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HIAWATHA CAVERNS |
| Hiawatha Caverns is a highly decorated cave which was discovered in 1962 by workmen who were grading an easement for overhead power lines. Shortly thereafter, this highly decorated cave was commercialized and opened for tours in 1964. Due to unsustainable sales the cave was locked up after the 1966 tourist season. The Minnesota Cave Preserve purchased the cave in 2019 and restoration and exploratory activity is now taking place. Download the STORY Read the HISTORY |
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Original brochure. |
| Purchase
day, August 10, 2019. Notice the original ticket building in background.
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John Ackerman in front of the original entrance, which has since been replaced. |
| Martin
Larsen conducts laser measurements for the new entrance. |
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The original tunnel had collapsed. |
| A decision was made to install a new entrance. |
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We removed the original entrance tunnel and are now ready to install the new entrance. |
| Emily Hudson stands in the first of three 8' diameter entry sections. |
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Martin Larsen aligns the placement of the final section. |
| John Ackerman contours the site and spreads prairie grass seed. |
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Dave Gerboth stands at the new entrance. |
| In 1964 Lee & Fritz record the "Ballard of Hiawatha Caverns. |
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1963 photo of original owners Ed & Gertie Nietzke. |
| The cave is festooned with formations! |
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This amazing cave dates back to the Lower Ordovician Period of the Paleozoic Era, some 410 to 520 million years old. |
| Hiawatha
Caverns History Home |