Fun Place to Explore

A trip to the upper Midwest would not be complete without an outing to the Cave of the Mounds. The park is a National Natural Landmark due to its "...exceptional value as an illustration of the nation's natural heritage and contributes to a better understanding of man's environment.'' It is a tourist attraction for those naturally curious about the environment, as well as educated caving enthusiasts. The cave remains at a chilly 50 degrees Fahrenheit every single day of the year, making it a place to warm up a little in the day of winter, or cool down when the Wisconsin summer warms up.

Guided tours of the cave are available and give you a chance to meander among the stalagmites and stalactites, as well as a variety of columns and other natural formations. The main portion of the cavern began its formation over a million years ago. The park is surrounded by park grounds that feature trails, gardens, and picnic areas. After browsing the cave, a family can settle down in the sunshine to discuss what they saw and enjoy a picnic lunch.

The cave's recent history is almost as interesting as its lifelong history. It was accidentally discovered on August 4, 1939. Workers in the area were removing limestone from a nearby quarry and they blasted into the cave. When they discovered the cave, the quarry project was halted permanently. So many people came to see the cave it had to be closed in order to preserve it. In the 1940's, lights and walkways were installed and millions of visitors are now able to pass through the space without hurting or destroying the surroundings.

The cave continues to change and grow. Speleothems grow very slowly and even if you returned many times over your life, you may never notice a total change, even though it is happening at all times. It can take 50 to 150 years for cave onyx to grow one inch.

Educators are encouraged to incorporate the cave into their curriculum and the cave welcomes field trips, group trips, and individual visits. They provide a variety of educational programs for children and educators so it is easy and fun to learn about the cave. The one hour tour will amaze and delight children and adults and spark a curiosity for natural history that few places are able to elicit.

The gift shop of the cave is available online, so you can order souvenirs, as well as educational materials before or after your trip. These trinkets and books make for a great gift leading up to a visit and will serve to get kids excited about their upcoming trip. Birthday parties can be held at the cave and includes invites for up to eight guests, a tour, a cave miner package, a birthday gift, and paper party supplies. Plan to bring snacks and treats to enjoy in the surrounding picnic area. The birthday package is reasonably priced at $110.00.

For a unique trip that kids will love, head to Cave of the Mounds in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin.