If you visit Bear Lake, you have to go see Minnetonka Cave. This is an amazing cave system located in SE Idaho, about 12 miles west of Bear Lake.
It's a 1/2 mile cave system with 9 really impressive rooms.
The cave is only explored by guided tour. There is a fee (See below). Get there early, and be prepared to wait. They don't take advanced reservations, and the wait times can be long if you go on a busy day.
When to Visit : Cave open around Memorial Day every Year and closes around Labor Day (Exact dates depend on weather). Cave is open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tours run every half hour and the last tour starts at 5:30 p.m. Tours are 90 minutes long.
Directions: The cave is located 10 miles west of St. Charles, ID on a Forest Service Road. Look for a sign on Hwy. 89 just past St. Charles.
FEES: $8.00 for adults (16 years or older), $6.00 for children (6 to 15 years), Children under 5 years old are FREE. Family Pass is $32.00 (Immediate family, living at home). $4.00 for Golden Access Pass / Golden Access Holders
More Info: For more information about Minnetonka Cave call: (435) 245-4422.
Challenges: Be aware there are MANY stairs- 896 stairs round trip! My dad (in his 70s) survived the tour, but it was difficult for him. My children didn't show any sign of struggling. I think the sights kept them distracted. The tour is 90 minutes. Distance is a 1/2 mile and don't forget the stairs. Many sites will list this as a strenuous hike, but I'd say it's more intermediate. The cave is not handicap/wheelchair accessible. All visitors must be able to do all the stairs to do the tour. Refunds are offered if people get to the first room and realize it's too much for them, and turn around.
Children: Be prepared to carry small children. The stairs can be a challenge and slow-going for any children under 5yrs. It's also quite cold in the cave (40 degress), so make sure everyone is dressed warmly.
Dogs: NO DOGS ALLOWED. Because of risk of disease to the dog, I am fairly sure service dogs are also not allowed.
Other nearby attractions: Bear Lake, Paris Ice Cave, Paris tabernacle
Here is a video from the official site (Not Mine) :
Attention! If you plan on visiting Minnetonka Cave please DO NOT wear any clothing (including shoes, hats, belts, jewelry) or bring any items with you (such as cameras, backpacks, cell phones, purses, etc) that have been in another cave or mine.
