Visit FAQs
Take a guided self-paced stroll through this geologic wonder. Tours depart regularly. Your walk will guide you past a stunning array of colorful crystal formations on paved lighted walkways. As you explore, NEW signage will explain the science and history, and our staff are stationed in the cave to make sure that you enjoy your experience at this unique place to visit in Wisconsin
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 Gardens
Questions Answered Here
What is a Museum-Style Tour?
Museum-Style Tours operate much like how you would visit a museum.
Tour Guides are waiting in each room of the cave, ready to give you information, answer questions, or provide assistance as you make your way through the cave at your own pace.
When you receive your tickets, you will be assigned an entry window (for example, 12:15pm-12:30pm). You will enter the cave between these times.
Once in the cave, you may walk as fast or slow as you’d like, and you can be in the underground until 5:00pm or until our Traditional Guided Tours resume, whichever comes first.
What is a Traditional Tour?
A Traditional Tour is what you think of when you think of cave tours.
A tour guide will lead a group through the cave from start to finish, stopping in each room to point out interesting facts and formations.
When you receive your tickets, you will be assigned a tour time (for example, 11:00). You will enter the cave at this time.
Traditional Tours take between 45 – 55 minutes to complete.
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 Gardens
For your safety and to protect our fragile cave:
Take Photos
*No Tri-pods, monopods, or selfie -sticks
Do Not Touch the Cave
The oil from your skin will stop cave formations from growing.
No Food, Drink or Gum Allowed
*Only bottled water in the Cave
No Strollers & Framed Carriers
*Nothing is allowed on your back
Cave is Cool, Dress Appropriately
*50°F/10°C in Cave
No Pets Allowed
No Smoking or Vaping in the Cave
Leave Backpacks in Vehicle
*Nothing is allowed on your back
VISITING
Purchasing Tickets
Tickets are sold primarily in our Visitor Center. Ticket Reservations are not necessary.
Our ticket prices are as follows:
Regular Admission (Ages 13+)…$23.99
Child Admission (Ages 4-12)…$14.99
Tot Admission (Ages 3 and under)…Free
Parking
We have one main parking lot that currently does not have a cover charge.
Accessible parking is available at the bottom of the service drive.
Parking for large campers and trailers is available near our Barn Discovery Center.
Bike Parking
A bicycle rack is provided by the handicap parking at the bottom of the service drive near the buildings.
Accessibility
The Cave is not wheelchair, walker or stroller accessible, however, most above ground activities are. We also have an accessible stall in each restroom.
While strollers are NOT allowed inside the cave, we do have a few front facing baby carriers that you can borrow for no charge.
Pet Policy
Pets are NOT allowed in the cave, trails, or in buildings.
Service animals by law are permitted in all areas of our property. Emotional Support, Therapy, Comfort or Companion Animals are not service animals.
We realize that some of our guests visit when they are already traveling with their pets. Pets are permitted in the upper main parking area only and must be supervised and leashed – or otherwise contained – at all times. Pet owners are responsible for proper removal and disposal of their pets’ waste. Waste should be collected and contained in a pet waste bag and disposed of in trash receptacles.
If you cannot leave your pet at home and are traveling with a pet on a hot day, we have two outdoor kennels that you may use rather than leave your pet in a hot car. These kennels are free to use and are along a spur of the state bike trail, which is a great place to walk your leashed pet. Bring a photo ID to our ticket desk to get the key for the kennel. Pets left in kennels are not attended and the kennels are not recommended for dogs who dig or are anxious when left unattended. In these cases we recommend having one person stay with your pet while some of your party tours the cave and then switching so everyone can enjoy the experience and your pet is not left alone. Cave of the Mounds is not responsible for decisions made in regards to a pet’s health and safety.
Pets must be under owner control at all times. Pet owners are not allowed to let their pets interfere in any manner with other people’s enjoyment of the park.
Photography is welcome!
Our guests are welcome to take pictures inside the cave and throughout the property of this unique place to visit in Wisconsin.
Tri-pods, mono-pods and selfie sticks are not allowed inside the cave.
