Cave of the Mounds
Cave of the Mounds
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The most beautiful cave in Wisconsin and the upper Midwest, Cave of the Mounds lies just off U.S. Highways 18/151 in Blue Mounds, WI. The United States Department of the Interior and the National Park Service designated Cave of the Mounds a National Natural Landmark because the site possesses "exceptional value as an illustration of the nation's natural heritage and contributes to a better understanding of man's environment". Curious tourists and budding cave enthusiasts have been enjoying an introduction to caving in the midwest for years while visiting Cave of the Mounds. Commonly referred to as the "jewel box" of America's major caves for the variety and delicacy of its formations, Cave of the Mounds is recognized by the Chicago Academy of Sciences as "the significant cave of the upper Midwest".
Duration: 2-3 hours
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See what travelers are saying
- Mark HFond du Lac, Wisconsin2,990 contributionsSill fun and informativeI hadn't been to the Cave of the Mounds in about 15 years and it's just an interesting now as it was with my youngest kid. Our guide was excellent on about about 45-minute tour. We went on a day when snow was melting so that was a small amount o dripping water. There are some easy stairs that are spread out and the walking surface is flat concrete with a slip-resistant surface. It's a great activity in the water or summer because the temperature is about 50 degrees year round. In the summer there is a beer garden and walking trails. I highly recommend if you're in the area.Visited February 2023Written February 19, 2023
- Andrew Jensen5 contributionsIt was a cave. Pretty nice overall.Of all the places I went on our Wisconsin trip, I feel like this one was the least egregious money grab. Maybe that's because it's far away from the Dells (about an hour). 4 of us went for 70 dollars. The staff seemed knowledgeable and into nature. It was cool to see. I'm not sure what weight the National Natural Landmark designation actually has, I feel like this may be a title that they assigned to themselves. It wasn't a national park, that's for sure. Regardless, it was interesting and enjoyable. If you are of the huddled dad masses yearning to breathe free (or at least cheaply) to escape the wilely clutches of the incessant Dells, this will offer some reprieve.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 20, 2023
- KristalMilwaukee, Wisconsin16 contributionsCave is great! Avoid the outside additional options.This place is great if you just resist all the ridiculously expensive extras they try to sell you. The cave is awesome. All the options for finding gems and breaking geodes are way overpriced. Just skip those. Do splurge for a black light, though. That can make the experience even cooler.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 31, 2023
- Bob HOlathe, Kansas138 contributionsNot a great experienceAlthough the cave is an extraordinary find, I can't highly recommend this tour. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. However, there is not a great value in the tour. It's a cave. Nice and cool. For the cost, it's not at the top of my list to recommend.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 10, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
588 reviews
Excellent
328
Very good
199
Average
45
Poor
12
Terrible
4
SOS T
144 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Did a cave tour at Cave of the Mounds today. And I honestly really enjoyed/ love the tour we did throughout this beautiful cave. I really enjoyed learning about the history of the cave and all beautiful rock formations that are inside and it was also really neat to see a fossil on the ceiling of the cave.
Would definitely would love to go back and do another cave tour at Cave of the Mounds.
Would definitely would love to go back and do another cave tour at Cave of the Mounds.
Written December 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
russianwulfgar
Milwaukee, WI1,605 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
This is the teeny-tiny version of Carlsbad Caverns. If you've never, ever seen a cave, then go here. The guide we had was informative, but couldn't answer all my questions, one of which was do you go permanently blind if you come out of a cave after getting cave-blindness. Which you supposedly get after being in a pitch-black cave for an extended period of time. Does that last forever? He didn't know, but I hope he finds out so the next person who asks will get an answer. The tour is pretty short, less than an hour. You do get interrupted by other groups going past, and you do hear other guides talking when you're trying to listen to your guide, but again, this is a teeny-tiny version of a huge cave, so I guess it's to be expected. The grounds are beautiful, the hillside garden is pretty, and the beer garden is very pleasant. If you have seen a huge cave, skip this. If you have kids under 15 you need to entertain, go here.
Written October 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Nonsense of W&J youtube
Missouri29 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We loved this cave! We bought tickets for the self-tour where we took our time and enjoyed the stalagmites and stalactites and the beauty of the cave. Guides are posted in various areas to answer any questions and provide information. You also have the option to rent a black light.
