Welcome to Wisconsin’s Oldest Classroom
From school field trips and girl scout troops to family reunions that include cousins you’ve only met once, we offer a variety of courses and activities that are sure to entertain, no matter your age.
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.
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.
Scout Troops
Scout Troops of all ages are welcome to take advantage of our group rates and policies, provided that they meet the minimum requirements. We are happy to provide any necessary assistance in earning merit badges, and Scout Troops are free to purchase, on site or in advance, our optional Fun Badges to show off their visitation.
Build Your Adventure:
Groups 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.
Time: 45min to 1hr
Cost: Variable depending on season and age
SPRING (April 1 to June 10)
ADULTS, TEACHERS, DRIVERS, ETC: $17.00
7TH THRU 12TH GRADE: $14.00
6TH GRADE AND YOUNGER: $11.00
SUMMER (June 11 to Labor Day)
ADULTS, TEACHERS, DRIVERS, ETC: $18.00
7TH THRU 12TH GRADE: $15.00
6TH GRADE AND YOUNGER: $12.00
FALL (Labor Day to October 31)
ADULTS, TEACHERS, DRIVERS, ETC: $17.00
7TH THRU 12TH GRADE: $14.00
6TH GRADE AND YOUNGER: $11.00
WINTER (November 1 to March 31)
ADULTS, TEACHERS, DRIVERS, ETC: $15.00
7TH THRU 12TH GRADE: $13.00
6TH GRADE AND YOUNGER: $10.00
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.
Time: 30min
Cost: $100 per 40 participants (adults and children)
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.
- 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.
Time: 30min
Cost: $100 per 40 participants (adults and children)
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.
- Layers of the Earth
- Rocks and minerals, including rock types and the rock cycle
- Cave mineral deposits (Speleothems)
- Geologic Time, the Law of Superposition, and the deposition of Wisconsin’s limestone bedrock
- Fossils, rocks, and minerals found within Cave of the Mounds
- The Water Cycle
The recommended activity for this course is the Rock & Fossil Sluice.
Time: 30min
$50 per 40 participants (adults and children)
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.
Time: 30min
Cost: $100 per 40 participants (adults and children)
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.
Add-Ons:
Additional picks and activities that can be added to your visit.
Time: ~10min
$6 per bag
$1 per specimen
$3 per blacklight
Free access. Trails are 0.5mi each.
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.
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?
Send us an email with your questions at:
groups@caveofthemounds.com
or give us a call at:
608-437-3038 x103
to speak with one of our Groups Representatives!
Already Made Your Reservation?
If you’ve received an invoice and confirmation from us, you may make a deposit for your visit.
- Deposits are $100 and go towards your total balance.
- Deposits are non-refundable but are transferable for up to one (1) year.
The remaining balance may be paid over the phone or in person by card or check.
