As summer draws to a close, it’s important to find remaining activities that can still take you outdoors. After all, Minnesota’s long, harsh winter is right around the corner. We might as well enjoy the crisp weather before it turns frigid! But because swimming is off the table, it’s more difficult to think of fall outdoor activities that everyone will enjoy. In southern Minnesota, there is one spot that may interest both the nature lovers and the history buffs in your life. A stroll through Forestville ghost town might be just the thing to do this autumn. Here’s what you’ll find when you get there:

Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park is a beautiful destination in southern Minnesota. It's about 125 miles south of the Twin Cities, making it a great day trip for most Minnesotans.
Karen Brantner/Google
The park is well-known for Mystery Cave, a deep cavern that happens to be the longest cave in Minnesota. But there is much more to discover at this park, such as the beautiful natural scenery.
Tony Webster/Flickr
Being in southern Minnesota, the landscape is made up of rolling hills blanketed in forests. At Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, you can see it up close. In the autumn, the lush leaves turn vibrant red, orange, and yellow.
Susan Smith/Google

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Beyond the natural surroundings, there's a peculiar ghost town also on the grounds of Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park. Historic Forestville was first settled in 1852. From there, it grew into a small but busy town.
Tony Webster/Flickr
However, the town was bypassed by railroads in 1868, leading to a decrease in population. As more people left, Forestville became a ghost town.
Tony Webster/Flickr
Today, the ghost town is preserved as it was in the 1800s. You can browse the old buildings which still stand, including a general store.
Eli Sagor/Flickr
Old houses also still stand, offering a peek at daily life in Forestville. This ghost town makes for an excellent day trip, especially in autumn when the surrounding trees are ablaze with color.
Minnesota Historical Society/Flickr

Have you ever visited Forestville? Where are your other places to visit in Minnesota during the fall? Let us know in the comments! Also, be sure to check out our past list of 11 creepy ghost towns in Minnesota.

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Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, 21071 County Rd 118, Preston, MN 55965, USA