Holiday Events

Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day

Underground Glow EggSTRAVAGANZA ​

  • Hundreds of glowing eggs will fill the deepest part of the Cave called the “Meanders”! The eggs will light your way along the tour path and create a magical atmosphere.
  • Tour Guides will be handing out colorful rocks along the Cave Tour route!
  • Enjoy our FREE Do-It-Yourself face painting station before your tour featuring glow-in-the-dark face paints!
  • Glow-in-the-Dark accessories will be available for sale in the Quarry’s Edge Gift Shop.
  • We can’t wait to see you at this year’s Glow Quest Eggstravaganza!
Photo of Glowing Eggs for the Cave of the Mounds Eggstravaganza events in Wisconsin
Photo of family walking in the cave.

Under the Earth Day

Help celebrate the conservation of our planet!  Take the time to see the beauty of the earth above AND below ground!  Head below the earth’s surface on a tour, then hike our trails!

Founder’s Day at Cave of the Mounds

Join us in celebrating our founder, Ebenezer Brigham!

Ebenezer Brigham was the first permanent European settler in Dane County. He came to the Blue Mounds in 1828 in search of lead!

Portrait of Ebenezer Brigham, an important figure in the history of Wisconsin and lived in Blue Mounds
Holiday Events at Cave of the Mounds
Photo of Glowing Eggs for the Cave of the Mounds Eggstravaganza events in Wisconsin

Easter EGGstravaganza

Come for our Easter EGGstravaganza! With many events and activities to spend the day visiting. 

April 18, 19, and 20, 2025

During the tour, a pathway is lit with hundreds of GLOWING eggs. See the amazing glow from the eggs and see the cave in a whole new light. Purchase one of our Easter Rock Hunt bags for $2 in addition to your ticket fee to receive rock and fossil treasures underground at stations inside Cave of the Mounds!

An Easter Hunt will done on Sunday at 10 AM and 2 PM by the Historic Brigham Barn. Earn rocks and fossils for each egg found. Max of 10 eggs per participant. The cost is $5 per child under the age of 12.

Custom Add-Ons

Celebrating Mothers at Cave of the Mounds on Mothers Day

Celebrating Mothers

Sunday, May 11th 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Imagine a serene and unique Mother’s Day celebration at the Cave of the Mounds, where nature’s beauty and thoughtful touches come together to create a memorable experience.Before embarking on the guided tour through the cave, you will be treated to a delightful spread of pastries and herbal tea.

Once the leisurely pre-tour refreshments are finished, we will join the expert guides for an unforgettable journey through the cave. The tour showcases the incredible stalactites, stalagmites, and mineral formations, all while celebrating the beauty of nature and the bond of family. This peaceful and enchanting day is sure to be a cherished memory for all those who attend. To complete the experience you will take home a souvenir photo and heart shaped gemstone of your choice.

Regular $39.99

Child $29.99

Spend Fathers Day at Cave of the Mounds

Father's Day at Cave of the Mounds

Sunday, June 15th from 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Celebrate Father’s Day with an underground adventure! Bring Dad to Cave of the Mounds for a day he won’t forget—explore the stunning natural beauty of the cave, before the tour enjoy lemonade and snacks in the Visitor Center.

Each father will receive a take-home geode to remember the day. Whether you’re spending the day with Dad, Grandpa, or another father figure, it’s the perfect way to create memories and enjoy nature—above and below ground.

Regular $39.99

Child $29.99

Discovery Days

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAVE OF THE MOUNDS!

Cave of the Mounds was discovered on August 4, 1939. Come celebrate our 84th anniversary with a week packed with fun! From August 4th to August 8th, 2025, special events happening both above and below ground.

In the Cave, there will be a special flashlight experience like the first explorers in the cave for every person visiting during this event. Free History Walks across our property at 10 AM & 1 PM and the Historic Brigham Farm will be open with historic displays available for free!

No need to sign up or pre-order, all activities can be added at the door. More activities will be announced closer to the event. Stay tuned for more!

Photo of Holloween Trick-or-Treating at Cave of the Mounds

HOLLOW-een at the Cave

HOLLOW-een at Cave of the Mounds in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin is all of October. October 1st through 31st. Costumes are encouraged. They will be led by a guide and trick-or-treaters will receive a mix of rocks and fossils at stations in the cave.

Don’t be afraid of the dark – join us for the month of October for HOLLOW-een at Cave of the Mounds! Enjoy this sugar-less trick-or-treat experience at Cave of the Mounds. Anyone who wants to join can for an extra $3 charge per person when buying a ticket. This includes a reusable cloth bag, crystals & fossils that you will get in a trick-or-treat style throughout the cave. Trick-or-Treat for rocks and fossils from all over the world while exploring the Cave of the Mounds.

Purchase at the Ticket Desk or online after September 5th, 2025

*Note: Guest must buy tour ticket to join in this experience.

Admission Cost +

$3

Festival of Lights 2024 poster, Cave of Lights. All Tours. All December. Experience a festival of lights all December long. At Cave of the Mounds. Holiday lights decorate the cave for the Christmas season. Located near Milwaukee, Madison, Mount Horeb, Dubuque, Minneapolis, and Chicago!
Cave of Lights
Step into a holiday wonderland this December with our much-awaited 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 festival of lights continues 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

Greentones caroling in the Cave of the Mounds

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!

Deliberate Vibration: December 5th, 2025 at 7:00 PM 

greenTONE a cappella: December 6th, 2025 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.

$30

50% goes to charity