Explore the Caves in Lockport, NY

The Erie Canal in New York State was completed in 1825. The main purpose of the canal was to cut transportation costs between Lake Erie and the Atlantic Ocean. The opening of this canal brought a huge population surge to western New York.

Canal locks 67-71 (out of 90) are located in Lockport, Niagara County. This is the location of one of America's most historic underground tours. Here you can walk through a 1600-foot tunnel that had, at one time, been blasted out of solid rock and used for water transportation. This hydraulic tunnel was used to provide water to three industries. It is one of the genius inventions of Birdsill Holly, who also invented central steam heat, the fire hydrant and rotary pump.

You get you first taste of history at the ticket booth, an 1860's building made of stone that had once been the location of a pumping plant and milling company. From there the tour starts over land, along the canal towpath. One of the original locks remains as a landmark, the other was replaced in 1918 with double locks. The underground branch of the tour starts at a flight of stairs that goes through an enormous tunnel to a big stone room. This room functioned as the gatehouse for the pump mill. Here, gates rise and lower to control the flow of the water.

Beyond this stone room is a round cave that took seven years to complete. Workers blasted it out of solid rock. It is 2,000 feet long and 20 feet in diameter, 20 feet beneath the surface. To accomplish this blasting, workers drilled a one-foot hole by hand, then packed it with blasting powder, then lighted a fuse. The blast from that created only a hole the size of a basketball. In the 1850's, laborers were paid $2 a week to do this dangerous work.

The highlight of the Lockport Caves tour is the ride on the underground boat, supposedly the longest in the United States. Groundwater, seeping down from above, constantly drips from the ceiling, so plan your outerwear accordingly.

During the battery-powered boat ride, you can expect to see thin stalactites, curtain stalactites and white flowstone (white due to calcium deposits). There is also a geological formation called the "line of carrots," which gets its name from the iron turning the rock orange.

The Lockport Locks and Canal Cruise is open from May to mid-October, and hours vary. You can call 1-800-378-0352 for information on pricing and times.

Some things to remember if you decide to take a tour at the caves in Lockport:

The cave tour and boat ride take approximate 70 minutes
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes
Temperature in the cave hovers at 55 degrees F, so dress accordingly
They do have special group rates for those with 20 or more in their party
They also have school tours that can be customized to meet the needs of the class

Visit the Lockport Canal Museum after the tour to view vintage artifacts and photos. The Lock is listed on the National Register List of Historic Places, so it's a full days trip and a fun, yet educational trip for the entire family!