Minnesota isn’t exactly known for its geological formations. But the Land of 10,000 Lakes may surprise you! All around our state, you’ll find rock formations both at the surface and below the ground that will truly surprise you. You can explore a little-known mountain range, see what glaciers left behind, and even visit a strange magnetic monolith – and those are just a few examples.

Today, we want to take you on a trip to the longest gave in Minnesota. Here, you’ll go underground and explore a fascinating geological formation for yourself. If that sounds interesting to you, read below to learn more about what you’ll find when you visit Minnesota’s Mystery Cave.

Mystery Cave is a fascinating cave that you can visit in southern Minnesota at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park. Though it is a drive for most Minnesotans - it's about 125 miles south of the Twin Cities - it makes for a fantastic day trip destination.
Marty V/TripAdvisor
There's a lot to see at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park that makes it worth the trip. There are 20 miles of hiking trails that lead through a lush, forested landscape.
Tony Webster/Flickr
There's also a historic section of the park that preserves Forestville, a town that once thrived during the late 1800s until it was slowly abandoned in the early 1900s.
Tony Webster/Flickr
Of course, the main attraction at the park is Mystery Cave itself. Discovered in 1937, the cave has long been a destination for curious nature lovers looking for a unique place to explore.
The Greater Southwestern Exploration Company/Facebook

Related Stories

7 Natural Wonders Unique To The North Star State That Should Be On Everyone's Minnesota Bucket List

7 Natural Wonders Unique To The North Star State That Should Be On Everyone's Minnesota Bucket List

 Fifth Falls and Superior Hiking Trail Loop Is An Easy Hike In Minnesota That Takes You To An Unforgettable View

Fifth Falls and Superior Hiking Trail Loop Is An Easy Hike In Minnesota That Takes You To An Unforgettable View

 The Easy 1.5-Mile Upper Cliffline Trail Will Lead You Through The Minnesota Prairie

The Easy 1.5-Mile Upper Cliffline Trail Will Lead You Through The Minnesota Prairie
Today, guided tours through the cave are held daily throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Reservations are recommended, though there are sometimes walk-in openings.
McGhiever/Wikipedia
When you visit, you'll go deep underground on an elevator. Then, you'll walk through the passages of Minnesota's longest cave!
MN Sand Seeker/TripAdvisor
The cave stretches 13 miles underground. This is a cool place to visit during the summer - literally. No matter the temperature aboveground, the cave stays at a refreshing 48 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bill K/TripAdvisor
As you explore, you'll encounter many interesting formations, including stalactites and stalagmites. They formed over millions of years!
MandJcarter/TripAdvisor
Even more exciting, Mystery Cave is home to many underground pools, including one so still and blue that it almost doesn't look real! As Minnesota's longest cave, Mystery Cave is a must-visit spot for those craving a nature adventure!
Ketan Deshpande/TripAdvisor

Have you been to Mystery Cave? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re interested in another popular cave tour in Minnesota, check out our past article about Niagara Cave, which has an underground waterfall!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Minnesota

Featured Addresses
Mystery Cave State Park, Spring Valley, MN 55975, USA