Cave of the Mounds – near Blue Mounds and Mount Horeb, WI

Cave of the Mounds – near Blue Mounds and Mount Horeb, WI

This National Natural Landmark is an excellent way to get introduced to caving in the Midwest. The cave is recognized by the Chicago Academy of Sciences as "the significant cave of the upper Midwest." 

Here you will be able to view a wide array of colorful stalactites, stalagmites, columns and other formations.  Since the cavern began forming over a million years ago it has some of the stunning beauty that only such limestone caves can hold.  Imagine the time it took for the large caverns to be dissolved within rock that itself is believed to be over 400 MILLION years old!

The lower part of the Cave was formed by the rushing water of an underground stream. The Cave is a great display of both chemical and mechanical processes of cave formation.

When the heat of summer gets to be too much for comfort a visit to the Cave will be a wonderful relief since the temperature inside is 50 degrees. There are also park-like grounds for you to enjoy on a hike or picnic.  Then the rock garden is another place to enjoy visiting while at the Cave.

There are two large hills which have long been Wisconsin landmarks and therefore the name of Cave of the Mounds (the Blue Mounds.)

The Cave of the Mounds was discovered by accident on August 4, 1939 when workers were removing high quality limestone from a quarry on the Brigham Farm blasted into the cave.  The cave was opened to the public in 1940.

Tours last approximately 1 hour although extended programs are available year round for schools and groups.  Tours depart rain or shine.

Tour schedule:
Winter (November – March ) Weekends – on the hour, 10 – 4 (last tours leaves at 4).  Weekdays – Hours vary, call 608-437-3038 to find out if there are any on the day you wish to visit.

The Cave is closed for Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve and Day.

Spring: Friday before Memorial Day Weekend: Weekdays – On the hour, 10 – 4 and weekends – 30 minute intervals from 9 – 5. (last tour at 5)

Summer: Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day Weekend: Weekdays and weekends 30 minute intervals, 9 – 5 (last tour 5)

Fall: Tuesday after Labor Day Weekend – Weekdays – on hour 10 – 4 and Weekends 30 minute intervals from 9 – 5.

Cost:
Adults $14, Children (age 4 -12) $7, Children (3 and under) Free with paid adult.
These rates may change without notice.

Location: 20 miles west of Madison just off US Highway 18 and 151 between Mount Horeb and Blue Mounds.

Specific Directions:

Coming from……. 

Madison: Take the Beltline, Hwys 12/18 to exit 258, Hwys 18W/151S (Dodgeville exit, also know as Midvale Blvd or Verona Road). Go 25 miles. We are just 5 miles West of Mount Horeb. Exit on Cave of the Mounds Road (no exit ramp). We are 1/2 mile north of 18/151.

Fun Fact

The Cave was discovered in a routine quarry blast.

Learn more fun facts.
 
Milwaukee: Take I-94 West towards Madison. Just east of Madison, take exit 4A, I-90E/I-39S towards Janesville.  Go 4 miles. Then take exit 142A, Hwys12/18 West (also called the "Beltline"). Continue 7 miles to exit 258, Hwys18W/151S (Dodgeville exit, also known as Midvale Blvd or Verona Road). Go 25 miles. We are just 5 miles West of Mount Horeb. Exit on Cave of the Mounds Road (no exit ramp). We are 1/2 mile north of 18/151.

Chicago: Take I-90 North, bypassing Rockford and Janesville. Just south of Madison, take left hand exit (#142A) Hwys 12/18 West.  Go 7 miles to exit 258, Hwys 18W/151S (Dodgeville exit, also know as Midvale Blvd or Verona Road). Go 25 miles. We are just 5 miles West of Mount Horeb. Exit on Cave of the Mounds Road (no exit ramp). We are 1/2 mile north of 18/151.

Rockford: Take Hwy 51 North to I-90 West towards Madison.Just south of Madison, take left hand exit (#142A) Hwys 12/18 West.  Go 7 miles to exit 258, Hwys 18W/151S (Dodgeville exit, also know as Midvale Blvd or Verona Road). Go 25 miles. We are just 5 miles West of Mount Horeb. Exit on Cave of the Mounds Road (no exit ramp). We are 1/2 mile north of 18/151.

Wisconsin Dells: Take Hwy 12 East towards Madison. Cave Just past Sauk City take 78 South into Mount Horeb. At the roundabout, turn right onto Hwy. ID (Also called Main Street or Springdale Street). Take this out of Mount Horeb for about 5 miles and turn right on Cave of the Mounds Road.