Lockport Cave — Attraction in City of Lockport

First off, I will be very distinct in saying that I fully understood that the boat tour piece was not going to be part of this experience. The website promised a 75 minute experience with “hair raising tales”.

Upon arrival this past Friday we checked in and were given instructions to align with social distancing protocols which I fully understand to satisfy social distancing standards from the state. The tour was unceremoniously kicked off 10 minutes late by our unnamed “tour guide” in a cloaked brown robe. He provided no introduction to himself or to the tour. He rang a bell and awkwardly asked the group to follow him after explaining the meaning of the term Jack-o-Lantern. From here it went downhill. Once we heard a little about the history of the Erie Canal, we walked down the path along the water where the inexperience of our no named guide clearly showed. He had zero public speaking skills and on top of that had no animation whatsoever in his story telling. I don’t think anyone would have cared if the guy had a scroll or something as reference but he had absolutely no clue what he was talking about in terms of any context between the city and folklore. After continuing to walk by the water for about 3 minutes, we were stopped where the guide struggled for about 5 minutes to get the lanterns turned on. This is where it really went downhill....

He proceeded to try and tell a story about this building that burned down and forgot even what the building was and said “so this building burned down... and.... uhhh....ermmm...(10 second pause).... ok let’s keep moving along”. It was about as cringe worthy as Willy Wonka leading people in his factory. We were then led to a campfire site where this would have been another great opportunity to tell a ghost story and once again the awkward tour guide said something like “I’ve had nightmares after starting this job”. No one in the party clearly knew if he was doing this as part of his acting bit or if he was serious so it got a lot of questioned stares as opposed to chuckles. We then walked into the cave which was very cool for sure. About 10 minutes of navigating the tunnels was cool in its own right and we really didn’t need any tour guide. After being told our boat was “stolen” I assume because of COVID they made up some excuse, we were told to put down our lanterns and leave after 40 minutes from when we started. The whole group was very confused and just all slowly walked to our cars. It was like at the end of Willy Wonka when he basically said “ok see yourselves out.”

This tour was incredibly awkward and I really can’t recommend it based on the guide that we had. I maybe could recall one or two factoids but his story telling was very elementary and for this kind of tour this is what will make or break...

I booked the Evening Lantern Tour for Juy 5th, 2016 on Lockport Cave's online website. My credit card was charged, I received a confirmation email for the reservation and I was excited about the experience. I made the reservation 8 days in advance. It was a Father's Day gift as well. Both my father and I have been wanting to do this tour for some time. He told me how my aunt participated in it not long ago.

The email suggested we arrive 15 minutes early so we arrived at the office on Gooding St. around 7:10. The tour was supposed to begin at 7:30. Much to our surprise and disappointment, the office was closed and dark and no cars were in the parking lot. It was a beautiful evening, weather was fine. Several people were walking below, exploring the locks.

7:30 rolls around and still no one showed up. I decided to call the office number to leave a message and I did so explaining the situation. Rightfully so, both my father and I were upset; he coming from Angola drove a good 75 minutes and me from Cheektowaga, 40 minutes. He's an older fella and doesn't like to drive long distances.

In any event, we made the most of it and walked around the canals, checked out the museum and marveled at the engineering that was used to construct these canal locks.

I called the office again at 10:15 the following morning and, due to tours being conducted, no one could pick up. I left a second message. I received a phone call a half hour later from the tour guide, who was absolutely nice and thoughtful. She explained to me that the lantern tour was not being conducted anymore because of construction, I believe. She apologized profusely and told me that it should not have been in the computer calendar system and should have been taken out long ago. She explained I'll receive a refund in a matter of weeks. I haven't received the refund as of yet and I expect that it'll be credited to my account shortly. I didn't ask nor was I offered a discount to an upcoming tour.

I'm disappointed to see that that particular tour is still be offered on their website if one were to search specifically for the lantern tour on a search engine. And you can still make a reservation for the discontinued lantern tour.

I recommend that if you are so inclined to book a tour with Lockport Caves, call ahead the day of to make sure that it hasn't been canceled. They do say they have the right to cancel at any time in...

Let me start off by saying, for the price of this experience, it’s a no brainer to go!!! My husband and my self had so much fun. Even though it was raining outside, it added to the eerie-ness of the tour. Our guide was Jennifer, she was a BLAST! Very informative, sweet and funny! But let me tell you, those caves are in fact haunted! My husbands pant leg was pulled quite hard, and he’s was pretty shaken up! While Jennifer was talking about the Orphan children, and even had to stop and tell us that this area is always active, and gives her the spooks; while she looked over at the far left candle area. Not even 2 minutes later the same candle got blown out in the far left back of the cavern, which myself, and another attendee watched happen. A few moments later, another candle got blown out, yet the one right beside is stayed lit! There is no air movement down there really, so we were left baffled. Since we did do the night Halloween tour, we do intend to come back during the day! We had so so much fun, and if you are thinking of going, DO IT! You will not be...