Forestville Mystery Cave State Park

State Park • MN

Photo: By McGhiever - Own work • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source

Overview

Forestville / Mystery Cave State Park is located in southeastern Minnesota within the Driftless Area and is known for its combination of historic village ruins and extensive underground cave system. The park offers a unique blend of natural scenery and cultural history, pairing wooded river valleys with one of the longest cave systems in the state.

Landscape & Geology

Landscape

The park’s landscape features steep wooded hillsides, limestone bluffs, and the narrow valley of the South Branch Root River. Because the region was not flattened by glaciers, the terrain includes dramatic elevation changes, sinkholes, and karst formations. Forests of maple, oak, and basswood dominate the slopes, while open valley floors support streams and meadows.

Trails & Scenic Views

Trails

Forestville / Mystery Cave State Park offers a network of hiking trails that wind through forested valleys, along streams, and between historic and natural features. Trails range from easy walks near the historic site to more challenging hikes with elevation changes. In winter, many trails are used for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Recreation

Recreation at the park includes hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and guided tours of Mystery Cave. The cave system features underground rivers, stalactites, and expansive chambers, providing a distinctive experience unlike any other Minnesota state park. The campground offers a quiet, wooded setting for overnight stays.

History

The park preserves the remains of the historic village of Forestville, once a thriving 19th-century settlement that later declined and was abandoned. The site provides insight into early commerce and daily life in the Root River valley. Forestville / Mystery Cave State Park was established to protect both its historic resources and its unique geological features.

Why Visit

Find Your Next Adventure

Forestville / Mystery Cave State Park offers a rare opportunity to explore both above and below ground in one setting. Whether touring underground passages, hiking wooded trails, or exploring the preserved village site, the park provides a memorable and educational outdoor experience in southeastern Minnesota.