Complete With An Underground Waterfall, Minnesota's Niagara Cave Is Unlike Anywhere Else In The State
By Betsy Rathburn|Published July 22, 2021
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
If you’ve spent any time in Minnesota, you’re aware that our state has many beautiful waterfalls. From popular Gooseberry Falls little-known Kawishiwi Falls, there are many places to see this beautiful natural landform. But what many people don’t realize is that you don’t even have to stay above ground to see a waterfall in Minnesota. That’s right: our state is home to an amazing underground waterfall that you can visit at Niagara Cave. Read on below to learn more about the cave and its beautiful underground waterfall.
Niagara Cave is a privately owned cave offering guided tours in southern Minnesota. Specifically, it's in Harmony, about 130 south of Minneapolis and 50 miles south of Rochester.
The tours, which are held every day spring through fall, offer visitors a chance to descent 200 feet below ground. The tour spans about 1 mile, and visitors must be able to climb up and down 275 steps.
The tour offers plenty of information about both the geology and history of the cave. It was discovered in 1924 and has been open for tours since 1934! It's one of only two caves that you can officially visit in Minnesota.
When you reach the end of the stairs, you'll find yourself in an otherworldly passageway. Niagara is a limestone cave that has been carved by water over millions of years.
If you look closely, you'll be able to spot the fossils of ancient creatures who used to live here. You'll find corals, cephalopods, and even a trilobite!
...as well as an amazing underground waterfall. This thin trickle of water is unlike anything else you'll find in Minnesota, and it's as beautiful as it is unusual!
For more information about Niagara Cave, including its history, hours, and ticket prices, visit the cave’s website and Facebook page. And if you’re interested in visiting Minnesota’s other cave, check out our past article about Mystery Cave.
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