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!

Fun with fluorescence black light tour one of the many Fun Things to do
Captivating Cave Experience Private Guided Tour one of the many Fun Things to do
Private Rentals Space Indoors
Geology Talks. Learn from the Experts
Private Rentals are available
Public Programs Learn Something New one of the many Fun Things to do
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Special Tours & Events

Our holiday event “Cave of Lights” is coming soon! This event is from November 29th through January 12th. We will have lights dazzling both above and below ground. There is no additional fee for this event. The lights will be seen on every tour for the duration of the event. We will have extended hours from Thursday through Saturday. We will be open until 8 PM. The last tour is at 7 PM these days. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays we will have fire pits on the Quarry Floor. These are the dates of extended hours: December 12th, 13th, & 14th December 19th, 20th, & 21st December 26th, 27th, & 28th January 2nd, 3rd, & 4th
2 woemn holding drinks in front of a prairie garden

Lantern Tours

November 10th & 24th at 4:30 PM

Discover the cave like the first explorers. Walk through the cave using only lanterns and flashlights. Feel as though you are one of the first people to ever see the cave. 

Cave of the Mounds was accidentally discovered during a quarry blast. The first who entered were quarry workers, a farmer, and a 17-year-old boy. They were the first to ever lay eyes on the cave as there are no natural entrances. No animal or human had ever seen the cave until 1939.

Today there are more than 400 known caves in the state of Wisconsin but often found in people’s backyards like this one. In fact, cave explorers find hundreds of caves in America each year!

Get a glimpse into the spelunking world! 

Tickets will be available 1 month before the tour

Blacklight Tours

November 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 16th, 17th, 23rd, 29th, & 30th at 4:30 PM

Unique Experience to explore the Cave of the Mounds by Black Light. Watch the cave glow under UV Light. Why does the cave glow? Because of the perfect mixture of minerals, our cave is one of the few that glow under ultraviolet light.

You will learn about ultraviolet light, fluorescence, and see the speleothems GLOW! The tour price includes a black light rental and a guided tour of Cave of the Mounds. This is a fun experience not found just anywhere.

Tickets are non-refundable. Please be aware, that tours are held in the dark which may be inappropriate for very young children.

Tickets will be available 1 month before the tour

Blacklight & Brews Tour

November 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd at 5 PM

Discover the captivating allure of Cave of the Mounds during their Blacklight & Brews Tour, where ultraviolet lights illuminate dazzling fluorescent minerals and formations, complemented by the option to enjoy beer, wine, or a frozen margarita or sangria during the tour.

This is a fun exploration guided tour in the cave. With no strict time constraints, you can immerse yourself fully in the experience, savoring each moment and making lasting memories.

Blacklights are provided. Your first drink is complimentary.

You must be 21+ to attend the Blacklight & Brews Tour. Children and infants will not be permitted to enter. ALL guests need to bring a valid photo I.D. for entry.

Tickets are non-refundable. Please be aware, that tours are held in the dark.

Tickets are available 1-month before the event

Cave of Lights:

November 29 – January 12

Step into a holiday wonderland this December with our much-awaited holiday lights event: Cave of Lights. Explore Cave of the Mounds as you’ve never seen it before–with constellations of twinkling lights guiding your way through this underground wonder.
 
The festivities continue above ground with the park and buildings decorated to the brim with lights and holiday whimsey. Whether you’re wandering through the glowing cave or enjoying the sparkling outdoor displays, this event is sure to bring the holiday spirit to life!

This season, as the weather gets colder outside, come warm up below ground in the 50° underground. This opportunity to see the lights will be on every cave tour all month long in December. We are open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM with the last cave entry at 4 PM.

Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

 

Caroling in the Cave:

Experience our Caroling in the Cave Concerts, a series of charity fundraisers, and Holiday festivities featuring talented music groups from around Southwest Wisconsin.

See the Cave in a different light as holiday lights illuminate the main chamber of the Cave.  Shop for holiday gifts in our rock and fossil shop. A truly magical experience!

December 6th, 2024 at 7:00 PM 

December 7th, 2024 at 5:30 PM & 7:00 PM 

Tickets are available online starting November 5th, 2024 at 10 am. Tickets are non-refundable. Limited Tickets are available. Part of the proceeds goes to a charity of the music groups choosing. Pick up tickets in the Visitor Center prior to the concert.  Seating for performances is available first come first served.

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. 

Festival of Lights 2024 poster, Cave of Lights decoration
Blacklight Tours
Lantern Tours. Using flashlights and lanterns to explore the cave like the first explorers.
Blacklight & Brews at Cave of the Mounds. This is an adults only tour. There is an icon of two beer cans clinking with a neon blue and pink circle around the beer cans.
Caroling in the Cave
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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!

Full display of the bar in the Visitor Center for events with beer and wine unique place to visit in Wisconsin
Centerpiece for an event with wine bottles and flowers unique place to visit in Wisconsin
Wedding Setup with tables and centerpieces in the Visitor Center of Cave of the Mounds
Band under tent at Cave of the Mounds one of the many Fun Things to do
Bar with wine at the Cave of the Mounds
Bride and Groom in Garden at a Wisconsin Destination
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For Event Rental inquiries please contact: info@caveofthemounds.com

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