Ultimate Guide to Tyson Spring Cave, Minnesota (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
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Tyson Spring Cave is historically significant and it managed to captivate the local inhabitants for thousands of years. A stream flows out of the picturesque entrance of the cave, and it was only in 1987 that the explorers managed to walk through miles of beautiful passages of the cave. Tyson Spring Cave is a crucial Pleistocene site in North US.
The cave has beautiful geological formations in pristine form, but no details are available on this for the public. The passages in the cave are spacious, and access to this cave is limited to maintain the pristine environment.
History of Tyson Spring Cave
After the War of 1812, the US deeded a parcel of land to a war widow, and this land had the natural entrance to the cave. The widow, in turn, deeded the property to Mr. Harper Tyson in 1862. The residents of Fillmore County loved venturing into the cave with the help of wooden boats, but they were prevented from going more than 800 ft as the passage beyond that was completely submerged in water.
In the 1980s, the local caver Roger Kehret took the task of removing piles of rocks near the entrance in the hope of lowering the water level to pass through the sump.
In 1985, Larry Laine and Steve Porter used SCUBA gear to explore the cave, and they reported that the cave indeed continued towards an unknown expanse. Afterward, Roger Kehret and Dave Gerboth assisted Ackerman in removing a constriction that helped lower the water level just enough for them to enter the cave without any diving gear.
As per records, John Ackermann was the 1st non-diver to enter the cave, and he ventured deeper and eventually found the end of the cave system. He was quick to report his findings to the scientific community. However, since the cave was only accessible in low water conditions, very few cavers entered the cave in the next two decades.
In 2006, John Ackerman purchased the land above the cave and 143 acres of subterranean rights. A 124 ft entrance shaft was created to allow safe entry into the cave, and a gate has been placed at the natural entrance to prohibit any unauthorized entry. Like the Minnesota Cave Preserve, access to the cave is only available for nature groups, scientists, and members of the Minnesota Caving Club.
Geological Formations in Tyson Spring Cave
The natural mouth of the cave system lies below several towering limestone bluffs in Fillmore County. There are majestic formations in the cave that serve as a gateway that will lead you deeper into the cave.
There are huge limestone blocks in the passageways, and explorers even have to climb over several calcite dams in the main passage. Dave Gerboth, in his explorations, had discovered a massive dome towards the rear of the cave system.
Wildlife in Tyson Spring Cave
John Ackerman and a couple of fellow cavers discovered a pre-historic stag moose antler, which eventually discovered more than 175 extinct ice-age bones. It all started in 2008 when a bone was discovered that belonged to an elk or a moose.
The Illinois State Museum identified it to be of stag-moose antler. It was the 1st record of a stag moose in Minnesota. Shortly after, a skull was found that belonged to an ancient saber-tooth cat. It is the first record of a Saber-tooth cat in the Great Lakes region. The Saber-tooth cat lived approximately 27,000 years ago.
Is Tyson Spring Cave Haunted?
There are no adverse reports about this cave. The cave is not haunted.
How Big is Tyson Spring Cave?
The cave is around 3.5 to 5 miles in length.
Tyson Spring Cave Tours
Tyson Cave is a solutional cave that the Minnesota Cave Preserve owns. The cave is best known for the extinct ice-age bones scattered across the cave rooms. The major portion of the cave is approximately 120 ft below the surface and is one of the longest caves in the US.
It is a real pity that entry to the cave is restricted and only allowed for the nature groups and the scientists. The decision was taken to protect the fragile environment of the cave.
Tyson Spring Cave Tour Prices and Discounts
There are no charges to access the cave.
Is Tyson Spring Cave Cold?
The temperature inside the cave is around 48 degrees F, and it remains so throughout the year.
What to Wear?
Sweatshirts are highly recommended, along with waterproof boots. You must carry flashlights or headgear with a lamp attached to it.
Tyson Spring Cave Hours
The caves can be accessed between sunrise and sunset.
What to Do at Tyson Spring Cave (Beside Tours)
Since the cave is not open to the public, you will hardly spend 40 to 50 min here. After this, you can check out some other caves, such as Mystery Cave State Park and Niagara Cave. All these are within a short distance from the cave.
Best Time to Visit Tyson Spring Cave
The cave can be visited at any time of the year.
How to Get to Tyson Spring Cave
The cave is in southeastern Minnesota in Fillmore County. Within the Driftless Area, it is a well-known region for its Karst topography. The region has plenty of caves and sinkholes, and this cave is one of them.
Hotels near Tyson Spring Cave
Camping is not allowed around the cave, but you will always find great hotels in Fillmore County, close to the cave region. Hotel Lanesboro, for example, is one of the most preferred hotels for visitors to Fillmore County.
Tyson Spring Cave Fun Facts
- The major portion of the cave is 120 ft below the surface.
- It has a 3.5 to 5-mile length, making it one of the longest caves in the US.
Tyson Spring Cave Details
- Length: 3.5 to 5 miles
- Time Recommended: 1 to 2 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
- Kid-friendly: No
- Dog-friendly: No
- Fees: Free
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Visiting Tyson Spring Cave
Do you need more information before visiting? You can search the internet or ask the locals for more information about this fantastic cave.
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