We brought our jackets with
us because it's 48 degrees
Fahrenheit in the cave.
The Niagara Cave Entrance
Three pigs went missing from a local farm in 1924. Searchers followed their squeals to a sink hole. During the rescue of the "escapees," a series of underground tunnels and a waterfalls were discovered. The underground area, formed by an underground stream, was named Niagara Cave.
The tunnels were connected by stairways and electricity was run below ground to ready Niagara Cave for visitors. It opened for tours in 1934.
Eric at the base of the
first set of steps into
the cave.
We will descend a total of 250 steps during our mile long tour. Then, we will retrace our steps and climb the 250 stairs.
Our tour guide, Ethan,
points out features of
this limestone cave.
I took this picture with flash and decided that the bright light washed out smaller features of the cave.
The bumpy, stucco-like
cave wall is made up of
the remains of
Fossils in this cave are about 450 million years old.
This section of the cave
reminds me of catacombs.
The lower section of
Niagara Cave's 60
Ethan stands at the pulpit
in the Wedding Chapel.
Over 400 weddings have been performed here.
Tiny Stalactites cling to
the upper edge of a
rock formation.
Stalagmites grows upward
from this ledge.
(I think they look like toes.)
The purple sparkles are the
result of deposits of
phosphorescent minerals.
This underground "world" is beautiful.
The "Bridal Veil" was formed
by minerals deposited by
running water.
Formations in the cave are "growing" as water drips and runs through the underground tunnels.
What does this rock
formation look like
to you?
This worm-like fossil
is actually an algae
tendril.
Eric looks up....
... at the Cathedral Dome,
over 100 feet above
our heads.
Stalactites grow as mineral
laden water drips from the
cave's ceiling.
Eric, at the last stop
on our tour
Our tour group reverses
course & starts the
walk back up to
the surface.
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