- Field Trips
- Large Groups & Families
The tours and programs offered by Cave of the Mounds are designed to enhance the understanding of topics in science, function as part of a larger discussion of Earth science, provide an opportunity for inquiry, and serve as an example and evidence of our dynamic planet.
Most schools or groups will opt to take a cave tour in addition to a select program offered on site. Cave tours last 45min to 1hr while each program lasts about an hour and involves a 30-minute interactive presentation and a 30-minute activity.
Groups also have the option to allow their attendees to shop in the gift shops and picnic on the property. Picnic space is plentiful but limited on a first-come-first-serve basis. A covered picnic space is also available at nearby Brigham County Park.
Our specially-trained education guides are prepared to engage with students at any age level, from kindergarten through high school and up to introductory college level. Students are encouraged to come with questions and curiosities about the natural world around them. Our goal is to introduce and expand upon knowledge of the geologic sciences including rocks and minerals, geography, speleology, paleontology, and more. Explore your options below.
Build Your Adventure:
Cave Tour
Time: 45min to 1hr
Bring your students on an unforgettable journey through a natural limestone cave. Our cave tours are conducted on paved and well-lit walkways, providing a safe and engaging educational experience for all grade levels. Students will marvel at the vibrant crystal formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and more while learning about geology, earth science, and the cave’s unique history.
With a consistent 50°F temperature year-round, the cave is the perfect destination for field trips in any season. This immersive experience aligns with science curriculum goals and encourages curiosity about the natural world.
Caves & Karst Mini Course
Time: 30min
This interactive presentation delves into various cave types, their formation processes, locations, and unique formations. This course also introduces many students to karst topography and allows them the opportunity to experience this unique landscape firsthand when paired with the guided hike. Combined with a guided cave tour, this immersive experience highlights the geology of caves and the distinctive Driftless Area. To enhance learning, students interact with samples of minerals, rocks, and fossils.
Interactive Presentation Topics
• What is a cave?
• Five key cave types found globally and in Wisconsin
• Maps of Karst landscapes, U.S. caves, and Wisconsin caves
• The impact of glaciation on Wisconsin
• Formation of Cave of the Mounds’ limestone
• How Cave of the Mounds formed
• Speleothems (cave formations)
• Karst Topography and its connection to caves
The recommended activity for this course is the Karst Topography Guided Hike.
Geology Mini Course
Time: 30min
This interactive program offers a broader perspective than the Caves & Karst Mini-Course, providing a birds-eye view of geology as a whole with a focus on rocks, fossils, and water. The goal of this program is to provide an understanding of what rocks, minerals, and fossils are and how they are connected with the water cycle and climate.
Interactive Presentation Topics
• Layers of the Earth
• Minerals and Rocks, including the three rock types and the rock cycle
• Cave Mineral Deposits (speleothems)
• Geologic Time, the law of superposition, and the formation of Cave of the Mounds’ limestone
• Fossils and Rocks/Minerals found in the cave
• Water Cycle
The recommended activity for this course is the Rock & Fossil Sluice.
Karst Topography Guided Hike
Time: 30min
The Karst Topography Guided Hike is an exciting addition to your field trip that takes you through the unique landscape of the Driftless Area up to the second highest point in Southern Wisconsin. During the hike, you’ll explore sinkholes and disappearing streams and learn how they relate to caves, all while burning off some energy. Participants will learn the difference between active, inactive, or semi-active sinkholes, and the bravest adventurers will get to see what it’s like to stand inside them.
When combined with a cave tour, this hike offers a hands-on way to learn about the geology of the area and the natural processes that create caves and other karst features. It’s a great chance to connect with the environment and discover the wonders of this special landscape.
This activity is often paired with the Caves & Karst Mini Course.
Rock & Fossil Sluice
Time: 30min
In this activity, participants use a sluice—a water-filled trough typically used to pan for gold or other precious minerals—to sift through pre-made sand kits containing either rocks & minerals or fossils. Each kit includes a plastic bag with sand and about a dozen pre-selected specimens. Using a sieve tray and the sluice, participants separate the specimens from the sand.
Our staff will guide the process, help identify the specimens, and connect them to the interactive presentation. Printable color ID charts are available on our website for students to reference at home.
Chaperones and teachers may purchase sluice kits but are not required to do so. Groups must choose either rocks & minerals OR fossils for the entire group.
