After permanently closing this earlier this year due to hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic the historic Wabasha Street Caves celebrated a soft-reopening under new ownership on Saturday.
The caves, known for their history dating back to the 1840s have been home to mobsters, speakeasies, and swing dances.
New owner Faith Pon says the caves have been a part of her life and she hated to see them closed.
"I have been a long time fan and loved coming here when I was younger," said the Mankato native. "I went online and found that it was permanently closed and I was devastated."
Pon later bought the caves and celebrated Saturday with what was supposed to be a soft opening.
"This was a surprise that the media got involved so quickly," Pon laughed. "This was just supposed to be a soft opening but we are thrilled and excited."
Drastic changes aren't expected at the Wabasha Street Caves and in fact, one of Pon's favorite events will return as part of the official opening on October 1.
"The swing dancing on Thursday nights will reopen the first Thursday in October," Pon said. "There are very few slight changes, but we're keeping everything the same as far as the down in history tours and we'll be opening things up slowly."