Written September 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob H
Olathe, KS138 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Although the cave is an extraordinary find, I can't highly recommend this tour. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. However, there is not a great value in the tour.
It's a cave. Nice and cool. For the cost, it's not at the top of my list to recommend.
It's a cave. Nice and cool. For the cost, it's not at the top of my list to recommend.
Written September 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristal
Milwaukee, WI16 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
This place is great if you just resist all the ridiculously expensive extras they try to sell you. The cave is awesome. All the options for finding gems and breaking geodes are way overpriced. Just skip those. Do splurge for a black light, though. That can make the experience even cooler.
Written July 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darlene_and_Joe
Sunriver, OR148 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
The Cave of the Mounds does not disappoint. The many limestone formations are fascinating. A self paced tour allowing you the time you want to observe and enjoy. They had plenty of staff stationed in the cave to answer your questions. For an additional small fee, you could rent a blue light to shine on the limestone. Well worth the entertaining colors under blue light.
Written July 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew Jensen
5 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Of all the places I went on our Wisconsin trip, I feel like this one was the least egregious money grab. Maybe that's because it's far away from the Dells (about an hour).
4 of us went for 70 dollars. The staff seemed knowledgeable and into nature. It was cool to see.
I'm not sure what weight the National Natural Landmark designation actually has, I feel like this may be a title that they assigned to themselves. It wasn't a national park, that's for sure.
Regardless, it was interesting and enjoyable. If you are of the huddled dad masses yearning to breathe free (or at least cheaply) to escape the wilely clutches of the incessant Dells, this will offer some reprieve.
4 of us went for 70 dollars. The staff seemed knowledgeable and into nature. It was cool to see.
I'm not sure what weight the National Natural Landmark designation actually has, I feel like this may be a title that they assigned to themselves. It wasn't a national park, that's for sure.
Regardless, it was interesting and enjoyable. If you are of the huddled dad masses yearning to breathe free (or at least cheaply) to escape the wilely clutches of the incessant Dells, this will offer some reprieve.
Written July 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KPP
15 contributions
Jun 2023
This was our first trip out here. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed the gardens before our cave tour. They are really well done and offered plenty of butterfly and small bird spotting opportunities.
The cave itself was a welcome relief from the heat outside and a neat tour to take. Some areas were very narrow so a larger person might have issues getting through. Other areas were low so taller people should watch their heads. It was neat seeing all the different mineral formations and deposits. The staff and volunteers throughout were knowledgeable and friendly.
We took a hike through their wooded path section afterwards and that was lovely as well. Had some birding opportunities as well as getting raced around by several chipmunks chasing each other. It made for a lovely morning/early afternoon before we headed into Mt Horeb for lunch.
The cave itself was a welcome relief from the heat outside and a neat tour to take. Some areas were very narrow so a larger person might have issues getting through. Other areas were low so taller people should watch their heads. It was neat seeing all the different mineral formations and deposits. The staff and volunteers throughout were knowledgeable and friendly.
We took a hike through their wooded path section afterwards and that was lovely as well. Had some birding opportunities as well as getting raced around by several chipmunks chasing each other. It made for a lovely morning/early afternoon before we headed into Mt Horeb for lunch.
Written July 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sid
2 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
My young daughter loves this place and it’s a short drive for me so it’s perfect for few hours of entertainment, some walking trails, hands on experiences and of course the tour ends in the gift shop
Written June 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donna S
40 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
Fascinating trip underground. Our guide, Nova, was extremely knowledgeable, studying geology, and you could tell she loved her job! Highly recommend!
Written May 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
L6Seith
Mantua, OH114 contributions
We plan to stop by, just to do the cave tour, on our way through but we are a bit pressed for time. Would it be better to pre-buy tickets or will we be able to get into the cave shortly after arriving? Is there a wait time to get INTO the cave?
Is this a suitable activity for a woman who is 6 months pregnant?
Caves_Rock
Blue Mounds, WI
Yes, it is absolutely okay for pregnant women to visit the cave. It is a walking tour of the cave and there are alternative routes if you are uncomfortable in the tighter areas.