This activity is often paired with the Geology Mini Course.
Large group discounts are available for groups of at LEAST 20 people that book their visit at LEAST 2 weeks in advance. Ticket discounts vary by season and age. Click Here to see the pricing for our group discounts.
Field Trip Lesson Plan
Caves are a wonderful introduction–or a rousing supplement–to geology and science in general. Tours are a great way to gain an understanding of what rocks and minerals are, how caves form, and in what ways the Earth changes over time.
Historically, caves have been used for shelters and hideouts, food and munitions storage, hospitals, mineral resources, artistic canvases and ritual sites, and for tourism. The largest caves in the world have their own climate systems, and the longest span hundreds of miles within the Earth.
Before You Go
- Review relevant concepts
- Types of rock, what are fossils, what is a cave, etc.
- Show students what caves and cave formations look like to prepare them for a potentially new environment
- We recommend watching our Introduction Video prior to your visit. This used to play before each and every tour!
- Consider what in their daily lives is made from rocks or minerals. How is geology relevant to all of us?
- Prepare questions for your Cave Educator.
After Your Visit
- Review the different types of caves/cave formations. Ask for examples to engage their memory.
- Discuss what it would be like to explore a wild cave. Would any of them go caving (spelunking)?
- Discuss the difference between a cave and a mine and then the similarities.
Pricing
Cave Tour
Pricing varies depending on the time of year and age range of your group.
Prices are per ticket.
Spring: April 1st to June 10th
Adults, Teachers, Drivers … $17.00
7th through 12th grade..….. $14.00
6th grade and younger …… $11.00
Summer: June 11th to Labor Day
Adults, Teachers, Drivers … $18.00
7th through 12th grade……. $15.00
6th grade and younger …… $12.00
Fall: Labor Day to October 31st
Adults, Teachers, Drivers … $17.00
7th through 12th grade……. $14.00
6th grade and younger …… $11.00
Winter: November 1st to March 31st
Adults, Teachers, Drivers … $15.00
7th through 12th grade……. $13.00
6th grade and younger …… $10.00
*Valid for groups of 20+ Monday through Friday with a reservation 2 weeks in advance and a $100 deposit. On weekends and Holidays, we welcome groups at our regular tour rates.
Caves & Karst Mini-Course
$100 per 50 participants
This interactive presentation delves into various cave types, their formation processes, locations, and unique formations. This course also introduces many students to karst topography and allows them the opportunity to experience this unique landscape firsthand when paired with the guided hike.
Geology Mini-Course
$100 per 50 participants
This interactive program offers a broader perspective than the Caves & Karst Mini-Course, providing a birds-eye view of geology as a whole with a focus on rocks, fossils, and water. The goal of this program is to provide an understanding of what rocks, minerals, and fossils are and how they are connected with the water cycle and climate.
Rock & Fossil Sluice
$6 per participant, available for all ages
In this activity, participants use a sluice—a water-filled trough typically used to pan for gold or other precious minerals—to sift through pre-made sand kits containing either rocks & minerals or fossils. Each kit includes a plastic bag with sand and about a dozen pre-selected specimens. Using a sieve tray and the sluice, participants separate the specimens from the sand.
Adults and chaperones do not have to receive a bag and participate unless desired.
Rock & Fossil Specimens, Individual
$1 per specimen
Enhance your collection with one of our hand-selected rocks, minerals, or fossils to take home after your visit! Many options available. Digital identification cards included.
Geodes
$5.00 per Regular size (take home or on site)
$1.50 each per Small size (take-home only)
$1.00 each per Small size 50+ Pack Special (take-home only)
Each participant can try their hand at selecting a geode to have our staff crack open for them!
Blacklight Rental
$3 per blacklight
Blacklights shine ultraviolet light and cause the cave formations to glow in the dark! The cave has lighting and regular flashlights are not needed.
Recommended for students 3rd grade or older.
Ready to Make Memories?
Head over to our booking page for step-by-step instructions on how to book your group online.
What you’ll need to know for booking:
- Number of Participants
- Date & Time
- Program Choice
- $100 Deposit
Want Some Help?
Overwhelmed with options or have some questions? Reach out to our groups team at:
groups@caveofthemounds.com
or give us a call at:
608-437-3038 x103
to plan your visit, pick dates, or pay your deposit or balance.
