Did you know you can take a short trail to a sandy cave in Minnesota – and then continue on to a waterfall? If you didn’t before, you do now. Head on out to Stillwater, and from there, we’ll show you where to go.

Start at the St. Croix Boom Site, a Minnesota State Wayside and part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway unit of the National Park Service.
Google Street View
The wayside is located just north of Stillwater on Minnesota Hwy. 95.
From the parking lot at the wayside, take the steps down to the river bank.
Mike DeOtis/Google
From the base of the stairs, head south (i.e., turn to your right) and follow the trail along the base of the bluff for a short distance until you reach a small, sandy beach.
John Stifter/Google
Be careful when the river is high, though, as the trail - as well as the cave - may be under water.
Toua Lee/Google

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In the limestone at the back of the beach, you’ll find a small cave.
Monica Jeffery/AllTrails
Although small, the cave is deep. And it’s clearly well-used - and not always with respect. You’re likely to find graffiti on its walls and possibly trash or other debris in the cave.
Katie Hole/Google
From the cave, turn back the way you came, past the stairs, for about half a mile. The narrow trail will skirt the bluff.
Shannon Johnson/AllTrails
When you reach a small creek, follow the creek upstream a short distance.
Joshua Mullenburg/AllTrails
Your efforts will be rewarded with a gorgeous little waterfall tumbling over the rock-lined river bank.
dirik lanvil/Google

The whole hike is a little over a mile and is not particularly strenuous. Just be aware of your surroundings to avoid roots, erosion, and loose rocks as you walk. Reward yourself afterward with a burger and a shake at Leo’s Grill and Malt Shop in nearby Stillwater – you’ve earned it.

Have you hiked to the cave and/or waterfall at St. Croix Boom Site? Are there any other caves in Minnesota that are as easy to access and explore?

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St. Croix Boom Site, Stillwater, MN 55082, USA