Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
Minnesota

Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park

Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, MN
Available Activities
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Cave Tours

Hidden in the bluff country of southeastern Minnesota, Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park combines two extraordinary attractions into one destination: a restored 1800s frontier townsite and Minnesota’s longest cave system, with over 13 miles of mapped underground passages. Above ground, hardwood forests and trout streams complete a park that genuinely has no equivalent in the state.

Why Forestville/Mystery Cave Stands Out

This is one of the few state parks in America that lets you explore underground cave formations, tour a preserved 19th-century village, and fly-fish for brook trout — all in the same day. Mystery Cave’s passages contain formations created over hundreds of thousands of years, including stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and turquoise underground pools that reflect dramatic cave lighting. The Forestville townsite, managed by the Minnesota Historical Society, is a time capsule of 1800s frontier life.

Mystery Cave Tours

Tour TypeDurationDifficultyHighlights
Scenic Tour1 hourEasy (wheelchair accessible)¾-mile paved trail, mineral deposits, underground pools, dramatic lighting
Lantern Tour1 hourModerateFlashlight-only exploration, cave geology interpretation, stone stairs
Geology Tour1 hourModerateDeep dive into cave formation processes and mineral identification
Wild Caving Tour2.5–4 hoursStrenuousUndeveloped passages, crawling, squeezing — boots and gloves required

2026 Season: Cave tours run May 9 through September 7, 2026. Weekday tours depart hourly from 10 AM to 4 PM. Weekend tours depart every 20 minutes from 10 AM to 5 PM, with early 9 AM departures on Saturdays. The Scenic Tour costs $15/adult, $10/children (5–12), free for children under 5. Reservations are highly recommended — especially for Wild Caving slots, which fill fast.

Insider Tip: The Lantern Tour offers a completely different atmosphere from the Scenic Tour — the darkness and flashlights reveal textures and details you’d miss under standard lighting. Children under 8 are not permitted on this tour due to uneven stone stairs. For the Wild Caving Tour, bring clothes you don’t mind getting muddy — you will crawl, stoop, and squeeze through undeveloped passages.

Historic Forestville

Located in the park’s separate Forestville unit (about 10 miles from the cave), this restored 1800s townsite offers guided tours of buildings and costumed interpreters who bring frontier Minnesota to life. Managed by the Minnesota Historical Society, admission is $14/adult, $10/youth (5–17), and free for children under 5. The townsite operates seasonally — check the MHS website for current hours.

Above-Ground Activities

The park spans both banks of the South Branch of the Root River, with 16 miles of hiking trails through mature hardwood forests, limestone bluffs, and spring-fed streams. The river is a designated trout stream — brook, brown, and rainbow trout are all present. In winter, the trails transform into excellent cross-country skiing routes, and the bluff country scenery is spectacular during fall color season.

Camping

The park offers 73 drive-in campsites (23 with electric hookups), plus a primitive group camp and walk-in sites tucked into the forest. Sites are reservable through the Minnesota DNR reservation system. The campground is positioned near the Forestville unit, not the cave — plan accordingly.

Visitor Essentials

DetailInfo
Park Hours8:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
Vehicle Permit$7/day (annual permits available)
Cave SeasonMay 9 – September 7, 2026
Cell ServiceNo cell service in park — Wi-Fi at ranger station and visitor center
GPS WarningDo NOT rely on phone GPS for Mystery Cave — directions are often incorrect
Visitor CenterMystery Cave unit — exhibits, gift shop, tour tickets, restrooms

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Mystery Cave?

Mystery Cave is Minnesota’s longest cave, with over 13 miles of mapped passages. The standard Scenic Tour covers about ¾ mile of developed trail. The Wild Caving Tour ventures into undeveloped sections far beyond the standard route.

Is Mystery Cave wheelchair accessible?

Yes — the Scenic Tour follows paved trails and metal bridges and is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible. Other tours involve stairs and uneven terrain.

Can I use GPS to find the cave?

The Minnesota DNR strongly advises against relying solely on phone GPS for directions to Mystery Cave, as navigation apps frequently provide incorrect routing in this rural area. Follow the posted road signs instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a Minnesota state parks vehicle permit?

A daily vehicle permit costs $7. An annual vehicle permit costs $35 and covers unlimited entry to all 75+ Minnesota state parks and recreation areas throughout the year.

Where is the source of the Mississippi River?

The Mississippi River begins at Lake Itasca in Itasca State Park, Minnesota. Visitors can walk across the river at its headwaters where it flows just 18 feet wide and knee-deep over a rocky streambed.

Can I see the Northern Lights at Minnesota state parks?

Yes, northern Minnesota parks like Voyageurs, Scenic, and Lake Bemidji offer some of the best Northern Lights viewing in the continental US, especially during fall and winter when skies are darkest.

What are the best state parks on the North Shore?

Top North Shore parks include Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, Tettegouche, Temperance River, and Judge C.R. Magney (home of Devil’s Kettle waterfall). All are connected by the Superior Hiking Trail.

Explore More Minnesota State Parks

Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Minnesota. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Minnesota guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.

State Parks Team
Written by

State Parks Team

Editorial Team

The State Parks Team is a group of outdoor enthusiasts, researchers, and travel writers dedicated to showcasing America's state parks. Drawing on collective experience visiting parks in all 50 states, the team creates detailed guides, curated park lists, and practical tips to help visitors make the most of their state park adventures. Our mission: making America's state parks accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Last updated: March 13, 2026

Park Location

Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, MN