Visit FAQs

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions to Unique Place to Visit in Wisconsin

What is a Self-Paced Tour?

Take a guided self-paced stroll through this geologic wonder. Tours depart regularly. 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 in the cave to make sure that you enjoy your experience at this unique place to visit in Wisconsin

Stay & Play

  • 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

Questions Answered Here

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. 

Photo of Onyx Ridge section of the cave with People
Cave Guests Onyx Ridge staff photos 010

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.

Photo of a girl exploring our Karst Trail

Stay & Play

  • 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
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

Hours

Open Year ‘Round from 9 AM to 5 PM

First entry at 9:30 AM – Last entry at 4 PM

Museum Style Tours from 10 AM to 2:30 PM

Traditional Tours before 10 AM / after 2:30 PM

Stalagmite at Cave of the Mounds

Getting Here

2975 Cave of the Mounds Road

Blue Mounds, WI 53517-0148

Illustrated map of the Cave of the Mounds grounds that can be used while visiting places in Wisconsin

For your safety and to protect our fragile cave:

Camera with flash

Take Photos

*No Tri-pods, monopods, or selfie -sticks

Finger touch with circle slash over top.

Do Not Touch the Cave

The oil from your skin will stop cave formations from growing.

Food with circle slash over top

No Food, Drink or Gum Allowed

*Only bottled water in the Cave

Image of stroller with a circle slash across it.

No Strollers & Framed Carriers

*Nothing is allowed on your back

Smile face with sunglasses.

Cave is Cool, Dress Appropriately

*50°F/10°C in Cave

Image of dog.

No Pets Allowed

Cigarette with circle slash over top

No Smoking or Vaping in the Cave

Image of backpack.

Leave Backpacks in Vehicle

*Nothing is allowed on your back

REQUIREMENTS

Masks are no longer required.

There are many hand sanitizing stations present throughout the two main buildings.

The Cave is not wheelchair, walker or stroller accessible, however, most above ground activities are.

While strollers are NOT allowed inside the cave, we do have front facing baby carriers that you can borrow for no charge. Also we have a stroller parking area just outside the cave entrance building.

Pets are NOT allowed in the cave, trails, or in buildings. 

Service animals by law are permitted in all areas of our property.   Emotional Support, Therapy, Comfort or Companion Animals are not service animals.  

We realize that some of our guests visit when they are already traveling with their pets.   Pets are permitted in the upper main parking area only and must be supervised and leashed – or otherwise contained – at all times. Pet owners are responsible for proper removal and disposal of their pets’ waste. Waste should be collected and contained in a pet waste bag and disposed of in trash receptacles.  

If you cannot leave your pet at home and are traveling with a pet on a hot day, we have two outdoor kennels that you may use rather than leave your pet in a hot car.  These kennels are free to use and are along a spur of the state bike trail, which is a great place to walk your leashed pet.  Bring a photo ID to our ticket desk to get the key for the kennel.  Pets left in kennels are not attended and the kennels are not recommended for dogs who dig or are anxious when left unattended.  In these cases we recommend having one person stay with your pet while some of your party tours the cave and then switching so everyone can enjoy the experience and  your pet is not left alone.  Cave of the Mounds is not responsible for decisions made in regards to a pet’s health and safety. 

Pets must be under owner control at all times. Pet owners are not allowed to let their pets interfere in any manner with other people’s enjoyment of the park.

We have tours leaving frequently so you won’t have to wait very long.

We also have plenty of above ground activities to do while you wait.

The cave has paved paths and is a constant 50-degree Fahrenheit.

We recommend a light jacket in the summer.

For footwear, we suggest close-toed shoes, like tennis shoes,  since it is damp and cool in the cave.

VISITING

Tickets are sold primarily in our Visitor Center. Ticket Reservations are not necessary.

Our ticket prices are as follows:

Regular Admission (Ages 13+)…$23.99

Child Admission (Ages 4-12)…$14.99

Tot Admission (Ages 3 and under)…Free

We have one main parking lot that currently does not have a cover charge.

Accessible parking is available at the bottom of the service drive.

Parking for large campers and trailers is available near our Barn Discovery Center.

A bicycle rack is provided by the handicap parking at the bottom of the service drive near the buildings.

The Cave is not wheelchair, walker or stroller accessible, however, most above ground activities are. We also have an accessible stall  in each restroom.

While strollers are NOT allowed inside the cave, we do have a few front facing baby carriers that you can borrow for no charge.

Pets are NOT allowed in the cave, trails, or in buildings. 

Service animals by law are permitted in all areas of our property.   Emotional Support, Therapy, Comfort or Companion Animals are not service animals.  

