Events

Fun Things to do at Cave of the Mounds

Cave of the Mounds offers a variety of events year-round. There are so many fun things to do!

Special Tours & Events

2 woemn holding drinks in front of a prairie garden

LOVE ON THE ROCKS – Cave After Dark

February 15, 2025, 7pm-9pm

Celebrate LOVE underground this Valentine’s Day at Cave of the Mounds! Join us for an enchanting evening in the cave, filled with live music that sets the perfect romantic ambiance. Capture the moment with a keepsake photo in our one-of-a-kind cave setting.

Enjoy a complimentary drink and appetizers to make the night even more special. Bring your partner or friends for a unique Valentine’s experience surrounded by nature’s wonders, deep within the beautiful backdrop of Cave of the Mounds.

SHARK WEEK – February 2nd – 8th

Shark Week is an exciting blend of geology and paleontology! Dive into the ancient past and discover the fascinating connection between the cave and the prehistoric oceans that once covered the region. During Shark Week, guests can participate in a fun activity: collecting real fossilized shark teeth throughout the tour. For just $2 per bag, visitors can search for these ancient treasures while exploring the stunning cave formations.

This family-friendly event is perfect for fossil enthusiasts, young adventurers, and anyone eager to learn more about Earth’s prehistoric past. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with history in the heart of one of Wisconsin’s natural wonders!

MISSION: ORDOVICIAN – February 9th – 15th
 

Mission: Ordovician takes you on a journey back in time to explore life on Earth over 450 million years ago! Discover how the region’s limestone formed under a shallow sea teeming with marine life during the Ordovician Period.

As part of the celebration, guests can enjoy hands-on activities such as fossil hunts for just $2 per bag, guided tours highlighting Ordovician geology, and the chance to see real fossils from this ancient era. Learn about cephalopods, crinoids and other fascinating creatures that once thrived in this prehistoric ocean. 

This educational and engaging event is ideal for history buffs, geology enthusiasts, and families looking for a fun and interactive way to connect with Earth’s distant past!

DINO WEEK – February 16th – 22nd
 

Dino Week takes you back to the age of dinosaurs with a thrilling exploration of the prehistoric world! While no dinosaurs roamed Wisconsin’s ancient seas, you’ll learn about the fascinating connections between the cave’s geology and the time of these mighty creatures.

Visitors can enjoy hands-on activities, including collecting dino bones & pieces of egg shells for just $2 per bag and dinosaur-themed crafts, as well as guided tours of the cave. Kids and adults alike will love the chance to uncover fossils and imagine the world as it was millions of years ago.

Whether you’re a budding paleontologist or a lifelong dino fan, Dino Week is a roaring good time for all ages!

ST PATTY’S CELEBRATION – Cave After Dark

March 15,2025, 7pm-9pm

Go green for our St. Patrick’s Party with a one-of-a-kind celebration at Cave of the Mounds! Capture the luck of the Irish with live music, a complimentary photo and enjoy a drink and appetizers to celebrate the day. Join us for an unique St. Patrick’s experience where adventure meets awe, right here at Cave of the Mounds.

NATURE SOUND IMMERSION: A JOURNEY OF HARMONY 

March 30, 2025, 4:30pm – 6:00pm

Join us at the stunning Cave of the Mounds for an unforgettable evening of nature-inspired soundscapes and tranquility. Immerse yourself in the resonant tones of native flutes, the deep vibrational hum of the didgeridoo, the rhythmic beats of drums, and more, all performed live in the cave’s natural acoustic setting.

Musical Mindset is a multi-talented musician and sound healer who combines the power of live looping with a diverse range of instruments and genres. Based in Chicago and with a background rooted in Greek culture, Paul began his musical journey at a young age, mastering the darbuka and incorporating the sounds of his upbringing into his unique compositions. From native flute to jaw harp, harmonica, didgeridoo, and his own vocals, Paul creates an immersive sound healing experience tailored to each individual.

Madleen Alsabbah, a yoga instructor, musician, and ceremony facilitator with a deep passion for fostering connection, brings her experience in yoga and community events to the Madison area. Madleen has a background in facilitating ceremonies and events designed to promote inner peace, emotional healing, and spiritual connection. She will accompany Musical Mindset with the rhythmic beats of percussion and shamanic instruments, enhancing the immersive soundscape with grounding vibrations.

Together, Paul and Madleen serve the community as a couple, offering unique sound healing and wellness experiences that harmonize music and mindfulness.

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION – Cave After Dark

April 19,  2025, 7pm-9pm

Join us for a one-of-a-kind Spring Celebration and Earth Day experience at the breathtaking Cave of the Mounds! This special event invites guests to enjoy an enchanting evening inside the cave with live music resonating through the limestone chambers, capturing the essence of nature’s beauty.

Each guest will receive a souvenir photo to commemorate their adventure, plus a complimentary drink and an array of delicious appetizers. To honor Earth Day, guests can take home a small bag of native seeds to plant, fostering new life in their own outdoor spaces. Celebrate the arrival of spring and the beauty of nature in an unforgettable setting!

GUIDED MEDITATION & VIBRATIONAL SOUNDS 

Every Sunday in April, 4:30pm – 6:00pm

Join us for an unforgettable journey of mindfulness and serenity inside the majestic Cave of the Mounds. This unique event begins with a silent guided walk through the breathtaking limestone formations, allowing you to connect deeply with the natural beauty and ancient energy of the cave. Accompanied by gentle meditation music, the serene environment will heighten your senses and quiet your mind.

At the conclusion of the walk, gather in an intimate chamber for a tranquil singing bowl session. The harmonic tones of the singing bowls will resonate through the cave, creating a soothing and immersive sound experience to leave you feeling balanced and restored. Open to all, no prior meditation experience required
Take this rare opportunity to nurture your inner peace in a one-of-a-kind setting.
Kelly Hepper will facilitate the Vibrational Sounds – check out her website for more info https://www.kellyhepper.com/

Fun Things to do while Visiting

Enhance your Cave Tour by learning even more about Wisconsin geology and Cave of the Mounds! These events are FUN for all ages. Therefore these specialty tours and events are open to the public and one of the many fun things to do while visiting. 

Cave of the Mounds GEO WEEKS are week long events held for enhanced entertainment and education.
Cave of the Mounds celebrates shark week February 2 through 8; gather shark teeth as you tour
Collect genuine fossilized shark teeth on your tour and learn about the connection between our cave and the prehistoric oceans that once sat here. Only $2 in addition to a regular ticket
Cave of the Mounds Mission: Ordovician event from February 9 through 15
Discover how the region’s limestone formed under a shallow sea teeming with marine life during the Ordovician Period. Collect fossils as you go! Only $2 additional!
Cave of the Mounds Dino Week from February 16 to 22.
Learn about the fascinating connections between the cave’s geology and the time of the dinosaurs. Take home a dino egg shell and bone fragment! Only $2 additional!

Stay & Play​

  • Discover Treasure at the Gemstone Mine
  • Explore our Rock & Fossil Gift Shop
  • Crack open a Geode
  • Get certified as an Adventure Ranger
  • Walk along our Geologic Timeline
  • Hike the Interpretive Nature Trails
  • Observe the Rock & Perennial Garden
Photo of a girl pointing at the wonders along our nature trails. one of the many Fun Things to do while visiting places in Wisconsin
Private Rentals

Host your next event at Cave of the Mounds National Natural Landmark!

For Event Rental inquiries please contact: events@caveofthemounds.com