Where to See Caves in Minnesota
Here's something you may not know about Minnesota: We have several caves full of fierce mineral formations, winsome turquoise waters, and the sort of stunning displays typically seen on the Science Channel.
It's time to flex your Indiana Jones fedora and head underground....
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
Preston
Preston's Mystery Cave was discovered in 1937. It is about a 10-minute drive from the state park office and is the longest cave in Minnesota, spanning over 13 miles underground.
A one-hour Scenic Tour will provide opportunities to see stalactites, stalagmites, a turquoise lake, and more. These guided tours, both wheelchair accessible and stroller friendly, are offered multiple times daily from mid-May to mid-October. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins will be accommodated based on availability.
For current prices and to make reservations, visit mndnr.gov/reservations.
Mystery Cave and Niagara Cave State Park (which we describe in more detail below) are both part of the DARK Trail, a multi-state initiative developed to shed light on how a landscape unique to the Midwest came to be. Glaciers were notably absent from this area during the last ice age, so the land wasn’t covered in thick layers of glacial sediment (drift), making it easier for water to carve out the karst features characteristic of the area.
The distinct features include caves, caverns, sinkholes, springs, scenic overlooks and other designated “discovery areas”. The University of Minnesota's free Flyover Country app can help guide you through a self-guided driving tour. Every part of the trail offers unique experiences, including self-guided hikes, fee-based tours, or scenic views.
Popular stops along the DARK Trail include Fountain Big Spring, Cherry Grove Blind Valley SNA, the Fountain Sinkhole Kiosk on the Root River State Trail, and the Harmony Visitor Center/Sinkhole Kiosk on the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail. Anglers are also drawn to the fantastic fishing in the trout streams.
Lake Vermilion-Soudan
Underground Mine State Park
Soudan
Minnesota’s first iron mine, Lake Vermillion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park, opened in 2010 and is one of the state’s newest parks. Flooding in June 2024 shut down underground mine tours, and repairs are ongoing. The date for resuming underground mine tours isn’t set yet, so check the park's official website for updates.
Meanwhile, visitors can understand mine operations during the surface tours starting Memorial Day weekend. On the tour, you will see the engineer's house, the crusher, the drill shop, and the visitor center. The tour also highlights the stories of the miners and their families, immigration throughout the area, and the significance of mining in Minnesota. Surface tours do not require a reservation.
Niagara Cave State Park
Harmony
Located about 20 minutes southeast of Mystery Cave State Park is Niagara Cave State Park, often rated one of the top 10 caves in the United States. During its one-hour guided tour, you will see a 60-foot waterfall, fascinating stalactites and stalagmites, and a variety of ancient fossils. The cave is located on 10 acres with picnic grounds, a gift shop, an 18-hole mini golf course, and a place for kids to “mine” for gemstones.
While in the area, don’t miss the living history village at Historic Forestville, operated by the Minnesota Historical Society. With the help of costumed interpreters, visitors can time travel to an 1800s general store and a homestead done up with original artifacts.
Explore more of Minnesota’s state parks or plan the ultimate outdoor adventure.
