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Best Caves of Minnesota

courtesy kaycco/fotolia

If the walls of our state’s caves could talk, they’d have stories to tell—of their origins and their founders, their frequent visitors, and their still-undiscovered containments, all unique, all utterly mysterious, and all full of untold narratives. With eerie bat lairs, crisp year-round temps, and a series of guided tours, Minnesota’s geological spectacles have plenty of standing room (and upstanding history) for exploration, education, and exhilarating sights.

Niagara Cave

Descend one mile below the earth’s surface to discover 450 million-year-old fossils, a 60-foot underground waterfall, and unusually massive cave formations. Niagara Cave ’s one-hour passageway tour will guide you through one of the nation’s top-rated, water-sculpted wonders, which was discovered more than 90 years ago.

Mystery Cave

Stalactites and stalagmites stun cavers and spelunkers inside the 13-mile Mystery Cave at Forestville State Park. Deemed the longest cave in all of Minnesota, cave dwellers can take on seven different daily tours, including their popular scenic tour and a challenging four-hour introductory tour to wild caving. 

Carver’s Cave

Some underground tunnels and corridors will require the courage to crawl and the curiosity to discover.  Carver’s Cave is no exception. With only two feet between the floor and ceiling of the entrance, you will have to drop to all fours to delve deep into this natural cavern. Located near the Mississippi River at the base of Dayton’s Bluff in St. Paul, the 100-foot, spring-cut cave is mostly taken up by an underground lake, limiting the room to thoroughly investigate.

Soudan Underground Mine

Travel a half-mile underground for a 90-minute tour and experience the life of a 19th-century iron-ore miner. Home to nearly 15,000 bats, the cave stays at 51 degrees Fahrenheit year-round and requires patrons to trek up and down narrow spiral staircases—why this history-rich underground oasis deserves a spot on our must-visit caves list.

Lesser-known but equally awesome, Cool Cave on Sorin’s Bluff at Memorial Park is 70 feet below the designated scenic outlook. The cave’s origins are unknown, but this graffiti- and carving-covered Red Wing cave is home to several bat species and is a popular adventure spot for locals. Across the park is Horseshoe Cave—a man-made, limestone kiln with two rooms and entrances.

Other notable (but closed and inaccessible) Minnesota caves include Schiek’s Cave under the city of Minneapolis, the Stillwater’s Brewery Caves , Fountain Cave . During the winter months, the  Ice Caves of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Duluth are open to the public. 

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• RATED ONE OF THE TOP 10 CAVES IN THE USA!

Guided Cave Tour

An unforgettable underground experience!

Quick Details

• User Ages: All Ages
• Hour Glass Duration: 1 hour
• Info Check In Requirement: 15 - 30 minutes before your scheduled start time.

Explore the wonders of the underground world in Harmony, Minnesota!

Tour information.

• Go on a mile-long hike underground
• Discover fossils around 450 million years old
• Travel nearly 200 feet beneath the surface
• Descend 275 stairs
• Ascend 275 stairs (round trip total; 550 stairs)
• See cave formations both delicate and massive
• View our underground stream and waterfall
• Visit a subterranean wedding chapel

More information

Backpacks and backpack baby carriers are not allowed (front packs for babies ARE encouraged). Food and drinks are not allowed. Proper walking shoes are required, flip flops and Crocs are not recommended. High heels and bare feet are not allowed. Photos ARE allowed, but tripods are not. ​

ACCESSIBILITY : Because there are several sets of stairs on the cave tour, wheelchairs and strollers can not be used on the tour. However, the gift shop, gemstone mining, and mini golf are wheelchair accessible. 

CAUTION : If you have a heart condition, difficulty taking steps, severe asthma, or any condition that may hinder your ability to walk one mile, descend 275 steps, and ascend 275 steps in an environment with high humidity, we do not recommend that you take the tour.

PETS : For guest safety and comfort pets are NOT allowed in the gift shop nor the cave. Pets are welcome on the grounds but must be leashed or physically restrained. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets! (Certified service dogs are allowed.)

Niagara Cave is NOT a bat habitat.

Free parking.

Educational Group Tours (schools, scouts, etc.): Please contact us for rates and availability.

