What would you do if you were searching for a lost calf… and instead stumbled into a hidden world 375 million years in the making?

In this episode of Roots & Riddles, Preston and Lenora take you just north of Spring Valley, where farmer John Latcham made an unexpected discovery on his own land—a sinkhole that led to one of southeastern Minnesota’s most fascinating underground wonders.

From the first cautious steps into the darkness to the excitement of early explorers mapping half a mile of passageways, this story has it all: mystery, science, and a touch of small-town ambition. Within months, what began as a chance discovery transformed into the Spring Valley Caverns—complete with guided tours, electric lights, and curious visitors from across the region.

But what lies beneath the surface? How did these caves form—and what might still remain undiscovered 100 feet below?

Join us as we uncover the story of the man, the moment, and the marvel hidden beneath Fillmore County.