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In the heart of southeastern Minnesota lies a state park that offers more than forested trails and tranquil campsites—it hides an entire world beneath the surface. Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park blends scenic hiking and rustic charm with one of the most fascinating geological features in the Midwest: Mystery Cave, Minnesota’s longest known cave system.

A Quick Overview of the Park

Located just outside the historic village of Forestville and near the town of Preston, Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park sits within Fillmore County. The park’s landscape is defined by hardwood forests, limestone bluffs, and sinkholes—a classic karst topography that sets the stage for the underground marvel waiting below.

Above ground, visitors can enjoy classic state park activities like hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and fishing. But it’s the cave—cool, dark, and filled with hidden beauty—that gives this park its unique identity.

A Little History

Mystery Cave was discovered in 1937, though the surrounding area’s human history dates back much further. The nearby Historic Forestville village preserves what remains of a once-thriving 19th-century town that declined after the railroad bypassed it in the 1860s. Today, visitors can explore the preserved buildings, learn about early settler life, and walk the quiet paths of a community that time nearly forgot.

The cave itself stretches over 13 miles of mapped passages, featuring stunning stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and crystal formations. A portion of it is open for public tours and maintained by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, with seasonal interpretive programs available.

Camping at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park

The campground is rustic, wooded, and welcoming for all types of travelers. Campsites are spaced out nicely and work well for tents, campervans, and smaller RVs. The shaded canopy keeps things cool in the summer and creates a secluded feeling throughout the campground.

Campground amenities include:

-     Clean restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers

-     Drinking water

-     A dump station near the entrance

-     Access to Mystery Cave tours (a short drive within the park)

-     A horse campground with equestrian trails

-     Direct trail access from some campsites

-     Firewood available on-site during the season

While there is no swimming beach or boat launch here, the natural spring-fed South Branch Root River flows nearby, offering peaceful spots to relax or cast a fishing line. The campground works especially well for Mini-T Campervan travelers who appreciate quiet surroundings, level campsites, and the freedom to stay off-grid thanks to solar power and compact design.

Hiking, Cave Tours & Wildlife

The park’s trail system spans over 20 miles, weaving through wooded hillsides, pastures, and river valleys. Hikers will encounter dramatic scenery, including sinkholes and scenic overlooks. Popular trails include:

- Big Spring Trail – an easy route to a lovely spring and picnic area

- Historic Forestville Trail – connects the campground to the restored village

- Cave Loop Trail – great for exploring above-ground karst features

Guided tours of Mystery Cave are available from spring through fall. Tour options vary by length and intensity—from basic walking tours to longer, flashlight-only and geology-focused adventures. Inside the cave, temperatures remain around 48°F year-round, so a jacket is always a good idea.

Deer, wild turkeys, and foxes are commonly spotted in the park, and its wooded areas come alive with bird song in spring and fall. The park is part of the Root River watershed, a critical habitat for many species.

Things to Do Nearby

The park’s rural location is part of its charm, but you’re not far from local discoveries. In the nearby town of Preston, visitors will find gas, groceries, and a few restaurants. Other attractions in the area include:

- Historic Forestville – on-site, operated by the Minnesota Historical Society

- Root River State Trail – paved bike trail in nearby Lanesboro and Preston

- Niagara Cave – another cave system just south near Harmony, MN

- Lanesboro – a vibrant artsy town with shops, galleries, and river tubing

Whether you stay within the park or venture a bit beyond, this region of Minnesota offers peaceful beauty and unexpected discoveries.

Why Visit Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park?

For those seeking more than a walk in the woods, Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park delivers something truly special. It’s a place where scenic hiking trails meet historic buildings, and a world beneath the ground reveals secrets that have been forming for thousands of years.

For travelers in a Mini-T Campervan, this park is a perfect match. It offers quiet, wooded campsites, minimal traffic, and easy-to-navigate roads. With no need for electric hookups thanks to its off-grid capabilities, the Mini-T allows you to experience the full magic of this park—above and below ground—without limits.

Whether you're exploring your way through the Minnesota State Park Passport or just looking for a peaceful, unique camping experience, Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park is a destination worth discovering.

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Interested in visiting more parks or collecting Passport stamps along the way? Learn more about the Minnesota State Park Passport Program and other great park destinations here.