What to bring

Niagara Cave is a constant 48 degrees F (9 degrees C), so a light jacket or sweatshirt is suggested.

Devil's Island

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Going Into These 6 Caves In Minnesota Is Like Entering Another World

Jo Magliocco

Minnesota staff writer for Only in Your State and owner of Minnesota blog NorthGuide.co, I'm a Minneapolis transplant who loves my cats, camera, and local coffee. On the weekends I'm usually exploring the North Shore or making my way through the list of Minnesota's State Parks. Want to talk about MN or ask me a question? Tweet me @sotafiedjo!

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While Minnesota has many beautiful caves, there are only a few that offer tours or are safe for anyone to view or access. These 6 are spectacular and you don’t have to take risks to see them.

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The best thing about the caves is that they retain a stable temperature, so they are perfect to explore year round. Which of these caves have you been to?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Exploring Haddad’s Cave

Where is Haddad’s Cave? What is Haddad’s Cave? Well, in the world of urban exploration, such details are sometimes closely held. This video hit YouTube yesterday on the Duluth Urbex channel .

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14 Best Caves in Minnesota

Minnesota is a cave lover’s paradise. Home to over 100 fascinating caves and ice caves just waiting to be explored. As a native Minnesotan and experienced caver, I’ve had the thrill of visiting many of these subterranean wonders.

Many cavities in Minnesota can be unstable and dangerous. I’m sharing Minnesota’s amazing show caves, such as Mystery Cave, that provide guided tours along set paths with lighting.

But Minnesota offers more than just natural caverns. Some of the most extensive caves here are man-made, created long ago to serve various needs.

Experienced cavers can find hidden gems in Minnesota if they know where to look and take precautions. I’ve been lucky enough to stumble upon a few of these secluded caves on my own hikes.

Whenever I see a hole in the wall, I always get a bit apprehensive about what I might find inside.

Best Caves in Minnesota

There are two types of caves in Minnesota: natural and man-made. Natural forming caves are found in soft bedrock, and they can be anything from a few feet deep to thousands of feet deep.

They are hiding all over the state, including under Minneapolis. These have classic characteristics like nonuniform walls and stalagmites and stalactites.

Man-made caves were created for various needs over the years. Most were due to storage needs, refrigeration, and mining. But that doesn’t stop the fun of exploring then.

Wabasha Street Caves

The Wabasha Street Caves is probably the most well-known cave in Minnesota. This sandstone cave dates back to the 1840s. Its “seismogram” walls give it a blush-black look with jazzed horizontal lines running through it.

They have served for cultivating mushrooms and as storage space. During its prime, there were two nightclubs inside.

Opening just after prohibition, Mystic Caverns and the Castle Royal were very popular. The eerie story of the Castle Royal is what makes it truly haunting.

A group of gangsters had a shootout inside. When the young woman at the front heard the commotion, she called the cops and was told to lock the door and wait outside.

Interestingly enough, when the cops got there they found no sign of trouble.

The rumor is they used the back tunnels to hide the bodies. Today when people visit the caves they’ve said they’ve seen the gangsters and even heard bands playing.

Today you can take a tour of the caves and find out more about its history.

This is a lot of fun and safe for kids. As far as ease to take, people with any athletic ability can do it.

During the summer and around Halloween, these tours sell out quickly! To reserve your tour click here .

Stillwater Boom Site Cave

The Stillwater Boom Site Cave was naturally formed from the waters of the St Croix River, carving out a channel in the natural limestone cliffs.

In the 1850s, loggers used the area to organize their logs floating down the river, and the impinging company stored their goods there.

They soon decided to carve out more of the cliffside to meet their needs.

Today it is one of the most easily accessible caves in Minnesota. To visit, take highway 95 just north of Stillwater’s downtown. Take the first right run past the St Croix Overlook Marker to one of the two parking areas.

Take the stairway down to the river bed and swing a right. You’ll see it right away along the rock wall. As far as ease of access, this requires little to no hiking, just a staircase to climb.

The cave is just one of the fun things to do at the Boom Site. I highly recommend checking out this link here to find out where the hidden waterfall is!

Wolf Brewery Cave in Stillwater

With a town full of loggers, the only next evolution was for Stillwater to get its first brewery. It presented another problem, how to keep the beer cool?

