Oregon Trail-Bear Lake Scenic Byway
Minnetonka Cave, ID
Minnetonka Cave is the largest commercially developed limestone rock cave in the state of Idaho, and one of the highest, with an entrance elevation of 7,700 feet.
The developed part of the cave contains nine separate "rooms" or chambers. The largest of these chambers is called the Ballroom, measuring more than 300 feet across and 90 feet high.
Some of the cave's most interesting features are the deposits of lime which form stalactites and stalagmites. Many of these interesting formations have been given names, such as the "Ballerina," and the "Bride and Groom." The oldest (and largest) of these are the "Three Sisters." Other intriguing formations are known by some as the "Wedding Ring", the "Gold Coins" in the Treasure Room chamber, "Miss Piggy's Tail" and "Kermit's Castle."
Photo Credits
- Public domain. Photo by A. E. Crane
Quick Facts
- Location:
9 miles up St. Charles Canyon in Caribou National Forest
- N 42.093° W 111.523° [?]
- Time to Allow:
The tour takes from 60-75 minutes.
- Hours of Operation:
Tours are conducted seven days a week from about mid-June through Labor Day, depending on the weather.
Local Information
- Minnetonka Cave in Caribou National Forest:
- The USFS website includes a brief description of the cave, visitor information including hours and fees, and a photo of the Three Sisters formation.
