Iowa Grotto

04/24/2026

Mystery and adventure await deep below the surface in Minnesota. 🔦⛰️

Cave surveying is careful, methodical work. Every measurement taken underground helps us create accurate maps of a world few will ever see, revealing how water has shaped the rock over thousands of years.

For Cheryl Johnson, it’s a true labor of love. As a volunteer surveyor (and Chair of the Iowa Grotto), Cheryl regularly travels on her own time to assist with ongoing work at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park.

By documenting the cave in such detail, Cheryl is contributing to:
✅ Science & Conservation: Mapping how groundwater flows through our karst landscape.
✅ Resource Management: Identifying fragile formations and inventorying rare resources.
✅ Visitor Safety: Helping us better understand the cave system for everyone’s benefit.

Last year alone, Cheryl completed 2,000 feet of survey monitoring! We are so incredibly proud to have her as part of our volunteer community.

Her passion and dedication ensure that Mystery Cave is not only explored but truly understood and protected for generations to come.

Ready to find your own deep-mystery? 🔍

Click the link in the comments below to see how you can join our team of volunteers! 🫱🏽‍🫲🏽🔗

04/15/2026

From lava tubes on Mars to ice pockets on Europa, subterranean environments may offer the best chance of finding life—and living safely—beyond our planet.

01/06/2026

This announcement will be used to fill multiple positions throughout the 2026 operating season at Forestville/Mystery Cave
State Park near Preston, MN.
Job ID: 91200
Location: _Forestville/Mystery Cave Stat Telework Eligible: No Regular/Temporary: Seasonal
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 01/06/2026
Closing Date: 09/30/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit: DNR Parks & Trails Region 3
Work Shift/Work Hours: Varies
Days of Work: Varies
Travel Required: No
Salary Range: $23.98 - $34.69 / hourly
Classified Status: Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MAPE / 218 Insufficient Work Time
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
This position will develop, present, and publicize interpretive programs in order to educate the public about the natural, cultural and outdoor recreation aspects of Forestville/Mystery Cave State
Park. Much of this work involves presenting interpretive tours in Mystery Cave. Other duties include researching material for interpretive use, developing non-personal interpretive materials,
staffing the information desk and visitor center, record keeping, opening/closing visitor center and cave, record keeping, operating the ticket and gift store counter.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in one of the physical sciences such as ecology, zoology, botany, geology, geography, OR a cultural resource focused degree such as American history, anthropology, archeology, OR parks and recreation management OR
environmental education and interpretation OR equivalent.
Three months relevant public speaking experience in a formal or informal setting. Relevant speaking experience may include
professional, volunteer, or internship work.
How to Apply
Go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Dawn Ryan at [email protected] or 507-808-8011.

12/13/2025

A Big Brown bat was disturbed during hibernation and found on a sidewalk in downtown Decorah. Elyse Running's quick actions saved the bat from freezing temperatures, and he has been relocated to Wildthunder Wildlife & Animal Rehabilitation & Sanctuary where he will be properly taken care of. There are resources available to ensure animals, including bats, receive help when in distress. When in doubt, reach out!!

11/03/2025

Congratulations to Cheryl Johnson for becoming a CRF Fellow. Photo by Chad McCain.

10/31/2025

Even though Bat Week is ending, you can help protect bats by helping preserve their habitat, such as caves. You can also join people who are working to preserve and restore caves that have been disturbed. Check out this story about a cave cleanup in Iowa.

https://parks.decorahia.org/news/2025/iowa-grotto-restoration-project

If you want to find a group near your that is working to protect caves go to National Speleological Society : www.caves.org

10/13/2025

08/03/2025

2025 Iowa Grotto picnic!! The weather was perfect! Lots of laughter, food, fun and CAVING!! Thank you to everyone who helped make the weekend a success!!

06/19/2025

Millions of acres of public land — and major caves — could be sold under a new Senate proposal.

A provision in the Senate’s reconciliation bill could lead to the sale of over 3 million acres of public land — including areas with iconic caves like: Main Drain, Loaded Dice, Columbine Crawl, Deadhorse, and many others.

Even access to our NSS Preserves could be threatened. For example, while the NSS owns the entrance to Great Expectations, the USFS land next to it (which provides road access) is marked for sale.

If these lands are sold, public or trailhead access to these caves could be lost, and the caves and ecosystems they contain may be destroyed, closed, or irreparably harmed.

Here's what YOU can do to help:

1️⃣ Contact your legislators: Ask them to oppose the land sale provisions in the reconciliation bill. Include your full name and return address.

If you like, you can use this sample message:

"As a constituent, I’m deeply concerned that the proposed land sales in the Senate reconciliation bill would put many unique cave ecosystems, rare species, and irreplaceable geological and cultural resources at risk. Please oppose the mandated sale of public lands and help protect our shared natural heritage."

Find your representatives' contact info on the official government site:
https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials

Or use this contact form:
https://democracy.io/

2️⃣ Spread the word: Share this message to raise awareness with fellow cavers, outdoor enthusiasts, and conservationists. We need your voice to protect these irreplaceable resources! 🙏

06/05/2025

Tomorrow (Thursday) at Noon CST Dr. Sebree will be on IPR talking Cave Science on River to River. Catch the Live stream at the link below

River to River is a conversation about the news — from an Iowa perspective. Together, we dig into the story behind the headlines, talking with newsmakers and experts to find out how the news affects you. Ben Kieffer hosts this national award-winning program, which takes on challenging topics, expl...