In 1868, the Joseph Wolf Brewery was built into the bluffs of Stillwater.

The brewery was connected to a series of caves, which were used to store beer and source spring water, thus harnessing nature’s resources.

Over the years the property has seen a few different owners. At one time you could do wine tastings inside the cave.

Today the Lora hotel owns the property, and they have gone to great lengths to preserve its past.

The walls and ceilings of ancient warehouses have been preserved, as have cave entrances that lead nowhere.

Make sure to stop in the next time you are in Stillwater.

Schiek’s Cave

It is the biggest cave beneath downtown Minneapolis. It was first documented in 1904.

Since then, many have gone underground to visit it, including the writer of Subterranean Twin Cities . He was able to gain access to it through the sewer system.

This naturally forming cave is a city block in length. It is said to be shaped like an inverted bowl.

Minnehaha Falls

The most visited cave in Minneapolis is Minnehaha Falls Ice Cave . It is also illegal to visit but that hasn’t stopped people.

This ice cave is carved out every season as water flows down the cliff. As the water freezes, it makes the appearance of an enclosed cave.

Each year there is always a section not enclosed in the ice where people find their way in. From inside the cave, light shines through, creating amazing blue colors.

It’s this allure that brings visitors in and risks their lives to do it. But the danger is also why you find no trespassing signs.

Every year people get injured at the falls, by ice falling. If you’d like to see the frozen waterfall safely, click here to find out more.

Chute’s Cave and the Pillsbury Tunnels

The Chute’s Cave was a naturally formed cave with a unique history.

It first gained notoriety in 1866 when the New York Herald published a tall tale about secret passageways with hieroglyphics, sarcophagi, and sacrificial alters. This was debunked.

For ten cents, you could ride in a boat lit by a torch under Main Street, through the sandstone limestone archway. It was a fun gimmick that made it the first show cave in Minnesota.

But with urban development plans, it made the cave unstable.

Eventually, the tunnel was acquired by Pillsbury and used to help power the plant.

While the show cave is no longer accessible, you can still get close to the entrance. We did so at Mill Ruins Park.

Mill Ruins Park is a lot of fun to explore. It’s smaller but there are plenty of things to see and do nearby. Make sure to check it out: Things to do at or near Mill Ruins Park in Minneapolis

Niagara Cave

Niagara Cave is located on the Minnesota-Iowa border. It was first discovered in 1924 when three boys were chasing after their pig. It fall into a sinkhole leading to the cave.

The cave was purchased by three investors, and they established tours inside you can still visit today.

Inside this natural cave, you’ll see things like a sixty-foot underground waterfall, a wedding Chapple, and stalactites and stalagmites. All the best cave formations.

There are also 450-million-year-old fossils inside the walls.

The main passageway of the cave is 1,750 feet. One of the coolest features is the 150-foot-high ceilings that creep through the cave.

There are 275 steps to get into and out of the cave and a one-mile walk. This may not seem like a lot, but if you are carrying a child, it can be alot.

If you are claustrophobic, I do not recommend this adventure. There are also tight spaces between the rocks. You may be required to walk sideways to get through spaces.

Minneapolis Salt Cave

Like alternative treatments? You want to check out the Salt Cave in Minneapolis. It’s known to support relaxation and general wellness.

This man-made cave is lined with Himalayan crystal salt and the cave is treated with a halo generator that infuses the area with a dry aerosol containing pharmaceutical-grade salt.

Mystery Cave State park

The cave was first discovered in February 1937 by Joe Petty. On a cold winter day, Joe saw vapor coming out of the hillside and decided to investigate.

What he found was the longest-known natural limestone cave in Minnesota and was the first to show a pattern of phases of human discovery.

The cave has twelve miles of passageways. Inside there are classic geological features like Cathedral Domes, beautiful underground pools, Stalagmites, and Stalactites.

You’ll also see the breathtaking turquoise lake inside.

The cave is also home to bats. From personal experience, don’t let that detour you. There is a 99.99% chance, if you spot them, they’ll be hanging from the ceiling.

Mystery cave is part of Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park. The best part is they offer scenic tours. Tours are only available during the warmer months.

