Spring Valley Caverns is owned by John Ackerman of Lakeville, Minnesota. Every Minnesota caver owes John a debt of gratitude for creating a "Karst Preserve" at his cave farm. The farm itself, located outside the towns of Stewartville and Spring Valley is like any other farm in the area. The difference is that this farm's sinkholes have not been overlooked. Nearly every sinkhole on the property has been examined or explored for possible cave passage and many have been pushed to develop the elaborate cave system.

There are a few caves surrounding the main cave system (Ackerman's Cave, The Big One, etc.) but much of what we cavers know and enjoy is part of Spring Valley Caverns. Today, at the entrance to SVC I (the main entrance to the system) there stands a building, constructed to look natural, nestled into the hillside providing a safe, yet secure entrance to the cave. In addition to this main entrance, there are several culvert entrances to the system at various parts of the cave. All of these entrances are safe and secure. John and the MSS run a simple but tight system of access. There is a small entrance fee for all who enter the cave. This money goes to John to help pay for insurance premiums, but we all know that John has made a VERY sizable investment to preserve this underground realm--an investment that goes way beyond it's seven dollar pricetag. Every little bit helps, however, and we gladly donate our fee and our muscle to help John in any way we can.

In addition to an entrance fee, all cavers must be accompanied by an accomplished leader. Leadership status is earned, and only those who know the cave, practice safe and experienced technique, and demonstrate the ability to lead small groups safely into the cave will become leaders. The leaders are crucial to the preservation of the cave. They know where the formations lie, they know names and features throughout the cave, and above all, they carry experience and equipment that permit safe passage through the cave.

The cave itself is beautiful. By global standards, it may seem small and plainly decorated, but by Minnesota standards, this is a wonderful underground world. There is truth that midwestern caves can be quite small. Ask any Wisconsin caver. However, in SVC, we have some gigantic passages capable of swallowing semi trucks or buildings. Of course, these are sometimes connected by walking passages and tight squeezes. Basically, SVC is a diverse collection of underground terrain. You will find many beautiful formations, some large ominous passage, some belly-crawl tight stuff, as well as high crevices. Part of SVC's charm is this diversity which makes it ideal for rookie cavers or for those who want to practice technique. However, alongside its accessibility resides its beauty. At all times, cavers must observe a high standard and strict code of ethics. The cave is to be respected if it is to be preserved.