Historic Forestville to Operate on a Limited Schedule for 2023 Season

Changes follow the failed inspection of County Road 118 bridge

PRESTON, Minn (May 25, 2023) – The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) has made the necessary decision that Historic Forestville will operate on a limited schedule for the summer of 2023. This is for the safety of visitors and staff, after the bridge on County Road 118 that provides access to the historic site failed inspection and was closed to pedestrians in March.

MNHS is working closely with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Fillmore County to pursue a temporary bridge that would allow the site to resume normal operations for the 2024 season, as well as to seek funding to preserve the historic bridge. MNHS will continue to collaborate with partners to determine a solution that prioritizes safety and allows Minnesotans to experience the rich history of this area.

Historic Forestville will continue to host school field trips and special events throughout the spring and summer. Special events will take place on the north side of the closed historic bridge. Visitors will be able to access events from the north by taking County Road 11 or 201st St. from Hwy 16 or 206th St. from County Road 5. They can park along the road north of the mailbox. Required parking permits for Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park can be purchased online.

More information on summer events can be found at mnhs.org/forestville.

About the Minnesota Historical Society

The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. MNHS collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs, and book publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, MNHS preserves our past, shares our state’s stories, and connects people with history.