The Wabasha Street Caves, located in St Paul, Minnesota, are a unique and historic attraction that offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s colorful past. These caves have a rich and diverse history, serving as everything from natural formations to a speakeasy during Prohibition. Today, they are a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts alike.
The story of the Wabasha Street Caves begins millions of years ago when the caves were formed through the natural processes of erosion and the dissolution of limestone bedrock. Over time, the caves were deepened by water and became a part of the extensive sandstone and limestone caves that run throughout the region.
It was during the 19th and early 20th centuries that the caves gained historical significance. In the 1840s, St. Paul’s early settlers discovered the caves and recognized their potential as a valuable resource. They quarried the sandstone and limestone from the caves, using the materials for construction purposes, including many buildings in the city.
As the years went by, the caves saw various uses, but perhaps their most famous era began during Prohibition in the 1920s. When the sale and consumption of alcohol were banned in the United States, the caves became an ideal location for illegal drinking establishments known as speakeasies. Due to their remote and secretive nature, the Wabasha Street Caves provided the perfect setting for speakeasies to operate discreetly.
One of the most notable speakeasies in the Wabasha Street Caves was the “Castle Royal,” which became an infamous hotspot for socializing, dancing, and indulging in illicit alcohol. The Castle Royal attracted gangsters, politicians, and celebrities of the time, and it is said that even gangster Al Capone visited the establishment. To this day, remnants of the Castle Royal era, such as bullet holes in the walls and the remnants of hidden tunnels, can still be seen in the caves.
As Prohibition ended in the 1930s, the caves lost their role as speakeasies, and over time, they fell into disuse and were largely forgotten. However, in the late 20th century, efforts were made to preserve and showcase the historical significance of the Wabasha Street Caves.
Today, the Wabasha Street Caves are open to the public and serve as a unique event venue, hosting weddings, private parties, and corporate events. The caves have been restored and enhanced with lighting, walkways, and interpretive displays, making them both accessible and informative for visitors.
Guided tours are available, during which knowledgeable guides share the intriguing history of the caves, including their geological origins and the colorful stories of their Prohibition-era past. The tours often highlight the fascinating tales of gangsters, bootleggers, and the secret world of speakeasies that once thrived in these subterranean spaces.
In addition to their historical significance, the Wabasha Street Caves also hold cultural and natural value. The caves are home to various wildlife, and their unique rock formations continue to captivate geologists and nature enthusiasts.
The Wabasha Street Caves remain a cherished part of St. Paul’s heritage, a living testament to the city’s past as it continues to captivate visitors and locals alike. Through their intriguing history and ongoing preservation efforts, the Wabasha Street Caves serve as a compelling reminder of the fascinating stories that lie beneath the surface of every city.