Here in Minnesota, most of our old ghost towns are long past the point of return. The buildings are gone, the roads are abandoned, and any people once there have long since fled. But there’s one old village still standing that hosts plenty of visitors every year. It’s hidden away deep in the woods of southern Minnesota, but it’s well worth the drive. Take a look:

Forestville is a tiny former village that is now part of Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park. You'll find it at 21071 County Rd. 118, Preston, MN 55965.
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Forestville is nestled deep in southern Minnesota. Visiting this 425-acre park is a wonderful way to explore rural Minnesota's backroads.
Tony Webster/Flickr
When you arrive, you can take a walk across the historic Forestville bridge. Built in 1900, it's a replacement for a previous bridge that was washed away by flooding.
Tony Webster/Flickr
When you enter Forestville itself, you'll be completely charmed by the historic buildings that date back to the mid-1800s.
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The town had more than 100 residents by 1858, becoming a center of trading for this rural region of Minnesota.
Tony Webster/Flickr

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Though the town slowly faded when it was bypassed by a railroad, you can still see evidence of its prosperity. The general store still houses things you could have purchased over 150 years ago.
Matthew Strauser/Google
There's also an old carriage on the premises, just like those driven back in the 1850s.
Curiosity569956/TripAdvisor
You can even peek into an old storage area where carriages were once kept.
Jay Swanstrom/Google
Forestville is a fascinating look at Minnesota life way back in the 1800s. The charming old buildings tell the story of people long ago.
Bruce Cunningham/Google
Next time you have a free afternoon, take a drive along the beautifully wooded backroads of southern Minnesota to this little-known historic village.
Tony Webster/Flickr

Have you ever been to Forestville? If you love exploring Minnesota’s past, you may be interested in our list of 6 historic villages that will transport you into a different time.

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21071 County Rd. 118, Preston, MN 55965