Howe Caverns is popular tourist attraction in Schoharie County in central New York (255 Discovery Dr, Howes Cave, NY 12092) that first opened in 1843.
You do not need any kind of equipment or skills in speleology. You follow a guide on a brick walkways and the ceiling is high enough that you never have to crouch. It is safe. Strategically located, artificial lighting amplify the beauty of the cave, naturally sculpted by water in a millions of year process.
The full tour last about 90 minutes. The guide explains in details how the cave was formed, showing great example of limestones, calcification, stalagmite and stalactites. The underground river that formed the cave still runs and sometime creates amazing reflections.
I was speechless. Literally. I was walking in silence, just asking here and there a question to my guide. At Lake of Venus, the pathway end and you need to get on a boat. Sailing a boat, inside a cave, some 150 feet below ground. This is a pretty cool and unique experience.
If you have doubts about making the trip for only a 90 minutes experience, don't worry. Other activities available on site can fill your day without a problem.
For instance, after going down into the cave, maybe you will want to go up in a four sections and 900 feet-long zip line that will make you fly 40 feet in the air. It was my first time zip lining and I had a lot of fun! The H2OGO is a 12 foot inflatable ball that rolls down a hill for 1,100 feet. Nothing special here. What if I tell you that inside the ball, there is 5 gallons of water and someone adventurous enough for the ride?
Howe Caverns is a unique attraction that everyone should visit.