Plan Your Visit
Cave Admission Prices
Regular Admission (Ages 13+) ….. $23.99
Child Admission (Ages 4 – 12) ….. $14.99
Tot Admission (Ages 3 and under) .. Free
Regular Admission (Ages 13+)
$23.99
Child Admission (Ages 4 – 12)
$14.99
Tot Admission (Ages 3 and under)
Free
Ticket times are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Ticket times are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Hours
Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM
Depart Frequently starting at 10:00 AM
Weekday entries are hourly
Last entry at 4 PM
After Labor Day through October 31st
All Traditional Tours, except Saturdays from 11 AM until 3 PM
Weekdays: Every 30 minutes starting at 10 AM
Weekends: Every 15 minutes starting at 9:30 AM
Last entry at 4 PM
What is a
Self-Paced Guided Tour?
Take a self-paced stroll through this geologic wonder with entries available every day of the year. Your walk will guide you past a stunning array of colorful crystal formations on paved lighted walkways. Cave of the Mounds is the premier cave in the upper Midwest and the jewel box of America’s major show caves. Plan your visit while Illustrated map of the Cave of the Mounds grounds that can be used while visiting places in Wisconsin.
FAQs
FAQs
What is a
Museum-Style Tour?
Take a museum-style stroll through this geologic wonder. Your walk will guide you past a stunning array of colorful crystal formations on paved lighted walkways.
As you explore, NEW signage will explain the science and history, and our staff are stationed throughout the cave to make sure that you enjoy your experience.
Visitors enjoy the Cave’s constant 50-degree temperature which makes the cave feel cool in the summer and warm in the winter. These museum-style tours are typically run from Memorial Day through Labor Day Weekend.
What is a
Traditional Tour?
A guide will lead a small group through this geologic wonder. Your guide will explain the beautiful stunning array of colorful crystal formations while walking on paved lighted walkways.
These tours take 45 to 55 minutes. The guide will show you all the amazing features of our unique destination.
Whether you’re a curious tourist or a budding cave enthusiast, Cave of the Mounds has something for everyone to discover at one of the caverns in Wisconsin.
Stay & Play at Cave of the Mounds
- Discover Treasure at the Gemstone Mine
- Explore our Rock & Fossil Gift Shop
- Crack open a Geode
- Get certified as an Adventure Ranger
- Walk along our Geologic Timeline
- Hike the Interpretive Nature Trails
- Observe the Rock & Perennial Gardens
PARKING is FREE!
Handicap parking is available at the bottom of the service drive.
Accessibility
The Cave is not wheelchair, walker or stroller accessible, however, most above ground activities are.
PET Policy
Pets are NOT allowed on the grounds. However, we do have free dog kennels available seasonally.
PARKING is FREE!
Handicap parking is available at the bottom of the service drive.
Accessibility
The Cave is not wheelchair, walker or stroller accessible, however, most above ground activities are.
FREE WIFI available
Guest WiFi is available above ground near the Visitor Center and Gift Shop.
PET Policy
Pets are NOT allowed on the grounds. However, we do have free dog kennels available seasonally.
For your safety and to protect our fragile cave:
Take Photos
*No Tri-pods, monopods, or selfie -sticks
Do Not Touch the Cave
The oil from your skin will stop cave formations from growing.
No Food, Drink or Gum Allowed
*Only bottled water in the Cave
No Strollers & Framed Carriers
*Nothing is allowed on your back
Cave is Cool, Dress Appropriately
*50°F/10°C in Cave
No Pets Allowed
No Smoking or Vaping in the Cave
Leave Backpacks in Vehicle
*Nothing is allowed on your back
PREPARING FOR VISIT
To help plan your visit: Cave of the Mounds does not allow food or beverages – other than plain water – inside the underground passageways.
Sugars and nutrients in food and beverage that drop or spill in the cave can cause mold and other undesirable substances to grow, and of course there are the wrappers and containers to deal with. Litter can be a big problem in show caves when gum, candy, food or beverage is allowed, so we ask that our guests refrain from eating or drinking besides bottled water while inside the cave.
We do have picnic areas with trash and recycle receptacles, and some have shelters available to use while visiting places in Wisconsin
Large bags and backpacks of all kinds are discouraged.
Our cave length does not require the need for personal supplies or food. The passageways of our cave have some areas that are more fragile than others. Backpacks and large bags can rub against the cave walls and physically damage the cave environment.
If you are bringing a baby, we ask that soft sided, front facing baby carriers are used, not hard framed baby carriers or the one’s that go on the back.
Additionally, strollers do not fit on narrow cave passageways. Plus we have a fair amount of stairs.
Caves are highly visual experiences and we allow guests to take photos during their underground experience with flash.
Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed due to the closer quarters underground and therefore a greater risk for damage to the cave.
Inside the cave, we recommend you put your phone on airplane mode to save battery.
Our cave is a great family experience that can go a long way to expose children to the wonders of nature while inspiring new environmental stewards.
We do not allow the touching of any rocks or formations in the cave in order to protect the fragile nature of these environments. Additionally, since it is underground, they are naturally devoid of light. While we have an elaborate lighting installed, sometimes it is helpful for families to bring a small flashlight for their children to hold along the tour route.
“Children who have their own source of light are more likely to discover things they might not otherwise notice, and, it gives them more control over their experience,” offers Cave of the Mounds Operations Manager Jan Okeson.
As in any unfamiliar environment, we ask parents to be responsible and extra aware of their child’s behavior and whereabouts while in the cave.
Our cave is a subterranean environment that maintains the annual average temperature of the above ground region that we are located in. Our cave, which is located in Wisconsin, has an average temperature underground of 50 degrees.
We recommend a light jacket. Our cave feels cool in the summer and balmy in the winter. Closed-toe shoes, such as tennis shoes, are also recommended, because the cave environment is damp and cool.
We hope this helps as you plan your visit to Cave of the Mounds.
