Our Cave, Your Event.
Located conveniently near Madison, Wisconsin, Cave of the Mounds can host you and your party for a wide array of events. Whether you’re looking for a classic Wisconsin wedding with a twist, or just your next off-site business getaway, Cave of the Mounds has a space for you!
Different Spaces for Your Needs
There are multiple locations across our park grounds to suit a variety of groups, ranging up to 150 people in our largest above ground spaces and up to 70 people in the cave.
Check out all your available options below. Some areas are only available seasonally.
- The Cave
- The Barn
- The Visitor Center
- The Outdoor Tent
The Cave of the Mounds is a perfect venue for those with more underground tastes.
Cave of the Mounds is one of the Midwest’s most unique cave systems. At a measured 1,692ft, its ceilings stand high–up to 24ft–while chandeliers of cave formations reach down from above, creating delicate and alien forms in every room. Towering stalagmites line walkways in the largest rooms, and columns reminiscent of Roman architecture appear to carry the weight of the rock above as the rooms transition to a more intimate size.
The cave’s individual rooms provide the perfect setting for a small ceremony or photoshoot, or you can choose to offer tours of the cave to your guests at a reduced rate in addition to the rental of a space above or below ground.
In addition, the cave is also available as a location for media shoots including but not limited to: filmmaking (short or long), commercial shoots, audio sampling, or audio recording. Requests for such permissions should be noted clearly at the beginning of communication.
The Historic Brigham Barn provides a perfect rustic setting for any event or occasion.
Originally built in 1883 and expanded later on, the barn is an iconic landmark sitting high on the hillside quietly overlooking the cave and the prairie gardens. This spacious structure is built from well-worn wooden planks that allow dappled sunlight to peek through the cracks with a limestone brick foundation holding it aloft. Each room enjoys nearly 30ft tall ceilings and ample space to dance, eat, and enjoy the day.
The barn is divided into three rooms: East, West, and Middle, with the East and West rooms being available for parties while the Middle barn acts as a supplemental prep/storage area (which means when you host an event in either the East or West barn, you also get to use the Middle barn for preparation or storing of items like decor or catering).
The East and West rooms also each have their own media set up complete with computers, audio, and projectors, for use at no extra charge.
The barn is our largest rental space, with the popular West Barn being ~2,280sqft and the East Barn being ~1,120sqft.
Our Visitor Center is a modern space with a clean, outdoorsy feel.
Built in 1979 in response to growing interest in the cave, the Visitor Center was renovated in 2024 to create a larger, more modern space featuring the original limestone brick pillars and warm white oak radiating outward from the skylight that sits in the center of the ceiling. Windows curve along the entire South side of the rounded building, washing the space in sunlight and creating panoramic views into the woodland and prairie that Southwest Wisconsin is known for.
With an open floorplan and modular displays, the Visitor Center is perfect for the next company Christmas party or wedding reception. Extra tables or counterspace is available for catering use, or you can take advantage of the kitchen space to heat and prep the food you bring.
This building also has a projector set up available for presentations or slideshows.
An open-air space where the sky is the limit.
A bright white canvas tent covering around 800sqft at the top of the hill, just outside our historic barn. In the peak of the season, the long grass prairie hugs the lawn from the South and frames the westward view of the oak savanna that’s scattered along the East Mound. Just a few hundred feet away, a clear day offers views that reach Illinois.
This spot comes furnished with picnic table seating beneath the canopy with the surrounding lawn providing extra green space that is perfect for hosting a wide number of guests, creating smaller individual seating areas, or for lawn games.
You are welcome to bring an additional tent rental to the site to create more covered space if you choose.
We can also include upon request:
- 15 Large Round Tables
- 10 Round Cocktail Tables
- 4 Long Banquet Tables
- 8 Square Tables
- 2 Outdoor Firepits
- Candles (real flame or electronic)
- White Tablecloths
- 250 Red Folding Chairs
- Restrooms On Site
- Party Favors
Party Favor Options:
- Individual Rock, Gem, or Fossil Specimen
- Options include: Amethyst, Quartz, Citrine, Pyrite, Peacock Ore, Scoria, Red Granite, Limestone, Chert, Quartzite, Marble, Petrified Wood, Cephalopod, Brachiopod, Gastropod, Crinoid Segment, Amber
- Gem Sluice Bag
- Fossil Sluice Bag
- Geode (plus cracking)
Ready to book? Want more info? Fill out our Event Inquiry Form below!
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