Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
Also known as Forestville Mystery Cave State Park, Forestville State Park, Forestville-Mystery Cave State Park, Mystery Cave State Park
- Status
- Open (per official listing)Daily 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Camping
- 151 campsitesAlso cabins, glamping or camper cabins
- Official site
- dnr.state.mn.us(507) 352-5111
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. Details last changed Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Current alerts 2
Partial closure Flooding updatesForestville/Mystery Cave State Park experienced heavy rainfall this fall. All trails are open. However, the water crossing on the South Branch of the… (more)
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park experienced heavy rainfall this fall. All trails are open. However, the water crossing on the South Branch of the Root River is closed.
Posted by the park 2026-10-17. Official alert
Partial closure Special management hunts at Forestville/Mystery Cave State ParkSpecial Permit Deer Hunt in Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park - November 7th-8th (Firearm Special Hunt-933) During these hunting periods, the park… (more)
Special Permit Deer Hunt in Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park - November 7th-8th (Firearm Special Hunt-933) During these hunting periods, the park will remain open to visitors. • Blaze orange or pink clothing (required for hunters) is strongly encouraged for those visiting the park and out on the trails. • Learn more about special management hunts in Minnesota State Parks Visitors wishing to avoid hunting activity on this weekend may visit other nearby parks including Lake Louise, Whitewater, Beaver Creek Valley, and Great River Bluffs state parks. Mystery Cave is closed for season beginning Monday, October 19, 2026.
Posted by the park 2026-10-17. Official alert
Overview
Covering about 3,326 acres, Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park lies in Fillmore County, about 8 miles west of Preston.
Popular activities here are cave tours, horseback riding, historic sites, wildlife watching, and ranger programs. For overnight stays there are 151 campsites across 4 camping areas (RV sites with electric hookups, tent sites, group camping, equestrian camping, and showers). If you'd rather not camp, the park offers cabins and camper cabins or similar shelters.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. | — |
| Office | Daily | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | — |
| Campground | Rustic non-electric campsites are available through November 30. The campground restroom is closed. The equestrian campground season opens May 1st and closes Oct 31st. | ||
| Park | Bathrooms: Flush toilets are available year-round at the ranger station and picnic shelter, and vault toilets are available in the campground and cabin area. The campground shower building and flush toilets are closed. Showers: The campground shower building and flush toilets are closed. Drinking water: Water is available year-round at the ranger station, picnic shelter and cabin area. Water is now off in the campground areas. Dump station: The dump station is closed for the season. Electric sites: Electric sites will be open from April 10 - October 18, 2026. RVs: Regular electric campsites have 30 amp service. Horse electric campsites have 50 amp service. Programs: Traditional campfire programs and naturalist-led walks and field trips are offered from Memorial Weekend through Labor Day weekend. Water: Water is available year-round at the ranger station, picnic shelter and cabin area. Water is off in the campground areas. Rentals: Snowshoes are available at the ranger station. Trails: • Horse/hiking trails are surfaced with crushed limestone. Shod horses are strongly recommended. Horse trails are open May 1 through October 31. Hiking is available year-round. No grooming is done for skiing, snowshoeing or hiking, but these activities are allowed anywhere in the park. Snowmobile trails are open from December 1 through March 31 when adequate snow is present. Campgrounds: Rustic non-electric campsites are available through November 30. The campground restroom is closed. The equestrian campground season opens May 1st and closes Oct 31st. | ||
Official wording
Daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Fall/Winter hours through April 8, 2026 Closed on state government holidays. Hours may vary due to staffing. Sunday - Saturday: 9 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Rustic non-electric campsites are available through November 30. The campground restroom is closed. The equestrian campground season opens May 1st and closes Oct 31st.
