most popular tour of Howe Caverns is the Traditional Tour, which is a walking tour that also includes a boat ride through the cavern's underground waterway. The length of the tour is only 90 minutes, which is long enough for visitors to be shown around the cavern's most intricate and impressive features. Tour-takers will descend 156 feet below the surface to reach the deepest part of Howe Caverns, but not before first hearing from Lester Howe, himself.

After learning about how he found the caves, the tour continues via an elevator down to 'The Vestibule.' From there, the tour is led through the main cavern and into various galleries that include 'Titan's Temple' and 'The Giant Formation.' In between, the tour would not be complete without a boat ride down the River Styx!

This is not the only tour that visitors to Howe Caverns can take. Others include:

  • Signature Rock Discovery Tour: This tour is fairly new in comparison to the others and is designed around spelunking. This tour is 2.5 hours in length, and takes visitors around parts of the caves that have not been seen by anyone else for at least a century.
  • Adventure Tour: This tour really puts the 'adventure' in its title, as visitors will be exploring the depths of this cave to the fullest extent, even if it means crawling! Equipment is supplied by Howe Caverns, and this thrilling tour is sure to take spelunking to the next level.

In addition to these two tours, visitors have the option to book one of Howe Caverns' Specialty Tours. All of these tours must be booked in advance, and reservations are required. The Lantern Tour lasts two hours and takes place on Friday and Saturday evenings, allowing visitors to experience the caves as Lester Howe did when they were first discovered. The Family Flashlight Tour is similar but is open to the entire family (the former is restricted to those who are 16 years of age and older). And, lastly, the Private Tour, is a customizable option for those who wish to get an in-depth, personalized experience. This includes a private guide, as well as the ability to take the tour at the group's own pace.

At the time of writing, all tours - including the Traditional Tour - must be booked online through the Howe Caverns website.

Related: 8 Unique Hidden Gems To See In Upstate New York

What To Expect When Visiting Howe Caverns

Howe Caverns also holds events that take place throughout the year, such as an Escape Room and special celebrations. For those who wish to visit the caverns in addition to Howes Cave, New York, they also offer unique package options that are worth looking into for those who want a full vacation, including a cave tour. Thanks to the nearby Howe Caverns Motel (owned and operated by Howe Caverns), staying near the caverns has never been easier.

  • Fact: Each room at Howe Caverns has a gorgeous mountain view of the Helderberg Plateau.

Once on the tour, guests will traverse a distance of only a mile and a quarter in total. The boat ride makes up an additional quarter-mile, and together they've resulted in one of the most-visited caves in New York State and in the northeast region, as a whole. With interior lights that illuminate the caverns in various colors, this cavern is one unique stop that everyone should make and is less than an hour's drive outside of Albany. Additionally, it's in an area that is rich with history as well as archeological sites that are worth checking out, as well!