Learn About the Cave of the Mounds

Discover the Driftless Area at the Cave of the Mounds

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Learn more about the Cave of the Mounds by watching the video above.

Something Old Below Ground

Over millions of years ago, deep under the ground, our cave began to form.

Water gradually dissolved the rock to create the cavity we know as the cave.

Today water drips into the cave bringing with it dissolved crystals that fuse together to form intricate and varied shapes.

While in the cave you will pass a variety of colorful cave formations.

Our guides will point out important features of our cave and answer questions

about the history and science of our beautiful cave.

Something New Above Ground

Your experience at Cave of the Mounds doesn’t stop with the cave tour.

While on our park grounds, you will find many activities fun for all ages.

Our Rock Shop contains hundreds of unique rocks, fossils, and gemstones from all over the world.

Try out our Gem Mining Sluice and fill your pockets with treasure too!

Walk along our nature trails through our perennial gardens and woodland restoration.

Ebenezer Brigham was the first European Settler in Dane County
In 1886, Charles Brigham is given part of the Brigham Land
CHarles turns his land into a dairy farm for his purebred jersey cows.
In 1903, The Brigham Quarry begins. It is popular with geology students
On August 4th, 1939 during a routine quarry blast a cave was discovered
September 1939, Hanneman and Brechler are chosen to be developers of the cave.
May 30, 1940, Cave of the Mounds opens up to the public
April 30, `946, Meal rails are installed and concrete walks and steps created.
December 31, 1946 437,000 people have visited Cave of the Mounds
In 1958, our by-pass tunnel is completed and Surprise Cave is open.
In 1975, WSS members dig past South Collapse for about 64 feet. Nothing was found.
July 1, 1978, New lighting is installed by famed Gilbert Hemsley.
In the 1970s Cave of the Mounds started promoting educational programs.
In 1979, Runestone Restaurant opens. By 1981, it is renamed "Brigham Farm Kitchen".
Smurfs are put into the cave as a joke in the 1980s. They are removed by 1990s.
Cave of the Mounds becomes a National Natural Landmark in 1988.
The Prairie Restoration is seeded for the first time in 1999.
Quarry's Edge Gemstone Mine opens in 2003
Ongoing UW-Madison studies at Cave of the Mounds
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Ebenezer Brigham was the first European Settler in Dane County
In 1886, Charles Brigham is given part of the Brigham Land
Charled turns his land into a dairy farm for his purebred jersey cows
In 1903, The Brigham Quarry begins. It is popular with geology students
On August 4th, 1939 during a routine quarry blat a cave was discovered
September 1939, Hanneman and Brechler are chosen to be developers of the cave
May 30 1940 Cave of the Mounds opens up to the public
April 30, 1946 Metal rails are installed. Concrete walks and steps created
December 31, 1946, 437,000 people have visited Cave of the Mounds
In 1958, our by-pass tunnel is completed and Surprise Cave is open
In 1975, WSS members dig past south collapse for about 64 feet. nothing was found.
July 1, 1978, new lighting is installed by famed Gilbert Hemsley Jr.
In the 1970s Cave of the Mounds started promoting educational programs
In 1979, Runestone Restaurant opens. By 1981, it is renamed Brigham Farm Kitchen
Smurfs are put into the cave as a joke in the 1980s. They are removed by the 1990s.
cave of the mounds becomes a national natural landmark in 1988
The Prairie Restoration is seeded for the first time in 1999
Quarry's Edge gemstone Mine opens in 2003
Barn Fossil Hunt opens in 2011
Ongoing UW-Madison studies at Cave of the Mounds
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Next
History of Cave of the Mounds
Geology of Cave of the Mounds
Blog Information
Employment Opportunities
Media Kit and Resources

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Anti-discrimination policy  

Cave of the Mounds, National Natural Landmark believes that equal opportunity is important for the continuing success of our organization. In accordance with state, federal, and municipal laws, this foundation intends to comply with these laws which preclude negative discrimination because of race, disability, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, military status, or any other protected classification.