Forgotten but Fascinating: The Village of Forestville

🔍 Forgotten but Fascinating: The Village of Forestville

Tucked away in the scenic Driftless Area of southeastern Minnesota lies a ghost town with a story to tell. The village of Forestville, now preserved as part of Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, offers a rare glimpse into 19th-century life—and the twists of fortune that left it nearly forgotten.

Once a bustling hub of rural commerce, Forestville was founded in 1852 and quickly became a small but vital trade center. It had a blacksmith, school, flour mill, and general store—everything a frontier town could ask for. But when the railroad bypassed Forestville in 1868, its fate was sealed. Businesses closed, families moved away, and one man, Thomas Meighen, slowly bought up the entire town. By 1890, he owned every building, and the remaining residents were essentially his tenants.

Today, Forestville is a living museum run by the Minnesota Historical Society. Interpreters guide you through the village as it appeared in 1899, bringing to life stories of perseverance, hardship, and community spirit. From the old general store to the Meighen family home, you'll walk the same dirt paths that townsfolk once did—minus the muddy boots!

🎩 Did you know?

• The general store still holds original inventory from the 1800s

• Forestville once had its own post office and doctor

• Mystery Cave, just down the road, is Minnesota’s longest cave system, and the cool, 48°F air makes it a perfect summer escape

Whether you're a history lover, a curious traveler, or a local exploring your own backyard, a visit to Forestville offers something magical: the chance to step back in time—and understand how fast fortunes can change.

🚌 Ready to explore this slice of Minnesota history?
👉 Book our Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park Tour and experience it firsthand!