Cave of the Mounds
Blue Mounds, WI
A limestone cave in southwestern Wisconsin with dripstone formations, visited on guided walking tours. It stays cool year-round, so bring a light jacket, and note that the tour route includes some steps.
The cave was discovered on August 4, 1939, when quarry workers blasted open an entrance; since May 1940 it has been open to visitors with lighting and paved walkways. According to the operators, the temperature is a constant 50°F (10°C) year-round. There are rooms up to two stories high and formations such as stalactites, stalagmites and flowstone. It has been a National Natural Landmark since 1987. The town of Blue Mounds is about 20 miles (32 km) west of Madison, near US Highways 18/151.
Standard tours last 45 to 60 minutes; there are also special tours, for example by black light or lantern light. Bring a jacket because of the cool temperature. Above ground, the property offers hiking trails and prairie, rock and butterfly gardens, so a stay of two to three hours is worthwhile. The lead miner Ebenezer Brigham settled in the area in 1828; the cave lay undiscovered beneath his homestead. Ask the operators in advance about accessibility and opening hours.
- Nearest town
- Blue Mounds, WI
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 43.0192, -89.8186
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Tom's CampgroundMotorhome stopover12 mi from Cave of the MoundsMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Cedar Hills CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Cave of the MoundsTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersDogs allowed
- Twin Valley CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Cave of the MoundsTentsCaravans
- Mendota County Park CampgroundCampsite19 mi from Cave of the Mounds · 26 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesDrinking waterShowers
- Blackhawk Lake Recreation Area CampingCampsite24 mi from Cave of the MoundsTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowers
- Lake Farm County Park CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Cave of the Mounds · 47 pitchesCaravansElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Wisconsin · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Cave of the Mounds?
Cave of the Mounds is in Blue Mounds, WI, at GPS 43.0192, -89.8186. It is about 4 mi from Mount Horeb.
Can you camp near Cave of the Mounds?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Brigham County Park Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 18 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Cave of the Mounds?
Places worth a stop nearby: Taliesin (15 mi), House on the Rock (17 mi), New Glarus (17 mi) and Devil’s Lake State Park (28 mi).
When is the best time to visit Cave of the Mounds?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)