Snapshot virtual tour
Welcome to the Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park virtual tour! There is so much to do here that you may want to stay awhile. Explore trout streams, scenic hiking and horse trails, camping opportunities, a restored 1800s village operated by the Minnesota Historical Society, and guided tours of Mystery Cave. We hope the tour prompts you to visit the park in person sometime soon.
Limestone Cliffs
Sheer limestone cliffs rise above the South Branch Root River.
Trout Streams
Three trout streams provide exceptional angling at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park. Bring a fishing rod on your next visit and try your luck.
Big Spring Trail
Park trails provide access to the South Branch Root River and nearby creeks. At this location, Big Spring Trail passes a scenic bridge over the river. The trail eventually follows Canfield Creek before ending at Big Spring, where cool algific slopes provide the perfect place to rest on a hot day.
Electric Horse Campsites
Many of the reservable electric horse campsites are conveniently designed to be pull-through. Sites offer hitching posts, a picnic table, and a fire ring. Vault toilets are located nearby.
Horse Campsites
Non-electric horse campsites provide a social experience. These sites offer hitching posts, a picnic table, and a fire ring. Vault toilets are located nearby.
Ravine Trail
Park trails are popular for equestrians and hikers alike. In winter, cross country skiers, snowmobilers, and snowshoers enjoy different sections of the 20 mile trail system within the park.
Historic Bridge
This 1899 bridge provides access to (North) Historic Forestville, a state historic site.
Historic Forestville
Historic Forestville is a restored 1800s village operated by the Minnesota Historical Society (MHS). Visitors can experience the interior of unique historic buildings by attending one of the tours offered during the summer months. Tours include costumed interpreters who offer a glimpse into what life was like in the 1800s. Contact the park office or MHS to learn more.
Meighen General Store
The 1857 Meighen General Store is included in a tour offered by the Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) at Historic Forestville. Tours are led by costumed interpreters and are offered during the summer months. Contact the park office or MHS to learn more.
Sandbank Trail
Most park trails are surfaced with crushed rock to create stable footing. Trails traverse a wide variety of scenic areas throughout the park. The Sandbank Trail follows the route of an old road that was cut into the nearby St. Peter Sandstone many years ago.
Overlook
Stunning panoramic views, like the one from this wooden overlook, await visitors who venture onto the trails at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park.
Picnic Area
Adjacent to the South Branch Root River, the picnic area offers both secluded spots and areas for large groups. Soak in the sunshine at a nearby picnic table, or take cover within the brick picnic shelter.
Picnic Shelter
The enclosed picnic shelter is ideal for group events! It offers an indoor area with numerous picnic tables and modern restrooms. Come wintertime, the structure is heated and serves as a warming shelter.
Alluvial Prairie
The varied habitats of Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park include closed canopy forest, oak savanna, bluff prairies, and this restored alluvial prairie.
Amphitheater
The campground amphitheater provides the perfect spot to enjoy interpretive programs on summer weekends. The amphitheater’s small shelter provides a dry spot for a picnic lunch.
Campground
Enjoy a picnic meal or gather around an evening campfire in these well-spaced campsites. Campground loops are paved for easy access to campsites.
Electric Campsites
The electric sites in the main campground are landscaped with native trees and shrubs that provide both privacy and wildlife habitat.
Campground Amenities
Campground amenities include a well-maintained toilet and shower facility that can be accessed by a paved path.
Non-electric Campsites
The campground’s non-electric campsites provide a natural experience without bothersome mosquitoes. Tall trees shade a picnic table and fire ring found at this non-electric site.
Group Campsites
Trees border two primitive group campsites that offer group gathering areas and secluded tent spots. Picnic tables and a fire ring are located at each site, and a roofed shelter is available for the two sites to share. Vault toilets are located nearby.
Mystery Cave Visitor Center
The Mystery Cave Visitor Center is the headquarters for cave tours, and includes educational displays, modern bathrooms, and a gift shop. A historic picnic area near the cave entrance provides a great place to relax.
Mystery Cave
Numerous stalactites, stalagmites, and dripstone formations can be seen during a guided Scenic Tour of Mystery Cave. Visit the park website to learn more.
Turquoise Lake
Below ground, Turquoise Lake is a highlight of the guided Scenic Tour offered at Mystery Cave.
