The Cave of the Mounds

The caves in Blue Mounds, WI are a wonder as surprising for their location as for their natural beauty. Things that come to mind when someone mentions Madison, Wisconsin include badgers, cheese, and the University of Wisconsin. They generally do not include Blue Mounds, caves, or gorgeous geodes just outside of the state’s capital.

That is what you can find a short 30 minute drive from the capital of Wisconsin. While the village of Blue Mounds boasts less than 1,000 residents, it does hide the hidden gem that is the Cave of the Mounds. Both the village and the caves are named for two nearby hills called, as you may suspect, the Blue Mounds. The caves are not nearly so capacious as their cousins to the south, the Mammoth Caves of Kentucky, but what they lack in sheer size they compensate for in breathtaking beauty and color.

Stalagmites, stalactites, minerals, and myriad colors and waterways litter these caves in a magical cornucopia. A panoply of delights are packed into this underground heaven. We were not expecting very much at these little know caverns but although the tour doesn’t take very long, we were impressed with the beauty and visual delight we experienced here.

Originally the caves were hidden, resting unknown and unseen beneath the small, rolling hills of southern Wisconsin. The creation of a lead mine over and around the caves lead to the blasting of a portion of the area, in order to loosen limestone for the creation of roads in the state. After the explosion, an opening was accidentally created into the caves and work on the mine never continued after the discovery.

As of this writing the cost of entry to the caves is $21.99 for adults and $12.99 for ages 4-12. The tour is self paced with well versed guides spaced out evenly in the different chambers and takes about one hour. Though the cost is a bit steep for the short duration, the caves themselves are beautiful, noteworthy, and offer some fantastic rock formations. The ticket counter rents out black lights for use in the caves, as there are luminescent minerals all through the limestone walls, offering great fun for children as they discover greens and purples and whites in the otherwise dark corners.

We suggest, if possible, to bring your own black light flashlight. They are very affordable and add a lot to the experience, especially for younger visitors. They can be rented for $10 at the gift shop and entrance to the caves, but you can purchase one for just over $10 and have one forever!

Pets are not allowed and the caves are open from 9-5 each day, with the last tour beginning at 4 pm. Other than the caves, the grounds at Cave of the Mounds boast several walking trails and gardens, including a butterfly garden, and activities for children. Kids can participate in a fossil dig or use the sluice to search for gems with sluice bags from the gift shop.

Looking for a place to stay on your visit to Cave of the Mounds? We’ve got you covered! Check out the handy map below to search the surrounding area.

Cave of the Mounds
2975 Cave of the Mounds Rd.
Blue Mounds, WI
53517