Wabasha Street Caves reopening under new ownership

The Wabasha Street Caves are set to reopen under new ownership.

St. Paul’s historic cave tours closed during the pandemic but it’s been known as a spooky staple for decades.

"There is so much history here," said Donna Bremer, a former owner of the Wabasha Street Caves.

For decades, Bremer was the proud co-owner of the Wabasha Street Caves, hosting tours and private events in the sandstone caves just south of the Mississippi River.

"It’s the one place in the world that’s totally different from other places. There are other caves but they’re not finished for a night hall or a nightclub or anything like that," Bremer said.

But then, the pandemic brought even more darkness to the caves.

"It basically shut us down," Bremer said. "We were at a point in our life where, ‘OK, I guess God is telling us something.’"

They were forced to permanently close until a lifelong fan came along and made an offer.

"Got lucky and was able to make the purchase," said Faith Pon, the new owner of the Wabasha Street Caves. "It’s just a very special place in my heart, I’ve had a lot of good times here."

Now, the caves have new life, and Pon plans to add even more tours in the future.

"Some of the old staff is coming back as well and doing the tours, the actors, the gangster tours, so we hope to get all of that rolling," Pon said.

With a soft opening set for Saturday, Pon says they’ll be ready to fully reopen on Oct. 1.

"We’re starting slow and picking up as we go," Pon said.

"I am thrilled that they want to do what we built up and what people have enjoyed for many many years," Bremer said.

From the haunted history to the ghostly activity, there are still plenty of stories to tell.

"I think St. Paulans loved having us here and I’m glad it’s going to continue," Bremer said.

For more information on the Wabasha Street Caves, click here.