Originally opened for public tours in 1886, the Fairy Caves were touted locally as the "Eighth Wonder of the World". World War I put an end to the tourist operation, and what little visitation to the caves that occurred in years since essentially came to an end several decades ago.

Since the caves were closed, numerous pristine rooms and passageways have been discovered including two of the largest rooms in Colorado. After being closed to the public for 82 years, the historic cave and the newly discovered areas have recently been reopened.