Cave of the Winds, Niagara Falls

The Cave of the Winds is a breathtaking natural wonder nestled in the city of Niagara Falls, New York, offering visitors an up-close experience with the roaring waters of one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. This tourist attraction is not a cave in the traditional sense, but a series of walkways that lead to the "Hurricane Deck," where the spray from the thundering falls feels like tropical storm winds, hence the name.

Originally, the Cave of the Winds was a natural cave behind Bridal Veil Falls, one of the three falls that make up Niagara Falls. However, the cave was destroyed in a rockfall and subsequent engineering projects. Today's attraction, although different, continues to provide a visceral and unforgettable encounter with the power of nature.

Visitors are provided with a poncho and special footwear to help manage the drenching mist. The wooden walkways are rebuilt each year to ensure safety, as they are removed in the fall to avoid damage from the freezing winter conditions and reassembled in the spring.

The journey begins with an elevator ride down into the Niagara Gorge, where a guided tour explains the history and geology of the falls. Once on the decks, the thunderous sound of the falls and the astonishing amount of water is an awe-inspiring experience. The Hurricane Deck stands just a few feet from the torrents of Bridal Veil Falls, offering a perspective that cannot be had from any other vantage point.