School Group Programs
A field trip to Cave of the Mounds has been a tradition for generations of area school kids. Programs are available all year ’round. We provide a memorable experience designed to meet the needs of each group while supporting the goals and objectives of teachers and meeting a variety of curriculum standards. Make the most of your experience at Cave of the Mounds – Wisconsin’s Oldest Classroom!
Educational Program Descriptions
Programs are available to groups of 20 or more with two-week advance reservation. Programs can be adapted for any grade level. Programs are given rain or shine.
Click on each program name below to find out more.
Cave Tour
Cave Tour
SpeleoQUEST (Cave Mini-Course)
SpeleoQUEST (Cave Mini-Course)
SpeleoQUEST takes your students on a journey through Wisconsin’s unique driftless area and karst landscape – exploring sinkholes, caves, and water, as a physical and chemical force of nature by way of weathering and erosion.
RocksROCK (Rock Mini-Course)
RocksROCK (Rock Mini-Course)
The RocksROCK program introduces your group to the basic components of our earth. Each participant will leave with a bag of their very own rock and mineral specimens great for follow-up in the classroom, at the Scout Den, or wherever your learning takes place. Use our sluice and identify rocks, minerals and gemstones with an experienced instructor.
PaleoTALES (Fossil Mini-Course)
PaleoTALES (Fossil Mini-Course)
Dig in and discover a life story – hidden within a rock! This program provides a hands-on science experience where your group will learn about, uncover and identify authentic fossil specimens. Learn how fossils form and explore how scientists classify fossils they find. Come on – be a paleontologist for a day!
GeoJourney (Geology Mini-Course)
GeoJourney (Geology Mini-Course)
This is a comprehensive program designed to lead your group through the basic concepts within the field of geology. Rock types and fossil formation are investigated, and we’ll explore our new GIANT geologic timeline! Each participant will leave with their very own collection of rock and mineral OR fossil specimens!
Diggings to Discovery (History Mini-Course)
Diggings to Discovery (History Mini-Course)
Investigate the cultural history of Cave of the Mounds and the Blue Mounds area from the early settlers through the lead mining boom to the discovery of Wisconsin’s oldest classroom!
Mound Bound (Orienteering Mini-Course)
Mound Bound (Orienteering Mini-Course)
Your group will learn the basics of navigation and using a compass to find their way, while they learn both individually and as an active member of a team. Orienteering challenge course time included.
This program is approximately 3 hours long and includes:
- Cave Tour
- Interactive Lecture
- Orienteering Challenge Courses
Cave Miner Pack (a ala carte)
Cave Miner Pack (a ala carte)
Mine for gems… Hunt for fossils… Discover treasure! Add more learning before or after your scheduled tour.
- 1 Self-guided Mining Activity with Rock or Fossil Collection
Small Group Package
Small Group Package
Our Small Group Package is available to Boy Scout groups of 10 or more with two-week advance reservation. Your small group can still enjoy a field trip and save! The Small Group Package includes the 1-hour educational cave tour and the mining activity of your choice. Choose the Quarry’s Edge Gemstone Mine or the Fossil Dig. Everyone goes home with a collection of rocks or fossils!
- 1-Hour Educational Cave Tour
- Mining Activity with Rock or Fossil Collection
Create a Program for Your School Group
Create a Program for Your School Group
Don’t see what you’re looking for? We’ll create it! Contact our Education Team to discuss ways we can customize your experience to meet the needs and interests of your students.
groups@caveofthemounds.com
608-437-3038 ext. 103
Group Pricing
Available to groups of 20 or more with two-week advance reservation. Seasonal restrictions may apply. All group rates are priced per person. All prices are subject to 5.5% Wisconsin sales tax unless proof of exempt status is presented.
| Cave Tour | Adults & HS Students | $11 |
| (a la carte) | Students (K-8) | $7.50 |
| SpeleoQUEST | 1hr pgm added to tour | $2 |
| (Cave Tour+ Outdoor Hike+ Interactive Lecture) |
| Diggings to Discovery | 1hr pgm added to tour | $2 |
| (Cave Tour+ Outdoor Hike+ Interactive Lecture) |
| Mound Bound | 1hr pgm added to tour | $3 |
| (Cave Tour+ Interactive Lecture+ Challenge Courses) |
| PaleoTALES | 1hr pgm added to tour | $5 |
| (Cave Tour+ Interactive Lecture+ Mining for Fossils) |
| RocksROCK | 1hr pgm added to tour | $5 |
| (Cave Tour+ Interactive Lecture+ Mining for Gemstones) |
| GeoJourney | 1hr pgm added to tour | $5 |
| (Cave Tour+ Interactive Lecture+ Gem or Fossil Mining) |
| Miner Pack | Mining | $4.50 |
| (a la carte) | Fossil Dig | $4.50 |
| Sm. Grp. Tour + Mine | Adults & HS Students | $15.75 |
| (10 or more) | Students (K-8) | $11.75 |
| Pgm. Meal Option | Lunch w/chips+drink | $5 |
