What is the Cave of the Winds?

Yes, Cave of the Winds is a must-do, not a tourist trap. It's a wooden walkway that takes you right to the base of the Bridal Veil Falls, part of the American side. You get a souvenir poncho and sandals, then an elevator drops you 175 feet down into the Niagara Gorge. The main event is the "Hurricane Deck" at the end, where 67,000 gallons of water per second crash down right on top of you. You will get soaked, but it's a total blast, especially on a hot day.

It costs about $21 for adults and $16 for kids (prices change yearly, check the official site). It runs from late May to late October, weather permitting. The whole thing takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Pro tip: go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst crowds, and wear your swimsuit underneath if you want to get fully drenched. It's way more interactive than just looking at the falls from above.