Bathrooms: Flush toilets are available year-round at the ranger station and picnic shelter, and vault toilets are available in the campground and cabin area. The campground shower building and flush toilets are closed. Showers: The campground shower building and flush toilets are closed. Drinking water: Water is available year-round at the ranger station, picnic shelter and cabin area. Water is now off in the campground areas. Dump station: The dump station is closed for the season. Electric sites: Electric sites will be open from April 10 - October 18, 2026. RVs: Regular electric campsites have 30 amp service. Horse electric campsites have 50 amp service. Programs: Traditional campfire programs and naturalist-led walks and field trips are offered from Memorial Weekend through Labor Day weekend. Water: Water is available year-round at the ranger station, picnic shelter and cabin area. Water is off in the campground areas. Rentals: Snowshoes are available at the ranger station. Trails: • Horse/hiking trails are surfaced with crushed limestone. Shod horses are strongly recommended. Horse trails are open May 1 through October 31. Hiking is available year-round. No grooming is done for skiing, snowshoeing or hiking, but these activities are allowed anywhere in the park. Snowmobile trails are open from December 1 through March 31 when adequate snow is present. Campgrounds: Rustic non-electric campsites are available through November 30. The campground restroom is closed. The equestrian campground season opens May 1st and closes Oct 31st.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Chicago).
Fees and passes
Per vehicle: a state park vehicle permit (one-day $7 or year-round $35) is required for every vehicle; same price for residents and nonresidents. Four free park days per year. Iron Range OHV SRA states 'There is no entrance fee'.
Statewide fee rule from Minnesota's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.
Minnesota park passes
- Year-round vehicle permit — $35. Unlimited visits to every Minnesota state park and recreation area for 12 months from the month of purchase Details
- One-day vehicle permit — $7. One day, one vehicle Details
- Additional year-round vehicle permit — $26. Additional vehicles owned by a year-round permit holder Details
- Year-round motorcycle permit — $30. Motorcycle, 12 months Details
- One-day group permit — $5. Group vehicles, one day Details
From the Minnesota state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- Reserve MN (US eDirect)
- Phone
- 866-857-2757
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
No dogs
No pets.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive-in Sites 73 sites — 50 seasonal non-electric sites. | 73 | ShowersRVs up to 50 feet | — |
| Electric Sites 23 seasonal sites | 23 | ElectricShowersRVs up to 50 feet | — |
| Horse Camp 55 sites — 23 sites are electric. | 55 | Showers | — |
| Group Camp Two seasonal sites each accommodate up to 50 people — Group campsites are in a wooded area near the Root River, and share a shelter with lights and electric outlets. Each has terraced campsites, water spigots, vault toilets, and fire rings. Limited drive-in camping is available for small campers and trailers, depending on weather. Parking is adjacent to sites. | — | Showers | — |
Camping details from the park
Drive-in Sites — 73 sites: 50 seasonal non-electric sites.
Electric Sites — 23 seasonal sites
RV Length Limit — 50 feet: Length is measured from the front of the tow vehicle to the rear of the vehicle being towed.
Accessible Sites — 2: 2 accessible drive-in, electric campsites are available: 1 in the main campground, 1 in the equestrian campground.
Horse Camp — 55 sites: 23 sites are electric.
Group Camp — Two seasonal sites each accommodate up to 50 people: Group campsites are in a wooded area near the Root River, and share a shelter with lights and electric outlets. Each has terraced campsites, water spigots, vault toilets, and fire rings. Limited drive-in camping is available for small campers and trailers, depending on weather. Parking is adjacent to sites.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Cabins and lodging
- Camper Cabins: 5 unitsCart-in from main campground parking lot — Five camper cabins with heat and electric, available year-round. No pets. Mink, Pine and Owl each sleep six; Lily and Trout are accessible and each sleep five. Self-registration is not available for the camper cabins - make sure to arrange in advance with the ranger station to be sure the key is available for you when you arrive. Map of the camper cabin area More information about camper cabins
Accessible Lodging — 2 accessible camper cabins: The Lily and Trout camper cabins are accessible.
Camper Cabins — Cart-in from main campground parking lot: Five camper cabins with heat and electric, available year-round. No pets. Mink, Pine and Owl each sleep six; Lily and Trout are accessible and each sleep five. Self-registration is not available for the camper cabins - make sure to arrange in advance with the ranger station to be sure the key is available for you when you arrive.
