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 Never mind trying to find activities in Chicago for kids - come experience the beauty nestled
in the heart of Southwest Wisconsin’s rolling hills! Cave
of the Mounds offers a myriad of great childrens activities in Wisconsin. In this beautiful natural setting, park visitors enjoy these pleasures: NEW! Walk the Line - Geologic Timeline, Gemstone
Mine and Fossil Dig, Rock and Souvenir Shop,
Prairie and Savanna Restoration Areas,
Rocks & Rain Gardens, Butterfly
Gardens, Discovery Center, Hiking/Biking
Trails and Snack Bar. Come experience the cave like never before during our annual Discovery Days!
Create memories to last a lifetime with this hands on discovery
activity. Young and old alike will enjoy sifting for gemstones
and fossils at our old fashioned mining sluice. Ideal for all ages, this is by far one of the best childrens activities in Wisconsin! School groups, birthday parties, day camps, Scout
groups, and others may combine this as part of any educational program
or guided Cave Tour. Learn more about Mining Activities.
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| Worth the trip by itself, our unique shop has thousands
of rock, mineral, gem and fossil specimens you have
to see to believe. Many of them crafted into beautiful
items for your home. We even have a variety of geodes available to break open here or when you get back home! We
work with collectors from all over the world to gather
this collection that looks like it belongs in a museum.
But, unlike a museum, these items may be purchased
and taken home. Browse and find a one of a kind treasure
to keep for a lifetime. Go to our online Gift Shop.
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| When Ebenezer Brigham first settled here in 1828, prairie
and oak savanna covered much of Southwestern Wisconsin. Here
on the grounds of Cave of the Mounds National Natural
Landmark, the varied plants that made these areas so unique
may be found in our ongoing prairie and oak savanna restoration
projects. Birds, butterflies and many other animals and insects
make their homes in these diverse environments. We invite
you to explore the gardens and identify these unique and beautiful
plants. Visit our prairie demonstration garden where each
plant is identified using its common name as well as the scientific
name, then try to spot them in the large prairie. Learn more about our Wildlife and our Prairie Restoration Project. |
Since the Cave of the Mounds first opened to the public
in 1940, our gardeners have been hard at work cultivating
a stunning array of perennial flowers. Nature provides a dazzling array of blooms from
early spring through late fall among the myriad
of interesting rock formations found naturally in this area - coupled with specialized plantings designed to "catch" water. We invite you to wander
the gardens that have been lovingly tended for generations. Learn more about our Rain Gardens.
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| There are many species of butterflies that make there home
in Wisconsin. We have planted hundreds
of their favorite plants and installed feeders, so every year
they come to Cave of the Mounds to spend the summer. Watch
as monarchs return in the spring. Count the striped caterpillars
of a new generation and anticipate the emergence of
new butterflies from their chrysalises just in time to return
south before winter. Learn more about our Butterfly Gardens. |
In 1828 Ebenezer Brigham settled directly above Cave of
the Mounds, but he never knew the cave was below him. Now,
we have converted his Brigham Farm barn into a Discovery
Center for visitors to enjoy. Open at select times, display cases brim with examples
of cave formations, fossils and rock specimens from our
backyard and all over the world. We also host parties and
many of our school and scout programs in the Discovery Center. Learn more about Educational Activities for kids or teachers.
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Connected to Wisconsin’s extensive bike trail system,
Cave of the Mounds is located just off of the Military Ridge
bike trail. In addition, our nature trails meander though
prairie and oak savanna areas. Come and experience the driftless
area of Southwest Wisconsin, known for its stunning views,
rolling hills and karst topography. Stroll above Cave of
the Mounds and watch for sinkholes and other clues that
a cave is found below. Learn more about our Trails.
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Enjoy a refreshment during your visit to Cave of the Mounds
at our snack bar located just inside the Visitor Center. A variety of delicious treats are available for purchase including Starbucks coffee,
an assortment of sandwiches, chips, popcorn, cookies, ice cream, rock candy, hot and cold beverages
and so much more. Enjoy your snacks at the inside seating area or at one of the many picnic tables around the grounds. The Snack bar is open daily From Mid Spring to November 1st. Coffee, soft drinks and water are sold on site year 'round.
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So quit looking for activities in Chicago for kids - get into the outdoors while doing some awesome children's activities in Wisconsin - we've got it all right here at Cave of the Mounds - National Natural Landmark!
See a map of our grounds HERE
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Gemstone Mine and Fossil Dig: 
Prairie and Savanna Restoration Gardens:
Rocks & Rain
Gardens: 
Butterfly Garden:
Discovery
Center:
Hiking/Biking
Trails:
