Unique Things to Do in Idaho – Take A Tour of Minnetonka Cave

A Hidden Gem in the Cache National Forest

“Minnetonka Cave Formations” by Intermountain Region US Forest Service is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0.

Minnetonka Cave sits tucked away in southeastern Idaho’s scenic landscape, about eight miles west of St. Charles. The drive up Minnetonka Cave Road winds through the mountains, offering stunning views of Bear Lake and the surrounding forest. As you ascend, the air cools, and the anticipation builds. Unlike other outdoor activities in Idaho that require endless hiking or backcountry travel, Minnetonka Cave is accessible to almost anyone who is ready to tackle its famous 888 stairs.

Once you arrive at the entrance, the first thing you’ll notice is the cool breeze coming from deep within the cave. No matter the season, Minnetonka Cave stays at a chilly 40 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making it an ideal summer escape from the heat. Before stepping inside, the tour guide gathers visitors for a brief introduction, sharing important safety information and guidelines to help protect the cave’s fragile ecosystem.

The Journey Begins – Entering a World of Stone

As you step into the cave, artificial lights reveal a world of natural wonder. Unlike dark, eerie caves often depicted in movies, Minnetonka Cave is well-lit, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the beauty of the limestone formations. The guide leads the way, stopping at key points to explain the geological processes that shaped this underground marvel.

One of the first things you’ll learn is that Minnetonka Cave is a karst limestone cave, meaning it was formed by groundwater slowly dissolving the rock over thousands of years. This process created underground rivers, sinkholes, and intricate passageways, eventually leading to the vast chambers that visitors can explore today.

The tour covers nine distinct rooms, each with its own unique features. As you move deeper into the cave, you’ll encounter formations that seem almost sculpted by an artist—only these masterpieces were created by nature.

Spectacular Formations – Stalactites, Stalagmites, and More

One of the biggest highlights of the guided tour is getting up close to the incredible rock formations that have taken thousands of years to develop. You’ll see:

• Stalactites – Thin, icicle-like formations that hang from the ceiling, formed by mineral-rich water slowly dripping down over time.

• Stalagmites – These grow from the cave floor, formed by the same slow process, but in reverse. Some are small and spiky, while others have merged into massive pillars.

• Banded travertine – A stunning natural feature made up of layered mineral deposits, creating swirling patterns in the rock.

One of the most fascinating moments is when the guide explains how stalactites and stalagmites eventually meet to form columns. These towering structures stand as silent witnesses to the cave’s ancient history, growing just a fraction of an inch every hundred years.

Pausing to Catch Your Breath – And Learn More

Because Minnetonka Cave has 888 stairs, the tour is broken up into several stops, allowing guests to catch their breath while taking in the stunning scenery. At each stop, the guide shares interesting facts about the cave’s history, its discovery, and the ongoing efforts to protect its delicate formations.

The tour follows a half-mile path, with sections that require climbing up or down steps. Though the climb can be a bit strenuous, it’s well worth the effort. Along the way, visitors often ask questions about the cave’s past, its geological features, and even the wildlife that calls it home.

A Cave with a Chilling Past – The Mystery of Minnetonka

“Minnetonka cave” by isabel jones is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

While Minnetonka Cave is best known for its rock formations, it also has a bit of a mysterious history. Over the years, many legends have emerged about the cave’s past. Some stories claim that it was used as a hideout by outlaws, while others suggest it was once home to ancient indigenous cultures. Though no concrete evidence supports these tales, the cave’s shadowy depths and twisting corridors certainly add to its allure.

One undisputed fact, however, is that Minnetonka Cave is home to bats. The cave serves as a natural habitat for these nocturnal creatures, which play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations. To protect them from White Nose Syndrome (WNS)—a fungal disease affecting bat populations—visitors are strictly prohibited from wearing clothing or bringing items that have been inside another cave or mine.

Navigating Tight Passages and Wide Chambers

One of the most exciting parts of the tour is experiencing the cave’s varied terrain. Some sections open into massive rooms with high ceilings, where sound echoes off the walls, while others require visitors to squeeze through narrow passageways. The tour guides are experts at making these transitions fun, often pointing out formations that resemble familiar objects, like castles, animals, or faces hidden in the rock.

As you walk further, you’ll notice a distinct change in atmosphere—not just in temperature, but in the cave’s sense of time. Unlike the fast-paced world above, everything here feels slow and untouched, as if stepping into a different era entirely.

The Grand Finale – The Largest Room in the Cave

The final stop on the tour is the largest and most spectacular chamber in Minnetonka Cave. Here, the ceiling towers overhead, adorned with a jaw-dropping display of formations. The guide often takes a moment to turn off all the lights, allowing visitors to experience complete darkness. This brief moment is a reminder of how deep underground you truly are—and how explorers of the past would have navigated using only lanterns and torches.

After soaking in the beauty of the final chamber, it’s time to begin the journey back toward the entrance. Though the return trip still involves plenty of stairs, the sense of accomplishment makes it feel easier. Plus, stepping back into the daylight after nearly an hour and a half underground gives visitors a new appreciation for the bright Idaho skies.

Planning Your Visit – What to Know Before You Go

“Minnetonka Cave ” by Intermountain Region US Forest Service is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0.

• Tour Availability – Minnetonka Cave is open from mid-June to Labor Day, with tours running daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Be sure to check the official website or Recreation.gov for updated hours and ticket reservations.

• Clothing & Gear – The cave stays at 40 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, so bring a jacket or sweater even if it’s hot outside. Sturdy shoes are also recommended due to the stairs.

• Reservations – To ensure you get a spot, reserve your tickets online in advance. Walk-ins may be available, but during peak season, spots fill up quickly.

• No Outside Cave Gear – Due to the risk of spreading White Nose Syndrome, do not wear clothing or bring items that have been inside another cave or mine.

Take A Guided Tour of Minnetonka Cave – Unique Things to Do in Idaho

For those seeking a unique things to do in Idaho, a guided tour of Minnetonka Cave is an experience unlike any other. Whether you’re drawn by the geological wonders, the intriguing history, or the sheer thrill of exploring an underground world, this tour offers a one-of-a-kind journey through one of Idaho’s most spectacular natural treasures.

From its impressive stalactites and stalagmites to the challenges of navigating stairs and passageways, every part of the experience leaves visitors with a sense of awe. So if you’re planning a trip through southeastern Idaho, make sure to add Minnetonka Cave to your itinerary—you won’t regret stepping into this hidden world beneath the mountains.