While I haven’t been to the cave, I did have the pleasure of exploring the rest of the State Park. Since my trip, they have opened the tours back up. Make sure to check out the rest of the park’s great features while you are there: 8 Fun Things to Do at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park

Whitewater State Park

Whitewater State Park has over 9 different caves spread out over the entire park. The caves sit high up on the limestone layer of the cliffs.

There are two you can get to, the one at Chimney Rock and on the Trail up to Coyote Point. Due to their size and location, I don’t recommend entering them.

During winter one of their caves turns into a stunning ice cave. It is only visible during April and early May. You can see it off the Dakota Trail, just before it the trail splits.

Due to its location on a cliff, visitor do not have access to it. The ice cave is not marked on any trail maps. For directions to the Ice Cave, check out my full Whitewater State Park Post .

Spring Valley Caverns

The Spring Valley Caverns are part of the Minnesota Cave Preserve and the second-largest cave in Minnesota with 9.09 km of mapped passages.

Most of the cave passageways were discovered when sinkholes opened up. After cleaning out the sinkhole, they discovered passageways underneath.

For two years, it was briefly a show cave in 1968 and 1969. Since then, preservation and protection have been the focus.

Robinson’s Ice Caves in Banning State Park

The Robinson Ice cave also goes by the name of the Bat Cave. It is the largest sandstone karst in Pine County.

During winter, the cave creates an impressive array of icy stalagmites. They create all different types of ice. Due to the winter’s strong air current, stalactites don’t form.

The cave also hosts a year-round bat colony. Several hundred bats hibernate in the cave during winter.

To help protect the bats they have added a bat gate at the entrance of the cave, preventing visitors from disturbing them.

Near Robinson Quarry, the town hosts an ice climbing competition called the Sandstone Ice Festival. This is where they create a man-made ice cave by flooding the cliffside.

If you ever get a chance, this is a good alternative to visiting the Bat Cave.

Sorin’s Bluff

Sorin’s Bluff has not one but two caves, but they are a little dangerous to get to. Located in Memorial Park, the most popular cave is Overlook Cave or also known as Cool Cave. It’s 70 below the scenic overlook.

It’s 185 feet and varies from 3 to 18 feet wide and 2.5 to 13 feet high. This cave has plenty of graffiti inside and also a few species of bats.

On the opposite side of the bluff is Horseshoe Cave. It used to house two kilns, that are still visible today. It is approximately 100 feet by 85 feet 50 feet high.

To get to the horseshoe cave, you’ll need to go through the limestone quarries. The main entrance is lined with a brick arch acting as structural support. It leads into the first of two kiln rooms.

Make sure to explore Red Wing after the cave: 24 Entertaining Things To Do in Red Wing MN

Soudan Underground Mine

The Soudan Underground Mine is a man-made cave system used for mining Iron Ore. When Native Americans first utilized rich materials in 4,000 B.S. They quarried rock outcrops.

In 1884, the Minnesota Iron Company bought the land to do a commercial mining operation.

The underground mining created 54 miles of tunnels and reaches 2,341 feet below the surface. The mine closed in 1962, leaving behind an impressive set of tunnels and passageways underground.

Soudan Underground Mine is part of the State Park.

Visitors can walk the grounds and see entrances to old shafts, open pit mines that hold snow and ice year-round, and even take a tour inside the mine.

Curious about what the Underground Tours is like? Check out: The Soudan Underground Mine Tour and Lake Vermillion State Park

Which Minnesota Cave Will You Go to First?

What are you waiting for? Grab your sense of adventure because Minnesota’s caves are calling!

With over 100 options ranging from family-friendly guided show caves to remote, natural marvels concealed across the state, an incredible subterranean world awaits right under your feet.

Each cavern has its own story and spectacle. Underground discovery is out there just waiting to be explored by you.

Minnesota native and Midwest travel expert Jennifer provides insider tips and budget-friendly trip ideas for families looking to explore the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Through her travel blog DayTripper28, she draws on first-hand experience to recommend the best hidden gems, outdoor adventures, road trips, and weekend getaways around Minnesota and the Midwest. With her passion for uncovering local flavors and culture along the backroads, Jennifer shares affordable itineraries for creating memorable experiences across the region.

