Four Wisconsin Caves to Visit with Your Family

Although caves are not as abundant in Wisconsin as in other states, a number of caving attractions are worthwhile and fun for the whole family. Bring along your sense of adventure, and visit one of these unique caves.

Cave of the Mounds, Blue Mounds. Arguably the best-known cave attraction in Wisconsin, the caves were discovered in 1939 by quarry workers. In 1998, The United States Department of the Interior and the National Park Service designated the attraction a National Natural Landmark. Tours are about 1/5 of a mile, or about 1100 feet. Dramatic lighting highlights the stunning stalagmites and cave pearls. Offering a wide variety of education programs, Cave of the Mounds caters to families, scout groups, and school children. Be sure to visit the gift shop for a special souvenir at the end of your tour.

Crystal Caves, Spring Valley. Discovered in 1881 by a local farm boy, the caves in this attraction weren't developed commercially until 1941. The caves have a unique geology in Western Wisconsin, and are home to four bat species. The limestone and dolomite have been deposited in the caves one layer at a time, creating a "layered cake" appearance. Crystal Caves does not have active water flows, and visitors can walk through a series of rooms, passages, and domes. Both general tours and education programs are available.

Ledge View Nature Center, Chilton. Home to three caves, visitors have access through stairs and ladders. The tours have a more "authentic" feel, as there is no electricity available (bring your own flashlight!), no concrete paths, and the site can become muddy during rainy weather. One of the tours (Mother's Cave) involves all crawling, so bring your knee pads as well as a change of clothing. A nature center and park surrounds the site, including an observation site, exhibit building, and quarry.

Kickapoo Indian Caverns, Wauzeka. Once an Indian shelter, these caverns offer an underground river and onyx deposits.

For all your caving adventures, it's advised to bring your own flashlight, wear long pants and a long shirt (caves are chilly and damp), and bring knee pads if you're planning to take any crawling tours. Most caving sites have parks and picnic areas outside, so planning a picnic on a sunny day will help dispel the chill you may get from caving.

If you find any fossils or artifacts, give them to your tour guide so that they can share your find with future visitors. Head on over to the gift shop and find a keepsake that will remind you of your caving adventure.

To learn more about caving, visit Wisconsin's Speleological Society which provides general caving information, event details, and updates on local cave restorations.