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Cave of the Mounds National Natural Landmark

The National Park Service has designated this cave as a National Natural Landmark. It is considered by the Chicago Academy of Sciences as “the significant cave of the upper Midwest.” The cave houses spectacular crystallized rock formations and shimmering pools of water. The main cavern began forming more than a million years ago as acidic water dissolved the limestone bedrock. The rushing water of an underground stream formed the lower portion of the cave. Workers quarrying limestone on the property accidentally blasted into the cave in 1939. The constant 50-degree temperature underground makes it possible to tour the cave year around.

Directions: Located at 2975 Cave of the Mounds Road. Travel 5 miles west of Mount Horeb on Hwy 18/151 to Cave of the Mounds Road.

Cave of the Mounds map

Gazetteer: Page 35, D-5 (prior to 10th edition). | Page 85, F-5 (10th edition).

Phone: 608/437-3038 (Cave of the Mounds).

Web site: Cave of the Mounds

Signature Species: Northern Flicker, Eastern Screech Owl and Turkey Vulture.

Rare species: Scarlet Tanager, Red-headed Woodpecker and Brown Creeper.

Parking: Parking lots.

Fee: A fee is charged for tour.

Nearest food & lodging: Blue Mounds and Barneveld.