Learn About Cave of the Mounds

Current COVID-19 protocol.
Cave of the Mounds National Natural Landmark is located in beautiful Dane County, Wisconsin.  Dane county currently has the following COVID-19 mandate in place [Public Health Madison & Dane County — Current Order].
 
Cave of the Mounds is dedicated to offering wonderful outdoor recreation, and has protocol in place to help protect our staff and guests. [Our Covid Policy].

 

To help protect our staff and guests, and to support our state and county department of public health departments, please be aware of the following when visiting COTM:
 
  • Dress for the current outdoor weather conditions as well as the 50° Cave and plan to enjoy our beautiful nature trails and outdoor activities while onsite. 
  • A limited number of Cave tickets per hour are issued in order to help maintain social distancing. You may have a wait time outdoors prior to your cave entry.
  • Cave entries are limited to one household at a time in accordance with Dane County’s mandate to allow for proper social distancing
  • Due to COVID-19, our building capacities are monitored and enforced for the safety of our staff and guests.
  • If there is a wait time for your cave experience and you do not wish to be outside, you may prefer to wait in your car.  Our parking lot is close by and all parking is free. 
  • Masks are required inside the buildings and inside the cave at all times with NO exceptions.  If you are unable to wear a mask due to health condition, we have these alternative options for you. [Our Covid Policy Link Here]
 
Please do not travel if you are sick, and please adhere to the advice that the CDC has issued including, but not limited to, frequently washing your hands, wearing a mask, and maintaining at least a 6-foot social distance from anyone not in your household.  We understand if the best choice for your family is to visit in the future instead, once the threat of the pandemic has lessened. With your assistance, Cave of the Mounds will be here for generations to come.  Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM year-round.
 
 We wish you happiness and great health through the holiday season!
 

Something Old Below Ground

Over millions of years ago, deep beneath the ground, Cave of the Mounds began to form. Water gradually
dissolved the rock to create this magical underground world. Guided tours take you past a varied
collection of colorful stalactites, stalagmites, columns and other crystal formations. Our experienced
guides will delight you with tales of the history, science and imagery of the various caverns and
passageways you walk through.

Something New Above Ground

The experience doesn’t stop below ground. Above ground, visitors to the Cave will find an array of
activities to keep young and old alike entertained. Visit one of the most unique shops around – Our Rock
Shop contains hundreds of unique minerals, fossils and gemstones.

Fill your pockets with treasure at our Gem Mining Sluice.

Or wander our rock gardens, perennial gardens, woodland restoration, and nature trails.

Ebenezer Brigham was the first European Settler in Dane County
In 1886, Charles Brigham is given part of the Brigham Land
CHarles turns his land into a dairy farm for his purebred jersey cows.
In 1903, The Brigham Quarry begins. It is popular with geology students
On August 4th, 1939 during a routine quarry blast a cave was discovered
September 1939, Hanneman and Brechler are chosen to be developers of the cave.
May 30, 1940, Cave of the Mounds opens up to the public
April 30, `946, Meal rails are installed and concrete walks and steps created.
December 31, 1946 437,000 people have visited Cave of the Mounds
In 1958, our by-pass tunnel is completed and Surprise Cave is open.
In 1975, WSS members dig past South Collapse for about 64 feet. Nothing was found.
July 1, 1978, New lighting is installed by famed Gilbert Hemsley.
In the 1970s Cave of the Mounds started promoting educational programs.
In 1979, Runestone Restaurant opens. By 1981, it is renamed "Brigham Farm Kitchen".
Smurfs are put into the cave as a joke in the 1980s. They are removed by 1990s.
Cave of the Mounds becomes a National Natural Landmark in 1988.
The Prairie Restoration is seeded for the first time in 1999.
Quarry's Edge Gemstone Mine opens in 2003
UW-Madison studies Cave of the Mounds.
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Historic About Us Photos
In 1886, Charles Brigham is given part of the Brigham Land
Charled turns his land into a dairy farm for his purebred jersey cows
In 1903, The Brigham Quarry begins. It is popular with geology students
On August 4th, 1939 during a routine quarry blat a cave was discovered
September 1939, Hanneman and Brechler are chosen to be developers of the cave
May 30 1940 Cave of the Mounds opens up to the public
April 30, 1946 Metal rails are installed. Concrete walks and steps created
December 31, 1946, 437,000 people have visited Cave of the Mounds
In 1958, our by-pass tunnel is completed and Surprise Cave is open
In 1975, WSS members dig past south collapse for about 64 feet. nothing was found.
July 1, 1978, new lighting is installed by famed Gilbert Hemsley Jr.
In the 1970s Cave of the Mounds started promoting educational programs
In 1979, Runestone Restaurant opens. By 1981, it is renamed Brigham Farm Kitchen
Smurfs are put into the cave as a joke in the 1980s. They are removed by the 1990s.
cave of the mounds becomes a national natural landmark in 1988
The Prairie Restoration is seeded for the first time in 1999
Quarry's Edge gemstone Mine opens in 2003
Fossil Dig installed in 2010
Barn Fossil Hunt opens in 2011
UW-Madison studies Cave of the Mounds
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History of Cave of the Mounds
Geology of Cave of the Mounds
Blog Information
Employment Opportunities
Media Kit and Resources

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