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• Duluth to the Apostle Islands: A Complete Guide

Historic lighthouses. Picturesque hiking trails. Incredible sandstone formations and sea caves. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a dream come true for anyone looking to relax and explore the great outdoors.

Located on beautiful Lake Superior near Bayfield, Wisconsin, the national lakeshore is less than a two-hour drive from Duluth, making it the perfect day trip.

Here’s why you should start planning you’re trip today:

Note:  Highway 13 along the lake for the most scenic drive is suggested. However, if you decide to take US 2, Ashland’s rich history is highlighted in the 21 vibrant murals found around the city. The displays feature lumberjacks, military veterans, railroads, and so on. The city’s harbor – especially in the fall – is also one of the most beautiful around.

Cruise the Apostle Islands in Style

Operating out of Bayfield, Apostle Islands Cruises cover the 12-mile mainland stretch and 21 of the archipelago’s beautiful 22 islands (Madeline Island is not part of the National Lakeshore), offering narrated sightseeing tours and shuttles to specific islands and offshore locations throughout the park.

Everything You Need to Know About Apostle Islands Cruises

The Best Tour?

Passengers rave about the Cruises’ 55-mile narrated “Grand Tour” , which travels through the heart of the archipelago, passing extraordinary scenery and wildlife, the beautiful historic Raspberry and Devils Island Lighthouses , and breathtaking sea caves and sandstone formations that have been carved out by Lake Superior over thousands or years.

The tour is 2.5 to 3 hours long, operating daily between late May to mid-October .

Historical Lighthouses

North America’s largest group of lighthouses can be found at the Apostle Islands. These navigational beacons have been critical in guiding boats around the archipelago since the mid-1800s. In 1977, six of the lighthouses were collectively listed under the name “ Apostle Islands Lighthouses ” on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Lighthouses of the Apostle Islands

Famous Sea Caves

The Apostles boast of myriad lighthouses that dot its shoreline, but the area’s most popular attraction is the renowned sea caves . Over billions of years, the relentless pounding of lake waves and erosion has sculpted a wonderland of arches, caves, and caverns into the reddish-brown sandstone cliffs of Devils Island’s north shore, Swallow Point on Sand Island, and the mainland near the western boundary of the lakeshore.

The Sea Caves of the Apostle Islands

The Berry Capitol of Wisconsin

Bayfield is celebrated as the “Berry Capital” of the region. The town is encircled by an expanse of berry farms and orchards, collectively known as the “Fruit Loop.” Visitors can take tours and handpick their own strawberries, blueberries, currants, cherries, gooseberries, raspberries, and more, during the temperature months.

11 Stunning Photos of the Apostle Islands

Birding in the Apostles

Since 1972, over 300 bird species have been spotted in Ashland, Bayfield, and Iron counties of the Chequamegon Bay region. The annual Chequamegon Bay Birding and Nature Festival attracts a large number of bird enthusiasts every year to the area.

A Hiker’s Paradise

The national lakeshore is also a hiker’s paradise . With fifty miles of maintained trails, the paths provide access to lighthouses , abandoned quarries , old farm sites, historic logging camps , beaches , campsites , and scenic overlooks .

5 Best Hikes in the Apostle Islands

Campers Love It, Too

For those seeking a natural retreat and a chance to sleep out under the stars , the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a veritable paradise. With 18 islands and several mainland locations in the Bayfield area to set up camp, it’s a dreamy destination for any nature enthusiast. Apostle Islands Cruises provides shuttle services to and from Stockton and Oak islands for added convenience.

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Amazing Fall Foliage

Although the Apostle Islands can be explored year-round, autumn is especially stunning . The rural archipelago and its cliffs are lined with bright red, yellow and orange treetops. If you’d like to see the colors form the lake, you’re in luck, because Apostle Islands Cruises offers tours until mid-October !

Why You Should Visit the Apostle Islands in the Fall

Plan Your Trip from Duluth to the Apostle Islands Today

The Apostle Islands is a must-stop for anyone looking for adventure and beautiful sights. Plus, Bayfield , the nearby town, has plenty of restaurants, hotels, campgrounds, events, and shopping options . Book your trip to the Apostle Islands today and see these sea caves up close and personal!

