Specialty Tours

Explore Cave of the Mounds like never before with Guided Blacklight Tours! These special tours use ultraviolet lights to make the cave’s formations glow in bright, amazing colors. You’ll see hidden details as the minerals in the rocks light up and sparkle.

Your guide will explain the science of how certain rocks glow under blacklight and show off the brightest spots of the underground.

This tour is great for families, curious explorers, and anyone who wants to experience the cave in a fun and unique way. Be aware, tours are held in the dark which may be inappropriate for very young children.

Tickets are non-refundable. Specialty Tours unavailable Easter Weekend, Memorial Day Weekend, 4th of July Weekend, and Labor Day Weekend.

This tour offers a stress-free exploration of Cave of the Mounds, allowing guests to immerse themselves fully in the experience. Visitors can savor each moment as they are guided through the cave. Blacklights are provided, ensuring that every visitor gets the full visual spectacle of this natural wonder.

To enhance the experience, guests can enjoy a complimentary first drink of their choice—beer, wine, or a frozen margarita or sangria—during the tour. The relaxed atmosphere is perfect for those looking to unwind and enjoy a unique adventure. The tour lasts one hour and shops stay open until 6:30pm. Be aware, tours are held in the dark.

Important Information for Attendees

Age Restriction: This event is strictly for guests aged 21 and over. Children and infants will not be permitted entry.
ID Requirement: All guests must bring a valid photo ID for entry.

Tickets are non-refundable. Specialty Tours unavailable Easter Weekend, Memorial Day Weekend, 4th of July Weekend, and Labor Day Weekend.

Discover the cave like the first explorers, using only lanterns and flashlights to light your way. Experience the sights that inspired the preservation of this Wisconsin wonder.

Lantern tours take you through the cave in a guided tour lit with electric lanterns to simulate the views that early cave explorers were met with as they descended into the great unknown. Watch as shadows dance under a flickering electric flame and towering formations take shape as your lantern cuts through Total Darkness.

History is the name of the game with this experience. Beginning in 1828, your guide will explain the early days of homesteading in Wisconsin, who Ebenezer Brigham was, and how New England’s desire for white paint led to one family’s discovery of a lifetime. 

Tickets are non-refundable. Specialty Tours unavailable Easter Weekend, Memorial Day Weekend, 4th of July Weekend, and Labor Day Weekend.

Help our geologists find and document fossils in the cave! Take a walk 70ft down into an ancient ocean bed and discover prehistoric creatures older than the dinosaurs.

Limestone is great for preserving ancient life, but fossilization is rare. According to the BBC, scientists estimate that less than one-tenth of 1% of all creatures on earth become fossils. Cave of the Mounds has discovered more than 100 fossils to date, including ancient squid, snails, corals, and more!

Along your tour, collect some fossils from our treasure stations to take home with you in a reusable bag. The fossils are similar to the ones you will find in the limestone of the cave.

Tickets are non-refundable. Specialty Tours unavailable Easter Weekend, Memorial Day Weekend, 4th of July Weekend, and Labor Day Weekend.

Explore the stunning landscape above and below ground with our Karst View Hike & Cave Tour! This adventure begins with a guided hike through the rolling terrain of a classic karst landscape, where you’ll discover sinkholes, exposed limestone, and other geological wonders shaped by water over millions of years. Along the way, learn about the unique ecology and history of the area, including how the Cave of the Mounds was formed.

After the hike, descend into the breathtaking depths of the cave for a guided tour through its awe-inspiring chambers. Marvel at the delicate formations, shimmering mineral deposits, and underground beauty that make this National Natural Landmark a must-see destination.

Tickets are non-refundable. Specialty Tours unavailable Easter Weekend, Memorial Day Weekend, 4th of July Weekend, and Labor Day Weekend.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of underground wonders and vibrant fall landscapes as you sketch and create in a peaceful, inspiring environment. All artists welcome, from professionals to novices: come take a rare opportunity to capture Cave of the Mounds in your sketchbook.

Important Information for Attendees

For the protection and conservation of the cave, please leave the following items at home:

• Paints (e.g. oil, acrylic, gouache, watercolor)
• Loose inks or markers that may bleed or spill
• Spray fixatives or aerosols
• Large easels or bulky gear
• Anything that could drip, stain, or leave residue

Tickets are non-refundable. Specialty Tours unavailable Easter Weekend, Memorial Day Weekend, 4th of July Weekend, and Labor Day Weekend.