Goliath's Cave

Goliath's Cave is an extensive Fillmore County Minnesota cave system which was discovered, documented and surveyed by Minnesota cavers. Access to the cave had been banned after the goverment purchased it in 1988. In 2004 the Minnesota Cave Preserve acquired several surface acres above the cave, including 358 subsurface cave rights, and created a second entrance. The upper level of the cave has large dry passages, in contrast to the occasionally turbulent lower stream levels. Numerous underground stream tributaries conjoin within the lower level, and over thousands of years have sculpted a series of expansive winding passages. After numerous discoveries were made by the Minnesota Caving Club, the final surveyed length of the cave system stands at 2.39 miles.

This is the natural entrance to Goliath's Cave where the main cave system was originally discovered. It is now in possession of the Division of Natural Resources/SNA.

Subsequently the Sikkink family made the decision to sell John Ackerman several surface acres above the cave so a second access could be created.

In addition, 358 subsurface cave rights to the cave system were included.

This photo was taken at Spring Valley Caverns.

This tire was washed deep into the cave from one of numerous sinkholes located under the SNA/DNR property.

Surface debris continues to flow into the cave through sinkholes located on the SNA property.

After groping through a maze of subterranean passages Preston surfaces into a new cave segment. He quickly returns with fantastic news.

Later, John Ackerman also dons SCUBA gear, retraces Preston's route and together they explore and survey over 1/3 mile of stupendous breathtaking passage. Ackerman names this new branch of Goliath's Cave the "Iconoclast" section.

Click here to read the entire account.

John Prestoon in the Iconoclast Section.

After the location readings were obtained and verified on the surface John and Clay made their return journey through the cave system and back out into the crisp winter air.

Brr!

John, Clay and Dave Gerboth wasted no time in retracing the survey data on the surface. The final tape and compass reading led directly to the Sikkink home, where it terminated in Venitta's kitchen.

It is now known that the largest body of water in the cave lies directly under the 130 year old home! This was a bizarre revelation given the fact that over two miles of convoluted cave passages stretch through thick forested and hilly terrain before ending in a huge lake directly under the home.

Also in 2005 an extensive dry upper level was discovered after digging through several dirt filled constrictions located upstream from the man made entrance.
Here Dave begins to enter an unknown passage after pulling the dirt away.

He was immediately greeted by a groggy bat! Our subsequent survey revealed that this bat had flown into the passage from connecting SNA/DNR passages. We had inadvertently discovered another major section of cave for the SNA/DNR.

A few years later John ventured through the main low (and nearly water filled) downstream passage in his quest to locate the miles of passages that dye tracing has proven exist.

John discovered a 20’ tall dome along the side of the stream passage and spotted a gap near the ceiling. John felt that it could be entered using the right gear.

A special grappling hook was constructed, which John managed to toss up through the gap. John climbed up the rope which was attached to the grapping hook and discovered a 42’ tall room with a 6’ tall passage leading off into the distance.
Later a cable ladder was installed in this dome as shown here.

After 52’ John was stopped by a rock blockage, but was eventually able to break through. He moved forward for a short distance and then climbed up into an amazing dry upper level. READ THE STORY

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David Gerboth and Clay Kraus in the newly discovered upper level.

Over one quarter mile was surveyed. The survey revealed that this dry upper level lies directly above the main lower stream passage.

An easier route up to the new upper level was discovered from the main Rubicon stream passage. This ladder was subsequently installed down to the Rubicon passage.

In the meantime continual flood events are occurring at the sinkhole entrance to Goliath’s Cave on the SNA/DNR property. This is especially harmful to the cave environment, especially during the summer and fall seasons, when copious amounts of soil and debris wash into the cave.

Sediment, glass, plastic and assorted debris races through the SNA/DNR portion of the cave and is deposited in the Minnesota Cave Preserve’s lower section.

This is what the sinkhole entrance looks like after a major flood event. The sinkhole has sealed itself naturally, effectively acting as a filter for water intrusion.

And yet the SNA/DNR spends our tax dollars to continually reopen this sinkhole under the premise that it serves as an access to the cave. A simple safe, secure and water tight man-made entrance, which the Minnesota Cave Preserve has offered to install for no charge, is not an option for the SNA/DNR. Surface debris continues to pollute this once pristine underground wilderness. The SNA/DNR is in direct violation of their own policy, which states that: “Any activity that violates or damages resources - air, water, soil, plants, animals, and rocks - is punishable by fine or jail sentence.”