Minnetonka Cave

Minnetonka Cave is one of the larger limestone caves in the state of Idaho. It is located in Cache National Forest in Bear Lake County, Idaho, United States, above the village of St. Charles (located at the north end of Bear Lake). "Minnetonka" is a misunderstanding of the words Mni and Tanka, derived from one of three Indigenous dialects: Dakota, Lakota or Nakota. "Mni Tanka", pronounced (Mini-Tah-"nasal n"-Kah) translates into "Big/Large Water". Tours through the cave are offered from Memorial Day (weather permitting) through Labor Day by Aud-Di Recreational Services, the concessionaire that holds the special use permit from the United States Forest Service. The half-mile route through the cave is lined with stalactites and stalagmites.