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The Best List of Caves in Minnesota

We may have been compensated for this post. Please keep in mind that it affects you in no way financially. If an item is being reviewed, we are not obligated to give a positive review and always use our own words. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. If you would like a review done contact Dannelle at [email protected]

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Minnesota is a great place to live, but it’s also home to some of the world’s most stunning natural wonders. When you’re outdoorsy and adventurous, there are few things more thrilling than exploring the state’s caves. It can be hard to know where to start when it comes time for your explorations – that’s why we’ve put together this list of Caves in Minnesota as a starting point!

Minnesota is a popular destination in the US and popularly known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” as the state is home to many lakes, including the majestic Lake Itasca.

There are several beautiful attractions in the state, such as the Duluth and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, apart from the many galleries and museums present in the cities. If all these do not attract you, then we are confident that the caves surely will! The caves of Minnesota are less in numbers compared to some other states, but they are worth exploring. 

The Top Caves to Visit in Minnesota

The majority of the caves in the state are located along the Mississippi River Valley, but there are many caves scattered throughout the state. Exploring the caves is a great way to spend your time in Minnesota.

Here is the list of major caves in the state – 

• Cold Water Spring State Reserve
• Forestville Mystery Cave State ParkNiagara Cave, Harmony
• Spring Valley Caverns
• Tyson Spring Cave
• Wabasha Street Caves
• Crystal Cave
• Carver’s Cave
• Schieks Cave
• Robinson’s Ice Cave
• Minnehaha Park
• The Salt Cave
• Whispering Caves

There are some of the best caves in the state, but it would still do you a world of good if they can be classified appropriately so that you can visit the caves of your choice. So, to make the job easier for us, let’s break this down a bit into certain categories.

Best Caves in Minnesota

We have classified the best caves in the state as per popularity, choice and interest of local and international tourists.

Mystery Caves in Minnesota

The mystery caves are a perfect location for family-friendly day trips and to beat the heat outside. 

Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park

If you are inclined towards history, you will love visiting the Mystery Cave, which was discovered way back in 1937. Located 40 miles from Rochester, the park has lots of plants, wildlife, campgrounds, and horseback trails. It also has a 13-mile-long cave which is also the longest cave in Minnesota.

The camp looks like a complete package with a pool, stalactites, ancient fossils, and stalagmites. The cave is visited by local and international tourists and is an excellent place to bring your family for a picnic. What makes this place more appealing are the enchanting geographical features formed above and below the cave . 

Ice Caves in Minnesota

What are ice caves?

Ice caves are a type of cave with ice formations in them. The most famous examples in the world are those found near Lake Baikal, Siberia which is thought to be about 25 million years old and contain many amazing features!

These caves are formed when the water from an ice-covered lake enters into a cave and freezes there. The temperature inside is maintained at 0 degrees Celsius and visitors can walk on walls of pure ice!

Ice Caves are a great attraction in Minnesota, and although you can visit most of these caves any time of the year, the winters are great fun as ice caves are formed. 

Minnehaha Falls Ice Cave

The best time to come to Minnehaha Falls Park is early, and late winter as the waters of the Falls freezes to form an ice cave. However, you will miss the beautiful sound of the flowing water, and the great ambiance all around that is prevalent during the summer months. The trail into the ice cave remains closed due to safety concerns, but the pool below the Minnehaha Falls also freezes at the peak of winter. 

Robinson’s Ice Caves

The winter season comes with freezing temperatures and natural things like ice form some excellent natural features. The winter season in Minnesota sees many tourists who come here to enjoy nature at its best. Events like Ice Festival are held here mainly due to the renowned Robinson’s Ice Caves. Enjoy the experience as you explore the hiking trails and the unique formations of ice. 

Salt Caves in Minnesota

What will you do when you feel stressed out in Minnesota? Instead of stretching out on the couch, we will advise on an exciting way of relaxing. 

The Salt Cave Minneapolis

It is the most popular salt cave in Minneapolis, where you have a chance to enjoy the benefits of salt in multiple ways. The classic salt therapy will give you a relaxing session that you will never forget. If you prefer to be more active, you also opt for a yoga class in the cave. 

The Whispering Cave

It is an entirely different kind of salt cave that will transport you to a different world. The dim lighting and the salt-lined walls will put away all your worries and anxieties. Most of the sessions run for 45 min. 

