Minnetonka Cave to close early for much-needed upgrades

MONTPELIER — Minnetonka Cave will soon be undergoing renovations to its exterior facilities at the upper parking lot.

According to a news release from Caribou-Targhee National Forest, the project will begin this month. The cave will need to close two weeks early in order for the work to be completed before winter.

The last day to make reservations to tour the cave will be Aug. 4, but the cave will stay open until Aug. 19 for first-come first-serve visitors.

The renovation project will replace the upper parking lot ticket booth, the bathrooms and the building where the generators are kept. The project will also add a deck next to the parking lot that will have a view of St. Charles Canyon.

Mike Duncan, Montpelier's district ranger, said in the news release that he is excited that the facility is going to get these much-needed upgrades.

"I am excited we can finally implement this project," Duncan said in the news release. "These needed upgrades will enhance the experience for visitors as well as provide a better environment for those working at the site."

The project is being funded by The Great American Outdoors Act, also known as the GAOA, which was passed into law back in 2020.

"Each year, approximately 40,000 individuals visit Minnetonka Cave," Duncan said in the news release. "GAOA funding is a great opportunity that we are able to utilize to improve many of our local facilities and enhance access to popular areas across the forest."

The project is expected to be completed this fall. It will not impact the cave's spring 2025 opening. For more information, call 208-847-0375.