Map of the camper cabin area
More information about camper cabins
Map of the camper cabin area
More information about camper cabins
Things to do
Cave toursHistoric sites and toursCampingHikingHorseback ridingWildlife viewing and birdingRanger and interpretive programsPicnickingFishing
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiking (summer) | 20 mi | — | 20 miles, varying terrainHiking |
| Horse (summer) | 17 mi | — | 17 miles, seasonal — Trails are surfaced with crushed rock - horseshoes are recommended. Some water crossings required. Trail elevation is 200 feet from valley floor to top of hill. Very scenic. A Horse Pass is required.Horse |
| Snowmobile (winter) | 5 mi | — | Five miles — The park's trail connects to more than 100 miles of the grant-in-aid trail system.Snowmobile |
| Snowshoe (winter) | — | — | Anywhere in the park — Snowshoeing is allowed anywhere in the park, except for groomed snowmobile trails. Snowshoe rentals are available from the ranger station.Snowshoe |
Trail descriptions from the park
Summer — Hiking — 20 miles, varying terrain
Summer — Horse — 17 miles, seasonal: Trails are surfaced with crushed rock - horseshoes are recommended. Some water crossings required. Trail elevation is 200 feet from valley floor to top of hill. Very scenic. A Horse Pass is required.
Winter — Snowmobile — Five miles: The park's trail connects to more than 100 miles of the grant-in-aid trail system.
Winter — Snowshoe — Anywhere in the park: Snowshoeing is allowed anywhere in the park, except for groomed snowmobile trails.
Snowshoe rentals are available from the ranger station.
Trail conditions: • Horse/hiking trails are surfaced with crushed limestone. Shod horses are strongly recommended. Horse trails are open May 1 through October 31. Hiking is available year-round.
- No grooming is done for skiing, snowshoeing or hiking, but these activities are allowed anywhere in the park.
- Snowmobile trails are open from December 1 through March 31 when adequate snow is present.
Fishing
Fishing — Trout: Several parking lots are available for anglers.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Flush toilets
- Vault or pit toilets
- Showers
- Picnic areas
- Picnic shelters
- Visitor center
- Nature center or museum
- Park or camp store
- Group facilities
Camping
- RV dump station
- Tent camping
- RV camping
- Electric hookups
- Group camping
- Equestrian camping
Lodging
- Cabins
- Glamping or camper cabins
Recreation
- Horse trails
Accessibility
- Accessible cabins or lodging
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
- Accessible cabins or lodging
Visitor Center — Accessible - located at Mystery Cave: Interpretive displays, tour tickets and information, Nature Store, restrooms.
Accessible Sites — 2: 2 accessible drive-in, electric campsites are available: 1 in the main campground, 1 in the equestrian campground.
Accessible Lodging — 2 accessible camper cabins: The Lily and Trout camper cabins are accessible.
Camper Cabins — Cart-in from main campground parking lot: Five camper cabins with heat and electric, available year-round. No pets. Mink, Pine and Owl each sleep six; Lily and Trout are accessible and each sleep five. Self-registration is not available for the camper cabins - make sure to arrange in advance with the ranger station to be sure the key is available for you when you arrive.
Read more from the park
Map of the camper cabin area
More information about camper cabins
Showers — Accessible: Available seasonally in the campground.
Flush Toilets — Accessible: Available seasonally, in the campground.
Vault Toilets — Available year-round throughout the park - some accessible
Picnic Area — Two picnic areas: A seasonal picnic area with drinking water and restrooms is near Mystery Cave. The main picnic area is in the park. It is accessible, and has an all-season picnic shelter, running water and flush toilets.
Picnic Shelter — Accessible enclosed shelter: Available year-round. Features both fully enclosed and partially enclosed areas.
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- 21071 County 118
Preston, MN 55965 - Nearest town
- Preston — about 8 mi west (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 43.6337, -92.2306
- Phone
- (507) 352-5111
- forestville.statepark@state.mn.us
Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)
Directions from the park
Park Entrance: Approximately 5 miles south of Wykoff. Entrance to the park is 4 miles south of State Highway 16 on Fillmore County Road 5, then 2 miles east on Fillmore County Road 118. Mystery Cave Entrance is 6 miles south on County Road 5 from State Highway 16. Right-hand turn on 180th street west, 3/4 mile, turn right on Old Cave Road, travel 1/2 mile north. On your left is Mystery Cave Entrance Road.
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Minnesota State Parks and Trails — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026; page says updated Oct 17, 2026
- MN DNR A-Z list of state parks and recreation areas (park IDs in server-rendered <noscript> links) + state waysides page; details from the compass feature_detail JSON API used by park.html
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. “Last changed” (Oct 29, 2026) is when the information shown here last differed from the previous check. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology