Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
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Visit Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park to see natural wonders above and below ground. In the summer, beat the heat with a visit below ground. Explore the world of Mystery Cave with its stalactites, stalagmites, and underground pools. Park naturalists provide tours of the cave throughout the summer and on weekends in the spring and fall. The temperature stays at a constant 48 degrees Fahrenheit. Learn more about Mystery Cave Tours.
Above ground, stop by Historic Forestville, a restored 1800s village operated by the Minnesota Historical Society (MHS). Fish three blue-ribbon trout streams for brown trout. Take in the soft pastels of wildflowers in spring or listen to ruffed grouse drumming and wild turkeys gobbling. Hike or bring your horse to ride the ridge tops and stream valleys. Observe interesting geologic features along the way including sinkholes and dramatic Big Spring. In the fall, don't miss the bold colors of the forest. Winter invites visitors to ski or snowmobile the Bluff Country.
Tell me more about this park's wildlife, history, geology and landscape.
Visitor Alert!Horse Area Opens EarlyDue to the exceptionally warm spring, conditions have allowed early opening of the horse area and trails as of April 20, 2012. Some trails are still under reconstruction including the River Bottoms Trail and Buck Ridge, with completion expected by mid-summer.
Road ConstructionRoad construction on County Road 5 leading to the park has been completed, and the road has reopened. The road is currently surfaced with crushed rock and is scheduled for new blacktop in 2012. Visitors can now access the park from Minnesota Trunk Highway 16 near Wykoff. The project includes significant widening and regarding of the road surface with improved sightlines and shoulders. Paving of the road will take place in late summer of 2012.The historic bridge has been closed to vehicles. Visitors should access the park using County Road 5. |
Park NotesTours:One Hour TourThis guided tour provides the best overall cave experience. You'll see excellent examples of cave formations along with pools and dramatic linear passageways. This tour involves 3/4 mile of walking on paved trails and bridges. Tour is ADA accessible. Learn more about this tour. Two Hour TourExperience a rustic, flashlight tour with a focus on cave geology. This tour is more physically challenging than the one-hour tour and is not available to children four and under. Learn more about this tour. Wild Caving TourThis is the real thing - caving! You will be crawling and squeezing through undeveloped portions of Mystery Cave. Please plan about four hours, with two to three hours underground. Learn more about this tour. Virtual Photo TourSee the sights from underground lakes to historic towns and find nature all-around!
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HD Get additional online information about Mystery Cave Tours, or check out the tour brochure White Nose Bat Syndrome:White nose syndrome is a fungus that is killing off bat populations. There is no known human threat from this fungus. It was first found in New York, but has since spread to over 17 states and three Canadian provinces. It has not yet been found in Minnesota. As a special precaution to protect our bat population, we ask that visitors please disinfect any clothing or equipment that may have come in contact with contaminated caves or mines prior to their visit to our park. Gift Cards:Purchase a Minnesota State Parks Gift Card. Firewood Restrictions Information:Minnesota has enacted legislation that restricts firewood being brought to or used on DNR lands. Learn more and review vendor lists. Park Activities:Trout FishingThe regular trout season runs from mid-April through mid-September. The catch and release season runs from January 1 until mid-April, and again from mid-September through September 30. A fishing license and trout stamp is required in the park. CampingOvernight camping is available seasonally. Learn more. Horse RidingThe Minnesota Horse Pass is required for equestrians at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park. These may be purchased from any ELS license agent prior to your visit. Birders:Bird Checklist |
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Hours
Best time to contact the park:
Summer: Sunday - Wednesday, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Thursday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Winter: Generally, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Hours limited due to staffing.
Office hours may vary. Please call ahead or leave a message.
Contact
21071 County 118
Preston, MN 55965
tel: Main Park: 507-352-5111
Mystery Cave: 507-937-3251
fax: 507-352-5113
email: forestville.statepark@state.mn.us
Getting There
Approximately 6 miles south of Wykoff. Entrance to the park is 4 miles south of State Highway 16 on Fillmore County Highway 5, then 2 miles east on Fillmore County 118.