If you’re seeking a day trip from Minneapolis, there are numerous destinations to discover across Southern Minnesota that are conveniently reachable from the city. For instance, just a half-hour’s drive away lies
charmingly artistic town of Stillwater, known as “the Cradle of Minnesota”
The state is renowned for its numerous lakes — approximately an hour away from Minneapolis, you can find them.
Sugar Lake, with its Caribbean-hued waters, offers an unending array of water activities.
Although the lakes are beautiful, they aren’t uncommon sights. For a distinctive natural retreat away from the city, head around two hours north of the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport towards Minnesota’s southern edge, where you can discover the remarkable Niagara Cave.
Featuring extensive areas with rocky terrain similar to Mars and a hidden subterranean cascade,
CBS News
Known as Minnesota’s “can’t-miss” cave, Niagara Cave stands out as the biggest limestone formation in the Midwest—stretching more than 1,700 feet along its passageways and soaring up to an impressive height of 150 feet at certain points—all created through eons of erosion by slow-moving water. Legend has it that this remarkable underground world was first stumbled upon not by humans but by three adventurous pigs which had strayed away from their farm only to tumble into a sinkhole linked directly to the vast abyss below. Seeking his lost animals, the farmer discovered these creatures exploring deep within the awe-inspiring and unexplored grandeur of what would later be named Niagara Cave.
Apart from its twisty, triangular passages, the cave’s insides feature a chasm named the Grand Canyon and a rocky protrusion dubbed the Battleship. There is another chamber with an expansive, domed ceiling called the Cathedral Dome. This cavern is notably recognized for its historic stalactites—particularly one massive stalactite known as the Grandfather, which formed around 400,000 years ago. Embedded within the limestone walls are also fossils dating back 450 million years, such as those belonging to marine creatures like cephalopods and trilobites.
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Explore A Concealed Waterfall And Subterranean Chapel Within The Niagara Cave
In order to visit Niagara Cave, you must reserve a spot for a guided tour. These tours last approximately one hour and include a walk covering about 1 mile beneath the earth’s surface. At the start of your journey, expect to go down roughly 100 stairs into the depths of the cave. As you move forward, you’ll hear the roar of flowing water approaching; this leads you to the initial highlight—the impressive view of an underground waterfall standing tall at 60 feet. After passing this natural wonder, you will find yourself in a small chapel equipped with pews and an altar, which serves as a venue for wedding ceremonies. To continue further inside, be prepared to navigate several tight passages until finally arriving at two notable sections: the Battleship formation and the area known as the Grand Canyon within the cave system, characterized by its peak height point under the ground.
Pack a jacket or sweater for your visit as the cave maintains a cool temperature of about 48°F. It’s also important to wear comfortable footwear due to significant walking involved. Note that because of extensive climbs, strollers and wheelchairs are not permitted during the tour. Inside the cave, lighting is fully sustained by solar energy. From time to time, the Niagara Cave provides special black light and lantern tours where all regular illumination is switched off. The attraction operates every day from May till November. Outside the cave, you’ll find amenities such as a mini-golf course, an area for mining gemstones, and a souvenir store stocked with fossils and crystals available for purchase. If you’re exploring this region of southern Minnesota, make sure to explore additional attractions nearby.
Wabasha, the most senior municipality in Minnesota known for its historic downtown and featuring a nearby skiing facility, stands out as an appealing destination.
, roughly ninety minutes away from the cave.
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