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| The entrance to the North Star cave system. |
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| Inside the cave. A bit further back, the cave begins to branch out. |
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The North Star brewery began in 1855 in the majestic city of St. Paul, Minnesota, and by 1872 it was the second biggest brewing complex west of Chicago. These caves were dug out of the bluffs and used as cooling houses for beer and ale because of the constant cool temperatures which caves provide. In 1884, a certain Jacob Schmidt purchased half of the brewery, and its success was the first step in the founding of the Jacob Schmidt Brewing Company.
The brewery went under in 1900, but the caves remained. Unfortunately, when M.G. and friends stopped by, the temperature was too warm and the water inside the cave prevented further exploration. When it is cold, that water becomes ice, and M.G. will return.
All in all, the North Star caves aren't that cool unless one is intrigued by the historical significance. Note the numerous beer cans, it is obvious that the cave mouth is a regular party spot. Also found were the sleeping quarters of a homeless person, a poached deer that had been dumped near the entrance, and the cat (?) skeleton.
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