Forestville/Mystery Cave

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. 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. Tour brochure

Tell me more about this park's wildlife, history, geology and landscape.

Visitor Alert! Two special deer hunts will be conducted in the park this year. Regular firearm hunts will be conducted November 22-24 and November 28-30. The park is open to all visitors during these time periods, but visitors should be aware of the special hunt and should wear blaze orange (or brightly colored clothing) if they plan to recreate within the park. All visitors should check for hunt-related information at the park contact station or office during these time periods, and look for signage related to the special hunts. The historic 1899 bridge near Historic Forestville is closed to vehicle traffic. However, visitors on foot or horseback are allowed to cross the bridge.

Park Notes Mystery Cave: Mystery Cave is currently closed for the season, but will reopen for tours again in mid-April of 2009. School tours and group tours will also be available next spring by special arrangement with the park. Tour fees: Adults 13 and over - $10, Children 5-12 years - $6, Children under 5 years - Free. Fees include tax. Reminder: A state park vehicle permit is required. Cost is either $5 for a daily permit or $25 for an annual permit. Trout Fishing: The trout season closed on September 30, 2008. A special catch and release only winter season will begin Jan. 1, 2009. Camping: Rustic, non-electric camping is available year-round in the B Loop. Horse Riding: The 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. The Horse Area Campground and trails are closed for the season, but will reopen in spring of 2009. Firewood Restrictions: Only firewood purchased from approved local vendors is allowed in the park. Birders:Click Here for the Bird Checklist at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park.

Tours of Mystery Cave  Historic Forestville Tours  Trout Streams  Camping  Great Hiking/Horseback Trails  Spring Flowers

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Hours

Best time to contact the park:

Fall and Winter: Office hours will vary. If no one is available, please 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

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.