Discovered in 1937, Mystery Cave is the longest cave in Minnesota - spanning over 13 miles underground. It is a network of passages that was dissolved by moving water.
On the tours, you will travel the subterranean paths this water has taken, seeing many of the features that make up Mystery Cave including stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, fossils, and beautiful underground pools. Parks naturalists lead your tour through various portions of the cave and explain its history, its features, and how it was formed.
Tour options
- Scenic Tour - The most popular tour! View unique cave formations along with pools and dramatic linear passageways.
- Lantern Tour - A rugged experience. See a portion of the cave by lantern.
- Geology Tour - A two-hour rugged, flashlight experience with a focus on cave geology.
- Wild Caving Tour - A challenging four-hour introduction to the sport of wild caving.
- Photography Tour - A two-hour tour for those who wish to set up tripods or monopods for cave photography.
- School Tour - Educational field tours for students, customized to their level of study.
- Advanced Educational Tour - Special prearranged tours with in-depth geology instruction.
Please Remember
- Warm dress and sturdy shoes are recommended (underground temperature is 48°F/9°C).
- Contact the park for ADA accessible tours and information.
- Flash photography is allowed.
- Rocks and artifacts must be left in the cave!
Reserve a tour
Reserve tours at Mystery Cave online by selecting your date and use keywords: lantern, scenic or geology, to search the type of tour you want. The reservation call center is toll-free, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily: 866-857-2757.
Reservations are required for the wild caving, photography, school, and advanced educational tours.
Spring and fall school tour reservations can be made by calling the
main park office at 507-352-5111. Wild caving, photography, advanced
education, and summer school tours can be reserved by calling Mystery
Cave at 507-937-3251.
