Lockport Caves and Underground Boat Ride

Photograph Courtesy of Destination Niagara

Beyond the falls themselves, there are attractions worth visiting in the surrounding towns. One of those is the Lockport Cave, a 2,100-foot-long water-power tunnel that was blasted out of solid rock in Lockport, New York. The roughly 70-minute walking tour and boat ride offered inside the cave takes visitors to explore the newly rehabilitated “Flight of Five” Erie Canal Locks 67-71 which were constructed in 1838 and the ruins of the tunnel which was constructed in the mid 1800s and led to invaluable industrial-era inventions. The tunnel was a hydraulic race used by the surrounding town for power, but genius engineer and inventor Birdsill Holly found other creative uses for it as well.

Throughout the late 19th-century Holly brought innovations to the city of Lockport including a fire protection system which made bucket brigades obsolete and a water supply system which eliminated the need for reservoirs. Holly’s fire protection system made use of fire hydrants which were able to pump water with enough force to travel several hundred feet into the flames. During his lifetime, Holly held over 150 patents.

Today visitors can see the remnants of this incredibly innovative industrial site from a unique perspective as you glide over the still waters of the more than 150 year old tunnel. Along the way you will see natural geological formations like stalactites among the artifacts left behind by underground workers. Tours are offered between May and October. They run every hour between 10:00am and 4:30pm during the summer months. You can see the full tour schedule and purchase your tickets here.