Minnesota is not known for its caverns and caves. We have many across our state, but few are large or impressive enough to be major tourist attractions. However, there are a few excellent caves in Minnesota that are worth visiting for all nature lovers. One of our favorites is the Forestville/Mystery Cave at Mystery Cave State Park in Preston Minnesota. Here, you’ll find a series of incredible 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 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources/Facebook 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.
Travis Boser/Google
The cave welcomes visitors throughout late spring and into mid-fall. There are four main tours to take. The Scenic Tour is the most popular.
caves in Minnesota
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources/Facebook
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.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources/Facebook

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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.
caves in Minnesota
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources/Facebook
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.
Brad Crc/Google
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!
Matthew Strauser/Google
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!
Cassandra Wynn/Google

Wanna glimpse inside one of the best caves in Minnesota? Watch this YouTube video by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and you’ll understand why you need to see this southern Minnesota cave.

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 webpage.

So, will you add this underground adventure to your list? Tell us in the comments. Also, check out some more of the natural attractions in Minnesota that we believe are worthy of your bucket list.

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More to Explore

Natural Wonders In Minnesota

Melanie J. | December 17, 2023

Aside from Mystery Cave, what are some more natural wonders in Minnesota that are worthy of my bucket list?

From underground caves to waterfalls to mountains and more, these are the best natural wonders in Minnesota that belong on your list.

  • Niagara Cave, Harmony,
  • Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis
  • Black Beach, Silver Bay
  • St. Croix River, Solon Springs
  • Touch the Sky Prairie, Luverne
  • The Lake Superior shoreline
  • Eagle Mountain, Cook County
  • Kettle River, Carlton County
  • The Northern Lights
  • Magnetic Rock, Cook County

Be sure to read our previous article telling you more about these natural wonders in Minnesota.

What are some of the best family-friendly state parks in Minnesota?

To be honest, all our state parks in Minnesota are great for the entire family. However, here are some of the best family-friendly state parks in Minnesota that we recommend:

  • Bear Head Lake State Park - Ely
  • St. Croix State Park, Hinckley
  • William O'Brien State Park, Marine on St. Croix
  • Minneopa State Park - Mankato
  • Itasca State Park, Park Rapids
  • Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors
  • Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay
  • Cascade River State Park, Lutsen
  • Grand Portage State Park, Grand Portage
  • Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, Two Harbors

 

Discover more by reading our article about these family-friendly state parks in Minnesota.

What are some of the best waterfalls in Minnesota?

If you love chasing cascades, then here are the best waterfalls in Minnesota that are worthy of a visit:

  • Illgen Falls, Beaver Bay Township
  • High Falls of the Pigeon River, Grand Portage
  • Winnewissa Falls, Sweet Township,
  • Temperance River Falls, 7680 MN-61, Schroeder,
  • Hidden Falls, 9700 170th St E, Nerstrand,
  • Winnewissa Falls, Pipestone
  • Devil's Kettle Falls, Hovland

 

Learn more by reading our article about these incredible waterfalls in Minnesota.

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