Idaho is chock-full of opportunities for adventure. From rugged mountain peaks to riverside trails, lakes, and everything in between, there’s no shortage of memorable ways to explore the Gem State. And on particularly warm days, what better way to stay cool than hanging out underground? As the weather warms up, you’ll definitely want to plan a day trip to one of the deepest caves in Idaho: Minnetonka Cave. Hiding in the teensy-tiny town of St. Charles in southeastern Idaho, a trip to this cave will result in an adventure you’ll never forget.

The largest limestone cave in the state is located in the very southeastern corner of the state near Bear Lake. The Minnetonka Cave is an impressive wonder that definitely must be experienced.
Josh Miller/GoogleMaps
The U.S. Forest Service offers tours of this incredible cave starting on Memorial Day and going through Labor Day. The half-mile tour is one of the most popular in the state. It's estimated that over 20,000 people visit the cave every year.
Dariel Dato-On/GoogleMaps
You'll begin the tour by making the descent into the cave. There are a lot of stairs, so come prepared. All in all, you will traverse 444 stairs both on the way in and on the way out. That's a lot of climbing! Once you see the cave, you'll realize it's all worth it.
Cory C/TripAdvisor
The cave has a long and fascinating story. Although it was first discovered in 1906 by a man named Edward Arnell, it wasn't until 1938 that the government began developing a trail into the cave and holding tours.
Dariel Dato-On/GoogleMaps

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As soon as you step into the cave, you'll be struck by all of the weird formations surrounding you from every side. The cave is absolutely covered in stalagmites and stalactites. These structures were formed by lime deposits over thousands and thousands of years.
Zac Richins/GoogleMaps
Don't forget to bring a jacket on the tour, no matter how hot it is outside. The cave maintains a chilly temperature of 40 degrees all year long. You'll immediately forget you're in Idaho! This place truly looks and feels like something from a different world.
Eduardo Gomez/GoogleMaps
The tour takes about 90 minutes to complete. The pace is slow and steady so you have plenty of time to climb the many staircases along the way. The price for the tour is just $8 for adults, $6 for children, and is free for children 5 years and younger.
Corbin Stokes/Alltrails
One of the coolest things about the cave is that it is home to five different bat species. Because of this, the Forest Service asks that you don't bring any clothing or items that may have visited another cave in order to prevent the spread of White Nose Syndrome (which is deadly for bats).
Cody Hurst/GoogleMaps
If you're looking for a unique adventure that also offers a nice change of pace from the crowds at Bear Lake, be sure to swing by Minnetonka Cave. These tours can fill up quickly so be sure to arrive early to guarantee yourself a spot on this one-of-a-kind tour.
Dariel Dato-On/GoogleMaps
For more information, you can visit the Forest Service website.

For a closer look at one of the most beautiful caves in Idaho, check out the below YouTube footage for a virtual tour that’s absolutely fascinating:

Have you visited the deepest cave in Idaho yet? This place is simply massive! Maybe you’re the type of person who prefers aboveground adventure. In that case, visit this aboveground cave in Idaho for a truly surreal experience.

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More to Explore

caves in Idaho

Beth C. | April 24, 2023

Is it possible to explore caves in Idaho?

Absolutely! Idaho is known for its gorgeous mountain peaks and above-ground attractions, so you may be surprised to learn that there are lots of caves to explore in Idaho. Some of the most interesting caves in Idaho include:

  • Hidden Mouth Cave -- a steep hike leads to this natural wonder in Mackay
  • Minnetonka Cave -- the above article's featured cave and one of the most fascinating natural wonders in southern Idaho
  • Niter Ice Cave -- a cave that formed when lava flow hardened
  • Shoshone Ice Cave -- a one-of-a-kind cave that has below-freezing temperatures year-round
  • Wilson-Butte Cave -- located near Jerome and looks deceivingly like a pile of rubble from the distance
  • Craters of the Moon -- an otherworldly landmark the size of Rhode Island
  • Darby Wind and Ice Caves -- located in eastern Idaho
  • Paris Ice Caves -- a wide cavern that's best explored in the summer; otherwise, may be filled with water

 

If you're fascinated by underground adventures, you'll find any of the above caves in Idaho worth checking out!

What are Idaho's top natural wonders?

Idaho is a large state, and it's positively brimming with unique natural wonders to explore. Some of the top natural wonders in Idaho include:

  • Lake Pend Oreille -- the single largest lake in Idaho, measuring 43 miles across
  • Bruneau Sand Dunes -- an untamed natural wonder that stands at 470 feet
  • Sawtooth Mountains -- made up of 57 peaks that measure over 10,000 feet high
  • The Great Idaho Rift -- a fascinating line of volcanic cones and lava vents running through Craters of the Moon National Monument
  • The Salmon River -- a 425-mile river also known as the River of No Return

 

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