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Out Wandering The Cave Of The Mounds In Wisconsin
I’ve been fascinated with caves ever since I was a kid, playing with my neighborhood pals on the rocky hill behind our neighborhood. We would pretend we were the first explorers to the natural entrances we found, even having our own fossil dig from time to time.
Squeezing in and out of the many tight spaces in these “limestone cave formations” always made me feel like one of the actual cave explorers I learned about in school.
The Cave Of The Mounds
Initially discovered in 1939, the Cave of the Mounds, a natural limestone cave, can be rediscovered daily. Recognized as the premier Cave in the upper Midwest, it is often referred to as the jewel box of America’s show caves.
Located in Iowa County of Southwest Wisconsin, the National Natural Landmark Cave Of The Mounds is a popular tourist destination. For the curious tourist, pack your comfortable shoes and get ready to experience some of the best self-guided tours in the state of Wisconsin.
Inside and out, this significant Cave of the upper Midwest offers much natural beauty. Walk along butterfly gardens and explore the natural beauty and mineral formations inside the Cave.
Something New Above The Ground
Above ground, visitors to the Cave experience a variety of fun activities for both children and adults. Explore four interpretive nature trails and bird observation area, and discover how the earth developed above and below ground on a geologic timeline. Geology is brought to life along the way through rocks, fossils, plants, and other hands-on experiences.
At the Cave Of The Mounds gift shop, you get to roam one of the most novel gift shops around. It includes hundreds of individual minerals, fossils and gemstones. You can fill your pockets with treasure at the Gem Mining Sluice and break open a geode to see what no other person has. Wondering where to start? Just ask one of the helpful Cave of the Mounds staff.
As I Walk With Beauty
As I walk, The universe is walking with me; in beauty, it walks before me; in beauty, it walks behind me; in beauty, it walks below me; in beauty, it walks above me; Beauty is on every side.
— A natural heritage, traditional Navajo Prayer
Something Old Beneath The Ground
This exceptional experience continues below the ground for the budding cave enthusiast. Over millions of years ago, water slowly dissolved the rock to produce this enchanting subterranean atmosphere. Open year-round, you can expect the Cave’s constant 50-degree temperature to be very comfortable any time you choose to go.
Choose to take a self-guided tour or join a group where experienced guides offer museum-style tours with fascinating stories about the caverns, passageways and the science of the various caverns you walk through.
Below the surface, cement paths and wooden walkways wind explorers by a varied collection of colorful stalactites, stalagmites, a stunning array of colorful crystal formations, cave onyx and other underground pools.
More Than A Million Years Old
Located in the Driftless Area of Southwestern Wisconsin, it’s genuinely an unusual area left intact by the last glacier in this area. The Cave is more than one million years old and made of a natural limestone called galena dolomite.
The limestone was formed during the Ordovician Period, between 450-500 million years ago. The Cave even has a 6-foot fossil of a giant cephalopod (a relative of the squid). The variety of colors in the Cave is created naturally through the oxidation processes of minerals present in the limestone.
Cave Of Mound Fun Facts
- An accidental discovery of Cave of the Mounds occurred following a regular mine explosion in 1939.
- Over 59,000 people came to tour the Cave in the first eight weeks of operation.
- Wisconsin’s oldest classroom was below Ebenezer Brigham’s homestead, the first permanent European settlement in southern Wisconsin. The Cave was beneath him, and he had no idea!
- Our hair grows faster in six hours than our Cave does all year. To expand by one centimeter takes 100 years!
Open Daily | Year Around
Cave Of The Mounds is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, with self-guided tour admissions departing frequently. The last cave entry is at 4 pm.
If you will be visiting during the busy summer months between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend, it’s a good idea to get tour tickets in advance.
For more information, visit CaveOfTheMounds.com | Phone: 608-437-3038
Blue Mounds State Park
Consider turning your visit to this area into a weekend trip. Blue Mounds State Park is a short 2 miles to the west. The Blue Mound State Park offers breathtaking views and unique geological features atop southern Wisconsin’s highest point.
There are over 20 miles of hiking and interpretive trails, off-road biking, and cross-country ski trails at Blue Mound, plus a family campground, bike-in campsites, and a rustic cabin for people with disabilities.
Mount Horeb
Four miles to the east of Cave of the Mounds is Mount Horeb, also known as the troll capital of the world. Early Scandinavian folklore tells of trolls. Despite having shaggy hair and looking frightening, trolls are usually good-natured and naive. Since trolls guard gold or gemstones, it is recommended to keep a good relationship with them. At Mount Horeb, they protect the friendly people and charming attractions
Makers and creators of all kinds live in the Mount Horeb area! From goat milk soap to handmade chocolate, you’ll find something unique and handmade. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and handmade chocolate during a stop at Sjolinds Chocolate House as you wander this unusual village in Southwest Wisconsin for example.
Wisconsin Dells
Continue exploring the rock formations of the Driftless Region at the unique, scenic Wisconsin Dells. You’ll have many opportunities to examine 100-foot sandstone cliffs and breathtaking rock formations along the area’s five-mile-long gorge.
Until Next Time
Live life with a curious heart and be open to where it leads.
Namaste Wanderers ♥
Out Wandering: Devils Tower National Monument
Another majestic geological rock formation you might like to explore is Devil’s Tower National Monument in Southeastern Wyoming. All that remains of Devils Tower’s sedimentary layers are the red and yellow rocks found on the hillside. The hard phonolite has been left behind by centuries of erosion, leaving people wondering what its form is.
Cheers to your next adventure!
Hey there, I’m Kirsti. As an influencer, I strive to spread optimism, positivity, and love. My personal mantra is “Be where my feet are” – a reminder to live in the present moment with curiosity, creativity, courage, and compassion.
On these pages, you will find resources and stories primarily focused on travel, van living, exploration, yoga, and photography.
By pursuing my dreams and sharing my experiences, I hope to inspire you to say YES to living your happiest and best life.
I hope you will wander along!
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