Minnetonka Cave

Minnetonka Cave is a limestone cave system in a national forest in Idaho with nine main chambers containing numerous limestone formations. Visitors climb about 444 stairs during guided tours to explore all areas beneath the stone arches.

Edward Arnell discovered the cave system by chance in 1907 while hunting grouse. During the 1930s, a public works program made the cave accessible and developed it for visitors.

The name comes from Native American languages and likely refers to water in Dakota, Lakota, or Nakota dialects. This linguistic connection to the region's indigenous history becomes present as visitors walk through the underground chambers.

Access is only by guided tour, offered year-round, with most visitors coming during warmer months. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for stairs, as the tour is physically demanding.

The cave sits at about 2,346 meters (7,700 feet) elevation and maintains a constant temperature of about 4 degrees Celsius (39 degrees Fahrenheit) year-round. These stable conditions make it home to six bat species, including the rare Townsend's Big-eared Bat.

Location: Caribou-Targhee National Forest

GPS coordinates: 42.08720,-111.51900

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:49