A New Era Begins

A new era began for Howe Caverns on April 19, 2007 when the 220 shareholders of Howe Caverns, Inc. sold the company to two local men, Charles M. Wright and Emil J. Galasso. Both men vowed to invest several million dollars in improvements to Howe Caverns over the coming years.

Mr. Galasso also is the founder of the Cave House Museum of Mining & Geology on the site of the original Howe's Cave located on land adjacent to Howe Caverns. The vision for the future of these properties includes joining the present Howe Caverns to Lester Howe's original cave on the site of the museum so that visitors may see the natural wonder as they did in the 19th century.

The new owners continue to fulfill their vision for a renewed Howe Caverns to expand the tour beyond the current Lake of Venus. Eventually, this work will unite the entire cave system as it was found when Lester Howe discovered it in 1842. Walkways, lights and bridges will need to be installed. The 875 feet of cave destroyed by mining in the early 1900's will need to be recreated.

Since 2007, visitors can now view the Cave House Museum at various times during the year. The Cave House Museum is a restoration project and is expected to take several years for completion.

The #2 Natural Attraction

Today, Howe Caverns is the largest show cave (those open to the public) in the Northeast, with about 200,000 visitors each year. It is once again the second most-visited natural attraction in New York State, with Niagara Falls taking the number one spot. In its Visitor Center, history and traditions may be seen, with photographs and memorabilia of times long ago.

Since Howe Caverns reopened to the public in 1929, it has been the scene of over 600 weddings - a tradition begun when Lester Howe's daughter, Harriet Elgiva, married Hiram Shipman Dewey in an 1854 publicity stunt. There is a sense of pride and tradition as well-trained guides provide tours steeped in the lore of this land carved by water throughout millions of years.

In 2009, Howe Caverns celebrated the 80th anniversary of the reopening of the cave and in 2010 Lester Howe's 200th Birthday was observed. So check back frequently for event information and you too will discover the fun, adventure and beauty that is Howe Caverns - thanks to Millicent, the cow, and her owner, Lester Howe.

New Ventures and Adventures

While Howe Caverns marked its 80th anniversary of reopening to the public throughout 2009, the year also brought with it plans for the future.

A new rebranding program for the Caverns that invites everyone to Go Underground! was named one of the top 100 rebrands in the world by Rebrand 100 Global Awards. The new video of Howe Caverns, produced in conjunction with the 80th anniversary, captured an Award of Excellence in the 2009 Videographer Awards. The video, which features the reminiscences of former local employees, is available on DVD in the Howe Caverns Gift Shop.

Also in celebration of the 80th anniversary, Mr. Holt compiled a new book about the Caverns, Lester Howe & Howe Caverns -- “The Hole Story,” also available at the Caverns.

Howe Caverns greeted television crews, including one from American Choppers. Orange County Choppers’ Teutul family created a cave-themed bike for Howe Caverns. Paul Teutul Sr., Paul Jr. and Michael visited the Caverns for the program that aired on the Learning Channel.  The History Channel also filmed at Howe Caverns, with footage to be used in a special called, "The Real Face of Jesus?", which aired just before Easter in 2009.

One more television show featuring Howe Caverns included in an episode for Rachel Ray’s Vacation, which depicted the making of our homemade fudge in our Sweet Shop.

HOWE HIGH ADVENTURE ARRIVES

In 2011 our all new Adventure Park opened with a four tower Zip Line along with our Sky Trail Ropes Copurse venue. These new attractions are seasonal, May-Oct and offeres guests the opportunity to stay longer and do more. 2012 will bring additional venues to the Howe High Adventure with a 26' Climbing Wall, Air Jumper and H2OGO Balls. A new 6000 sq ft Gemstone Mining building will be opened expanding the capability to offer year-round gemstone panning for semi-precious minerals. The building will also house an all new Rock & Fossil Shop. Adjacent to the Gemstone building will be a 250 seat three season Pavilion for picnickers or it may be reserved for events where our in-house catering will provide the meal.