Minnesota Zoo Minnesota Bats & Caves Travel EdVenture

This adventure in southeast Minnesota is full of batty opportunities!

A day packed with the beauty of underground geology at Mystery Cave, Minnesota’s largest cave with 13 underground miles, and the conservation tales of Minnesota’s important insect-eaters, is an itinerary specially designed for you. You won’t be exploring all 13 miles, but you will be taking two different subterranean hikes and one terrestrial hike. The day starts with visiting the bats at the Minnesota Zoo and includes talks from experts at the Minnesota Zoo and Mystery Cave State Park. Come share your interest with other bat-loving guests and seize this opportunity to look for and view Minnesota’s native bat species while learning about its return from near devastation due to white-nose syndrome. You’ll end the day with a completely new appreciation for our beautiful and complex state.

YOUR EDVENTURE ITINERARY
Begin your EdVenture at the Minnesota Zoo with a welcome and opportunity to meet the Zoo’s bats and their caretakers. Depart for Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park and upon arrival, participate in a DNR Minnesota bats presentation. Then enjoy a picnic lunch (provided) and free time to explore the park. In the afternoon, experience an extended guided scenic cave tour and a hike of the Cherry Grove Blind Valley SNA. End the day assisting the DNR conducting spotlight counts of bat boxes.

Important Notes:
• Transportation to and from Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park is not included, but a Minnesota State Park will be provided. Email [email protected] if this is an issue.
• Optional: All are invited afterwards to join the Zoo Host for dinner in Lanesboro.
• The cave temperature is 48°F (9°C), year-round.
---Dress warmly and wear sturdy walking shoes. No sandals, Crocs, Teva-type sandals or open-toed shoes are allowed.
• Flash photography is allowed in caves, but backpacks and bags are not.
• All rocks and artifacts must be left in the cave.