In the hills west of Madison, there’s an amazing world waiting to be discovered. Cave of the Mounds is an amazing system of underground caves that are open to the public. While there’s a lot to discover underground, there’s more to this place than underground chambers – visitors can explore trails and natural areas and even search for ancient fossils. If you have a good sense of adventure and love mysterious worlds, Cave of the Mounds is a place you’ll want to visit.
The limestone cave system began forming nearly 500 million years ago. It was hidden in plain sight beneath the feet of local farmers until 1939 when workers began blasting for a rock quarry.
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They could not believe what they exposed: a massive underground cave system!
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Fortunately, work was immediately halted and the cave was protected. It’s been open to visitors since 1940.
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The cave has national significance. In 1987, the United States Department of the Interior and the National Park Service designated the cave as a National Natural Landmark.
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The cave stretches more than 1,700 feet and millions of visitors have walked the cave’s walkways and taken in this geologic wonder.
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Above ground, visitors can explore pleasant woodland trails, perennial gardens, and a tranquil rain garden. Species of Burr Oak, White Oak, Red Oak, and Black Oak all reside along this trail. Some of the trees are over 200 years old!
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Explorers of all ages can try their hand at a little fossil and gemstone mining at the complex. The cave has a mining sluice that helps the curious visitors uncover treasures for their home collection.
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Cave of the Mounds is open year-round – the caves always stay around 50 degrees. The mining sluice is located outside the entrance of the cave during warmer months and brought inside when possible during other seasons. Learn more about Cave of the Mounds here, and here are some more Wisconsin adventures you should put on your to-do list.
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Address: Cave of the Mounds, 2975 Cave of the Mounds Rd, Blue Mounds, WI 53517, USA