Professional/staged photography requires a purchased photo permit.
For Photographers taking posed/formal photos (e.g., engagement, wedding, senior year, family)
DAILY one-time use above ground permit – $30. Photographers must have a permit for each individual photo session or shoot with each client. Mini shoots are considered multiple sessions and require an annual photography permit.
ANNUAL above ground photography permit – $300 per year. The annual permit allows multiple sessions with different clients in a day or on multiple occasions for one year starting from the permit purchase date.
Free WIFI Available
Guest WiFi is available above ground near the Visitor Center and Gift Shop.
First-Aid Available
Basic first aid supplies such as Bandages and ice packs are available upon request in the Visitor Center and Gift Shop.
Payments Accepted
Cave of the Mounds accepts cash and card (Visa, mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, etc.) No personal checks accepted.
There is not an ATM on-site at Cave of the Mounds. There are ATMs in both Blue Mounds and Mount Horeb, both towns are located approx. 5 minutes or less from Cave of the Mounds.
Restrooms
Restrooms are available inside the Visitor Center.
Changing stations are available in both restrooms.
Accessibility: Each restroom has one accessible stall.
TICKETS
Buying Tickets
Tickets may be purchased either online or in person; reservations are not required. Tour entry times are given on a first come, first served basis depending on availability. Tickets are primarily sold in the Visitor Center.
Our ticket prices are as follows:
Regular Admission (Ages 13+)…$23.99; Child Admission (Ages 4-12)…$14.99; Tot Admission (Ages 3 and under)…Free
Coupons & Discounts
Cave of the Mounds endorses FREE gemstone mining coupons in some print publications and online.
There are NO online discounts endorsed by Cave of the Mounds for Cave Tour admission. Any Cave Tour discounts you may find online are NOT ENDORSED by Cave of the Mounds and are not legitimate discounts.
Group Visits
Group rates are available for groups of 20 or more with two weeks advanced notice. Check out our groups page for more info.
Payments Accepted
Cave of the Mounds accepts cash and card. No personal checks accepted.
There is not an ATM on-site at Cave of the Mounds. There are ATMs in both Blue Mounds and Mount Horeb. Both towns are located within 5 minutes of the park grounds.
MEMBERS
Membership
Help support the conservation of Cave of the Mounds National Natural Landmark by becoming a Keys to the Cave member.
Membership is good for 1 year from the date of your first Cave visit.
You can purchase membership for multiple members at once.
All proceeds of memberships go towards protecting this geologic treasure and unique place to visit in Wisconsin.
You can purchase your Annual Memberships in person the day of your visit or online after purchasing a ticket.
Member Perks
Keys to the Cave card, granting you unlimited Cave Tour admissions at Cave of the Mounds for 1 year
Free subscription to our email newsletter
Other great email offers throughout the year!
PARK GROUNDS GUIDELINES
Picnic Areas
Picnic areas are available for our guests throughout our property.
Please keep food out of the gardens and trails.
Campfires are prohibited.
Respect Nature
Help preserve the park’s serene atmosphere and maintain its unique and beautiful collections and native habitats at this unique place to visit in Wisconsin.
Please refrain from climbing on trees and shrubs, picking fruits and vegetables, walking in garden beds, collecting plants, flowers, or seeds, and feeding wildlife.
Active Sports
Active sports and games – including rollerblading, skateboarding, use of scooters, Frisbees, and ball playing, — are not permitted.
Concealed and Open Carry Firearms
Concealed and Open carry firearms are prohibited on Cave of the Mounds property.
Individuals who are licensed to carry concealed and open guns must safely store their firearms in their car’s glove compartment, trunk, or locked case while visiting Cave of the Mounds.
Smoke-Free Environment
The Cave and buildings at Cave of the Mounds are smoke-free environments, including e-cigarettes. Please displose of cigarette butts properly in the containers provided on the grounds.
Service Animals
Service animals are permitted in all areas of our property. Pets are not allowed. Emotional Support, Therapy, Comfort or Companion Animals are not service animals.
Please refer to our “Pet Policy” above for all non-service animals.