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Minnetonka Cave
Minnetonka Cave is located on the Cache National Forest in Idaho. It is one of the premier show caves in the United States. Its limestone rock formations are truly remarkable; well worth traversing 888 stairs to see them. It is a karst limestone cave, formed from ground water flowing through limestone and carving sink-holes and underground waterways. It displays a wide variety of intriguing drip formations. Each year, more than 40,000 visitors come to Minnetonka Cave and take the tours. Tours are conducted by guides who pause in five or six locations to explain the various cave formations, answer questions posed by guests, and give you a chance to catch your breath. There are up to five tours in the cave at a time, and passing is done with care. The cave stays a brisk 40 degrees year round so bring your jacket! To prevent the westward spread of White Nose syndrome, (WNS), a disease common to bats, certain restrictions are in place at Minnetonka Cave. Humans can spread the disease between caves by wearing apparel or carrying items that have been exposed to the WNS fungus, so you cannot bring anything with you that has been in another cave or mine.
Tickets for tours at Minnetonka Cave can now be reserved on Recreation.gov
White Nose Syndrome: To keep White Nose Syndrome (a bat disease) from spreading into Minnetonka Cave, please DO NOT wear clothing or hand carried items into Minnetonka Cave that you have worn or carried in any other cave or mine. These items include boots, hats, purses, cameras, backpacks, jewelry, and cellphones.
Other Need to Know information can be found here: https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/10087702?tab=info
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | Opens on Memorial Weekend and closes on August 19, 2024. Tours run every half hour or more often, starting at 10:00. The last tour starts at 5:30 p.m. For reservations and tour specific questions, please call the concessionaire at 208-540-0266. The last day to secure reservations this year is August 4th. The cave wll remain open through August 19th for first-come, first-served visitors. **The last day to visit the cave this year is August 19, 2024. This is to allow for the renovation of the exterior facilities at the upper parking lot before winter its. This early closure will not affect next springs opening. Contact the Montpelier Ranger Dsitrict for any specific questions about this project at 208-847-0375. |
|---|---|
| Reservations: | Reservations for tickets can be made here: https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/10087702 The last day to secure reservations this year is August 4, 2024. |
| Fees: | Specific fee and tour information can be found on Recreation.gov here: https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/10087702 |
| Closest Towns: | Montpelier, ID |
| Water: | Yes |
| Restroom: | Yes |
| Operated By: | Managed by Montpelier Ranger District: (208)847-0375 |
General Information
Directions:Minnetonka Cave is near the town of St. Charles, Idaho. From Highway 89 at the north end of town, turn west onto Minnetonka Cave Road and follow it 8 miles to the lower cave parking lot. This left turn is just past the entrance to North Fork Campground. The turn is well-signed and there are cones in the road where you'll check in for the tour.
General Notes:
Mailing address:
Minnetonka Cave Tickets
HC 82 Box 1158
Duck Creek Village UT, 84762
Phone number: (208) 540-0266