Haunted Caved in Minnesota

We all love ghost stories, although we would always prefer not to meet one. Here, we take a deep look into a few of the spookiest caves in Minnesota. 

Wabasha Street Caves, St Paul

The Wabasha Street Caves are famous for many reasons. First, they are a unique cave site in St Paul as it was carved out of sandstone more than 160 years ago. Today you can have your wedding at these caves or can arrange swing dance nights. But all these good things will slowly end as the place is haunted. There are ghosts of three gangsters of the 1920s who were murdered and buried on the cave floors.

People who visit these caves feel a random chill as soon as they enter the caves, indicating that there are ghosts around! There are reports that Wabasha Street Caves will be closing down permanently at a later date. 

As you can tell, the state of Minnesota has a lot of caves to explore. Make certain to always be safe and prepared before entering any cave so you can make your cave experience a good one!

Other articles you may find helpful or interesting:

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2 thoughts on “ The Best List of Caves in Minnesota ”

[…] you can tell, the state of South Dakota has a lot of caves to explore. Make certain to always be safe and prepared before entering any cave so you can make […]

[…] Minnesota – Minnesota has a lot of great ice caves to check out! […]

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Caves And Mines Near Me in Duluth, MN

The starting point of the mighty Mississippi, Minnesota has stunning prairie lands, beautiful national forests, and cities that are filled with art, culture and entertainment – it really is one big giant playground for kids!

Fancy a walk across the Mississippi? We’re serious! Itasca State Park marks the beginning of that infamous river and the place to do it! (Look out for the bald eagles!) Your water journey can continue with Voyageurs National Park – the only water-based park in the entire country!

The cities and towns are just as entertaining for kids. Hands-on experiences such as The Works and Minnesota Children’s Museum are great for kids creativity and imagination, whilst adventure is waiting at family friendly activities such as Character Challenge Course and Vertical Endeavours Minneapolis!

Don’t forget the largest amusement park in the upper Midwest with Valleyfair, or the thrilling Nickelodeon Universe – (parents you know you want to as well!)

And of course, Minnesota is great for those winter snow activities.  There are plenty of places to hit the slopes, from Giants Ridge Ski Resort, Lutsen Mountains and Hyland Ski and Snowboard Area.

Unspoilt wilderness, vibrant cities, pristine lakes and white-capped mountains…Minnesota is almost right out of a fairytale!

There are so many fun things to do in Duluth with kids , we have a feeling you just might not want to leave!

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The Ice Caves of the Apostle Islands

by Phil Bencomo

Phil Bencomo / Lake Superior Magazine

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Mainland Sea Caves

Only in cold winters, when conditions are just right, can visitors tread across frozen Lake Superior to explore the Apostle Islands mainland sea caves and the dazzling ice formations that adorn the red sandstone cliffs: waterfalls frozen in place, entire cliff faces encased in inches of ice and everywhere icicles glistening in the sun.

NOTE: The caves were not accessible on foot during the 2016-17 winter.

Good to Know

Before You Go: Call the Ice Line for the latest conditions, 715-779-3397 ext. 3., and check the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore website .

The trek across the ice can be difficult. We recommend sturdy boots, ice cleats and ski poles for stability. If a noteworthy amount of snow falls just before your visit, try snowshoes for easier hiking. Be prepared – with proper clothing, water and snacks – for several hours outside.

Getting There: Visitors can access the caves from Meyers Road , 4 miles northeast of Cornucopia, Wisconsin, off Hwy. 13. From Duluth, it's a 90-minute drive. The Twin Cities and Marquette are close to four hours away.

Take the stairs down to Meyers Beach and follow the shoreline north to the caves. It's a 1.1-mile hike from the parking lot, one way, and the caves themselves continue for several miles more.

Parking: If the Meyers Road lot fills up, overflow parking is along the Lake Superior side of Hwy. 13. On busy weekends, visitors may have to park more than a mile from Meyers Road.

Fee: $5 daily fee per person (ages 16 and older) when the caves are accessible. This replaces the usual $3 fee per vehicle to park at Meyers Road. $10 annual passes are available at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore headquarters in Bayfield.

Reuters Video

Video of the ice caves on 2015's opening day, February 28.

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