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- Best of Upstate NY
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- Outdoor Activities in Upstate NY
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For underground adventures that will enlighten, entertain, and fascinate you; see our complete list of caverns and mines in Upstate New York. Whether you're passing through Upstate NY or you're seeking a fun family vacation, find detailed information about caverns in Upstate NY. Soak in the scenic beauty of these caverns in Upstate New York.
Find World-Famous Quartz Crystals!
If you're looking for mines in Upstate New York, Crystal Grove Diamond Mine & Campground will provide you with a diamond-digging adventure that you will forever remember. Inside the mines you will find world-famous quartz crystals that are found only in specific regions of New York State. For years and years, these crystals have been highly sought-after for their exceptional beauty.
Digging for diamonds is a fun and enjoyable experience for people of all ages, whether or not you're an expert prospector. If you choose to bring your own tools--shovels, hammers, chisels, and small garden tools will help. Some rental tools will be available on the premises. Eye protection is of utmost importance. Safety glasses will be provided in the mining store.
Fun Mining Tours for the Entire Family!
Fun for the entire family, the Garnet Mine Tours are located in the scenic Adirondack Mountains of Upstate NY. During each tour you'll learn the history and geology of the Garnet Mine, as well as how to find your own gemstones! If you're planning a bus tour, discount rates are given to groups of 25 people or more.
After you're done hunting through the mine, you can weigh your Garnet rocks at the Gem & Mineral Shop. The trained staff will assist you in identifying each gemstone. The shop offers everything from toys to precious gems to snacks and candy. Nearby attractions include the Upper Hudson River Railroad and Natural Stone Bridge and Caves. There are also several lodging areas in close proximity.
Explore the Finest Caverns in Upstate New York!
Founded by a farmer named Lester Howe in 1842, Howe Caverns is now one of the most popular attractions in Upstate New York. Explore a prehistoric, underground cavern that's six million years in the making! Find secrets in every crack and crevice. Hear your voices echo off the walls and ceiling.
Take the 2-hour lantern tour, in which you use a lantern to help guide you through a virtually pitch-black cave. Your trained tour guides will educate you on all the magnificent limestone formations, stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone. Whether you're an amateur or professional spelunker, or simply looking to explore one of the natural wonders of Upstate NY; Howe Caverns should be your top destination!
One of the Coolest Upstate NY Caverns!
Take one of the most unique tours in all of America at the Lockport Cave in Upstate NY! During your 70-minute guided tour, you'll get to drift through a 1,600-foot water power tunnel blasted out of solid rock. Plus, you'll explore the historic Erie Canal Locks that were constructed in 1838. If you're lucky, you may even discover a few fossils!
Your journey continues with the unique and mysterious underground boat ride--a one-of-a-kind journey that takes you through a series of fascinating wonders. Find artifacts left by miners on the Erie Canal about a century ago. View cave formations that are still in the early stages of development. The Upstate NY attraction is conveniently located, as it's only a 20-minute drive from Niagara Falls.
Tours, Spelunking Adventures, and more!
Family-owned for over 200 years, Natural Stone Bridge and Caves Park allows you to explore a genuine treasure of Upstate NY's Adirondacks region. Visit the oldest rock in North America, as well as the largest marble cave entrance in the East! The attraction is most known for its self-guided exploration tours where you can discover all sorts of fascinating rock features. For more adventurous visitors and spelunkers, 3-4 hour Guided Adventure Tours are available from July to August.
If you're looking unwind after a long day of spelunking, kick back at one of the wooded picnic areas and sample some of the park's homemade fudge. Or stop by the Rock Shop and browse through a selection of fine crystals, gems, and fossils. There's even a 9-hole golf course with gorgeous vista views! Make it an overnight trip by staying at one of the nearby cabins, available for rent from late May through mid-October.
Behold the 100-foot Underground Waterfall!
Allow one of the fun and informative guides to take you on an hour-long tour through Secret Caverns--a fascinating underground haven in Upstate New York! Behold the absolutely amazing 100-foot underground waterfalls! Explore all types of ancient calcite formations and prehistoric fossils.
Tours depart from Secret Caverns' main lodge every 20 minutes. Since the cave remains approximately 50 degrees, it's recommended that you bring along a light jacket or sweater. During peak season (June through September), the caverns are open from 9 A.M. to 6:30 P.M. daily. During off-peak seasons, they're open from 10 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Bus tours and school groups are welcome, as long as you book your reservation in advance.
