Niagara Cave Tour MN is about an hour and a half drive from Waterloo. A great field trip featuring a 60-foot underground waterfall.
the Visit Neighboring States Series
Place/Event: Niagara Cave Tour MN
Location: 29842 Co Rd 30, Harmony, MN 55939 (Can be a little tricky to find. Located in the middle of the country.)
Cost: $ (See website for all options.)
Grade/age range: Children under 3 are allowed in the cave but I would recommend 1st-12th.
Group size: Small (20 or less)- a large group would have to be split.
Hands-on: limited to walking and viewing (not allowed to touch cave walls). Other hands-on activities are available for a fee.
Stroller friendly: Not in the cave.
Bathrooms: Yes
Water: Yes
Food: No. Picnic tables and a nice shelter are available.
Niagara Cave
Niagara Cave is just beyond the eastern Iowa border, about a 90-minute drive from Waterloo.
Consider this amazing geological treasure featuring a 60-foot underground waterfall and a one-mile hike tour with over 250 steps at 48 degrees for your next field trip.
Dress the kids warmly and wear sturdy shoes. It was raining the day we visited which was so odd to not hear or sense the rain inside the cave. The land around the cave is flat, adding to the uniqueness of the features inside. Who knew all that was just under your feet?
The Tour
Our tour guide was a very knowledgeable and polite young man.
He explained several geological features to us, pointing out fossils and all the different formations.
The kids were in awe. In one room there was an echo if you beat on your chest like a drum. The boys had a lot of fun in this room.
Like all good tours, the farther along you go, the better it gets.
We didn’t feel rushed during the tour and had lots of opportunities to take pictures and really study the different features.
My biggest regret was not preparing ahead of time for this learning experience. I did a little review with the children before our trip but next time would explain more before we go.
I just didn’t realize how much we would see on the tour. Very impressive.
Mystery Cave
Mystery Cave State Park is another cave about a half-hour drive from Niagara Cave. Both caves look awesome and we really debated on which to visit.
Minnesota Destinations
As you are traveling through Minnesota, plan a stop in the Twin Cities.
With unique attractions like Can Can Wonderland, amazing animal encounters at the Como Park Zoo, and a six-level science museum, the Twin Cities are worth more than a few days exploring.
North Shore
The North Shore makes the perfect weekend or week-long family trip! In addition to the stunning state parks, and trekking the Superior Hiking Trail with kids, there are cozy cabins, and more fun to be found.
A Weekend Guide to the North Shore with Kids will help you plan the rest of your stay.
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