Unique Date Ideas with Cave of the Mounds
Written by Stalac-Tate
Picnic in the Prairie
This is a fun classic to start off our date ideas list. Pack a picnic to bring to Cave of the Mounds. Either sit on the grass or at a picnic table. Enjoy the sunshine and nature around you. Take your time. After you eat, grab some tickets to the Cave. It may be a wait, so hike the nature trails. If you want a more casual stroll, walk along the karst trail. If you want it a tad bit harder but not too difficult, walk down the Oak Valley Loop. Finally, head back to the gift shop where you can take a breath before cooling off in the cave.
Discover a Quaint Small Town
Mount Horeb has a wonderful downtown filled with shops and restaurants. Start out with brunch. There are plenty of options from Sjolinds to Sunn Café. Then take a stroll visiting the unique shops like Pops Place, Kella, or Open House Imports. Have lunch at the famous Grumpy Troll. After you’ve explored the town and its many wonders, head on over to Cave of the Mounds to discover Wisconsin below the surface. If you want to stay longer, book a night at the Sunniva Bed & Breakfast which is within walking distance of Main Street.
Explore Southwestern Wisconsin
If you’re looking to spend the day in Southern Wisconsin, start out early at House on the Rock. See wonders you didn’t even know existed. It may take a while if you are going through all three buildings so leave you plenty of time. Then have a well-earned meal at Bob’s Bitchin’ BBQ in Dodgeville. Fill up on delicious food before making your way to Cave of the Mounds. This experience is much different from House on the Rock. You both will see the beauty of nature and the wonder of what it can do. Then finally, take a short trip to treat yourselves to Icki Sticki for some delicious ice cream.
Troll Hunt along the Trollway
Mount Horeb is the Troll Capital of the World. You can go troll hunting by stopping by the Mount Horeb Welcome Center to grab a map or download the Troll Prints App to start your journey. Venture downtown to find all 23 trolls and take fun photos with these rare creatures. After all that hard work, reenergize at The Grumpy Troll. We highly recommend the Signature Grump Chips with the housemade Gorgonzola dipping sauce. Then head underground at Cave of the Mounds to see a natural beauty no troll has ever seen before.
History of the Driftless Area
To end our date ideas list, we saved a unique experience for last. Experience the Norwegian influence on Mount Horeb by going to the Driftless Historium. With exhibits on the history of the Southwest Driftless Area and Mount Horeb’s first troll, you will learn the history of this emerging town. Afterward, head on over to Sjolinds Chocolate House for some delicious treats! Once you’ve experienced Mount Horeb and all its history, why not go to Wisconsin’s Oldest Classroom and learn about the geology of the driftless area at Cave of the Mounds.
