There's An Adventure Under the Minnesota Snow

It won’t be too much longer before the snow in Minnesota starts to melt. When it does, there are a lot of wonders to be unveiled, such as Niagara Cave. No, the cave is not related to Niagara Falls, but for those looking for a good cave adventure, this is one to be had.

Located in Harmony, Minnesota, the hours of operation begin on Saturdays and Sundays in April to then being open seven days a week in May until November 14^the and there is a cost that depends upon group size. There are certain times in which tours are offered, so it is good to plan in advance. But what can be found within the cave is quite fascinating. It is not a bat habitat, so there will not be any bats hanging from the cave ceiling. It does, however, have a 60 foot high waterfall, calcite flowstone, massive stalactites, and 400 million year old fossils. No matter the time of year, the temperature remains a chilly 48 degrees.

There are a number of stairs throughout the cave, so it is one in which wheelchairs and strollers will not be able to make it through. The gift shop, however, is wheelchair accessible and contains a number of souvenirs, snacks, clothing, and other items. What I find fascinating about the gift shop is the display of fossils from all over the world. There are also a number of onyx and pewter chess sets and figures. Everything is very reasonably priced, which is something I enjoy in a gift shop.

The picnic grounds are like your usual picnic grounds with shelters. However, there are 10 grounds with shelters that can seat over 100 people and a short nature trail to hike after having a good meal.

And gemstone mining is also an activity that is a lot of fun. This is one that adults and children can enjoy because you are mining for real fossils and genuine gemstones. You can really end up with some nice loot when it’s all said and done. All you do is purchase a bag of mining rough from the gift shop and then you can sift through it in the sluice. This is mining the way it was done back in the old days. There is an identification board near the sluice so that you know what you have found.

There is definitely a lot to see at Niagara Cave. I enjoyed my trip there and did find some Topaz and Rose Quartz while mining for gems. I also went crazy in the gift shop, which is easy to do because many of the items within were quite unique to me and, of course, I have to have something that not many others in my neck of the woods have.