We realize that some of our guests visit when they are already traveling with their pets.   Pets are permitted in the upper main parking area only and must be supervised and leashed – or otherwise contained – at all times. Pet owners are responsible for proper removal and disposal of their pets’ waste. Waste should be collected and contained in a pet waste bag and disposed of in trash receptacles.  

If you cannot leave your pet at home and are traveling with a pet on a hot day, we have two outdoor kennels that you may use rather than leave your pet in a hot car.  These kennels are free to use and are along a spur of the state bike trail, which is a great place to walk your leashed pet.  Bring a photo ID to our ticket desk to get the key for the kennel.  Pets left in kennels are not attended and the kennels are not recommended for dogs who dig or are anxious when left unattended.  In these cases we recommend having one person stay with your pet while some of your party tours the cave and then switching so everyone can enjoy the experience and  your pet is not left alone.  Cave of the Mounds is not responsible for decisions made in regards to a pet’s health and safety. 

Pets must be under owner control at all times. Pet owners are not allowed to let their pets interfere in any manner with other people’s enjoyment of the park.

Our guests are welcome to take pictures inside the cave and throughout the property of this unique place to visit in Wisconsin.

Tri-pods, mono-pods and selfie sticks are not allowed inside the cave. 

Professional/staged photography requires a purchased photo permit

For Photographers taking posed/formal photos (e.g., engagement, wedding, senior year, family)

DAILY one-time use above ground permit – $30Photographers must have a permit for each individual photo session or shoot with each client. Mini shoots are considered multiple sessions and require an annual photography permit.

ANNUAL above ground photography permit – $300 per year. The annual permit allows multiple sessions with different clients in a day or on multiple occasions for one year starting from the permit purchase date.

Photography Permit Policy PDF

Guest WiFi is available above ground near the Visitor Center and Gift Shop.

Basic first aid supplies such as Bandages and ice packs are available upon request in the Visitor Center and Gift Shop.

Cave of the Mounds accepts cash and card (Visa, mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, etc.) No personal checks accepted.

There is not an ATM on-site at Cave of the Mounds. There are ATMs in both Blue Mounds and Mount Horeb, both towns are located approx. 5 minutes or less from Cave of the Mounds.

Restrooms are available inside the Visitor Center.

Changing stations are available in both restrooms.

Accessibility: Each restroom has one accessible stall.

TICKETS

Tickets can be bought both when you arrive and online. However, ticket times are given when a physical ticket is picked up. Or if you reserve a VIP package.

Cave of the Mounds endorses FREE gemstone mining coupons in some print publications and online.
There are no online discounts endorsed by Cave of the Mounds for Cave Tour admission. Any Cave Tour discounts you may find online are not endorsed by Cave of the Mounds and are not legitimate discounts.

Group rates are available for groups of 20 or more with two weeks advanced notice at this unique place to visit in Wisconsin.

Cave of the Mounds accepts cash and card. No personal checks accepted.

There is not an ATM on-site at Cave of the Mounds. There are ATMs in both Blue Mounds and Mount Horeb, both towns are located approx. 5 minutes or less from Cave of the Mounds.

MEMBERS

Help support the conservation of Cave of the Mounds National Natural Landmark by becoming a Keys to the Cave member. 

Membership is good for 1 year from the date of your first Cave visit.

You can purchase membership for multiple members at once.

All proceeds of memberships go towards protecting this geologic treasure and unique place to visit in Wisconsin.

You can purchase your Annual Memberships in person the day of your visit or online after purchasing a ticket.

Keys to the Cave card, granting you unlimited Cave Tour admissions at Cave of the Mounds for 1 year

Free subscription to our email newsletter

Other great email offers throughout the year!

PARK GROUNDS GUIDELINES

Picnic areas are available for our guests throughout our property.

Please keep food out of the gardens and trails.

Campfires are prohibited.

Help preserve the park’s serene atmosphere and maintain its unique and beautiful collections and native habitats at this unique place to visit in Wisconsin.

Please refrain from climbing on trees and shrubs, picking fruits and vegetables, walking in garden beds, collecting plants, flowers, or seeds, and feeding wildlife.

Active sports and games – including rollerblading, skateboarding, use of scooters, Frisbees, and ball playing, — are not permitted.

Concealed and Open carry firearms are prohibited on Cave of the Mounds property.

Individuals who are licensed to carry concealed and open guns must safely store their firearms in their car’s glove compartment, trunk, or locked case while visiting Cave of the Mounds.

The Cave and buildings at Cave of the Mounds are smoke-free environments, including e-cigarettes. Please displose of cigarette butts properly in the containers provided on the grounds.

Service animals are permitted in all areas of our property.  Pets are not allowed. Emotional Support, Therapy, Comfort or Companion Animals are not service animals.  

Please refer to our “Pet Policy” above for all non-service animals.