Moles Cave Conservation Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Moles Cave Conservation Area is a natural area located in the southeastern part of Minnesota in the United States.


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Summary

It is a popular destination for visitors, thanks to its unique geological features and biodiversity.

One of the main reasons to visit Moles Cave Conservation Area is to explore the many caves and sinkholes that are found throughout the area. These features were formed by the erosion of the area's limestone bedrock, and they provide a glimpse into the region's natural history.

In addition to the caves and sinkholes, visitors to Moles Cave Conservation Area can also enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, wild turkeys, and more than 60 species of birds.

Interesting facts about Moles Cave Conservation Area include the fact that it was once used as a hideout by a notorious gang of outlaws known as the Younger Brothers, who robbed banks and trains throughout the Midwest in the late 1800s. There are also several historic sites in the area, including a 19th century cemetery and a former stagecoach stop.

The best time of year to visit Moles Cave Conservation Area is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild and the area is in full bloom. However, visitors should be aware that the area can be prone to flash flooding during heavy rainstorms, so it is important to check the weather forecast before planning a visit.

Overall, Moles Cave Conservation Area is a fascinating and unique destination that is well worth a visit for anyone interested in natural history, outdoor recreation, or just exploring the beautiful countryside of southeastern Minnesota.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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