Your location
Caves_Rock
Blue Mounds, WI
2975 Cave of the Mounds Road, Blue Mounds, WI 53517-0148
We are off of Highway 18/151 and about 20 minutes west of Madison
djktraveler
4 contributions
Why would anyone go to this place IF they charge admission, require a guided tour and then have incompetent guides? This sounds like a hick-town level of non-professionalism. Why would anyone give these hicks money for a cave tour led by a lousy dumb guide? I think we have just taken this off of our Wisconsin travel itinerary. Thx for the heads-up.
Burger Hat Summers
Metro Minneapolis-Saint Paul, MN228 contributions
I felt that our tour guide was quite competent and well informed on the cave and the information he was putting out. He had answers to all the questions asked and was very friendly.
I imagine they require guided tours to keep people from messing with and disturbing the cave in destructive ways.
What is the cost
Caves_Rock
Blue Mounds, WI
Current prices are always available on our website or feel free to give us a call.
KenoshaPrincess
Kenosha, WI1 contribution
Is it open in the rain? Would rainy weather detract from the experience?
Caves_Rock
Blue Mounds, WI
Cave of the Mounds is open rain or shine! Heavy rain and/or snow melt above ground does eventually mean more dripping water inside the cave. It is quite beautiful to see AND hear the water dripping into the cave.
Susan G
Whittier, CA3 contributions
I will be traveling with my parents, I would like to do the tour only, no rock digging etc. but my parents are 87 and 81 and have some mobility issues so the Caves will not work for them. Is there anywhere for them to sit in the month of June while I view the cave tour? Or anywhere else close by that I can leave them at for a bit and drive to the Caves?
Caves_Rock
Blue Mounds, WI
Any guests who choose not to take the Cave Tour are welcome to rest in our Visitor Center, browse in the gift shop, have a snack or a cup of coffee and just enjoy their time above ground with our friendly staff.
Shalen L
Milwaukee, WI
Is this suitable for a 3yr old?
Caves_Rock
Blue Mounds, WI
We welcome our littlest cave exploreres to Cave of the Mounds. Children ages 3 and younger receive a free Tot Ticket. Here is what is says on that ticket: "The the comfort of your tot - and for all cave guests - you may be asked to accompany your child out of the cave if your child becomes exceedingly upset or inconsolable during the course of your tour. Please check in at the Gift Shop desk should this occur." Also, if you plan to carry your young child on the tour we recommend a soft-sided front carrier and we have some you may borrow for no charge.
Is it suitable for an 85 year old woman in good shape?
Caves_Rock
Blue Mounds, WI
Use your own best judgement, but anyone in "good shape" should be able to enjoy the cave tour which is on paved and lighted walkways.
are we able to touch the cave or is it a hands to yourself place
Caves_Rock
Blue Mounds, WI
Cave Conservation is a very important part of cave exploring and show cave visitation. Caves are very fragile and it could take thousands of years, if ever, to repair any damage caused by careless cavers and visitors. Also there are laws in all states that make it illegal to damage or remove anything that is in the cave including formations. That is why our expectation is that guests not touch the cave walls or formations.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Cave of the Mounds
- Cave of the Mounds is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Cave of the Mounds:
- (5.57 mi) GrandStay Hotel & Suites Mount Horeb-Madison
- (2.96 mi) Prevailing Winds Lodge
- (9.33 mi) Springdale Inn
- (4.71 mi) Deer Valley Lodge & Golf
- (2.95 mi) Beautiful Full Log Lodge on 44 Acres
- Restaurants near Cave of the Mounds:
- (0.76 mi) Hooterville Inn
- (3.99 mi) Grumpy Troll Brewery
- (4.04 mi) Sjolinds Chocolate House
- (4.06 mi) Campo Di Bella LLC
- (3.92 mi) Bistro 101
- Attractions near Cave of the Mounds:
- (0.80 mi) Fresh Complexions
- (1.40 mi) Blue Mound State Park
- (1.72 mi) Havens Petting Farm
- (2.55 mi) Tyrol Basin Ski & Snowboard Area
- (9.32 mi) The Shoe Box
Cave of the Mounds Information
Excellent Reviews | 327 |
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Very Good Reviews | 199 |
Cave of the Mounds Photos | 771 |