Minnesota is not known for its caverns and caves. There are many across the state, but few are large or impressive enough to be major tourist attractions. However, there a few excellent caves that are worth visiting for all Minnesota nature lovers. One favorite is the Forestville/Mystery Cave at Mystery Cave State Park in southern Minnesota. Here, you’ll find a series of fascinating cave tours perfect for those who are fascinated by these amazing formations. Below, you’ll learn about all that you can find when you take a tour of Minnesota’s Mystery Cave:
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park is a 3,200-acre state park in southern Minnesota, about 125 miles south of the Twin Cities. The park is known for two things: its preserved historic town and its fascinating cave.
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The cave welcomes visitors throughout the spring, summer, and fall. There are four main tours to take. The Scenic Tour is the most popular.
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An experienced guide will take you deep underground for a 3/4-mile walk through the cave’s most scenic areas. The guide will point out interesting features and teach you about the cave’s geological history.
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The highlight for many is the strange pool of water near the end of the tour. The still water appears blue. Enveloped in the quiet, dark surroundings, it becomes clear how this cave earned its name.
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There are several other tours as well. The Geology Tour is a two-hour dive into the geology of the cave. You’ll come away with a much more in-depth knowledge of how the cave formed.
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The Wild Caving Tour is fun for those who want to try something a bit more adventurous. Visitors will go spelunking through narrow sections of the cave, catching glimpses of rarely seen formations. Go prepared to get muddy!
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Finally, the Lantern Tour is another popular option. The cave lights go out, and visitors will experience the cave by lantern light. It’s a fun way to experience what it might have been like when this cave was first discovered!
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Mystery Cave is one of the most fascinating nature activities you can do in Minnesota. Advance reservations are recommended for all tours. You can learn more about the cost, length, difficulty, and requirements of each tour at the DNR’s Mystery Cave page.
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Address: Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, 21071 County Rd 118, Preston, MN 55965, USA
