Top 7 Caving Adventures In Wisconsin, USA - Updated 2024

caving in wisconsin
John Cedrick
John Cedrick 
Updated
| 4 min read

The Midwestern state of Wisconsin is renowned for its natural beauty, to the level where even timid travelers would want to go back. It boasts a coastline comprising of two of the five great lakes, densely forested hills, lush green farms, and scenic lakefront destinations. Look no further than Wisconsin if you are looking for a memorable adventure and nature escape. Explore its green meadows and farmlands that stretch as far as the eye can see, and marvel at its rich geographic diversity. Welcoming you are cave systems with subterranean tunnels, speleothems, stunning waterfalls, meandering passageways, and many more unique natural features! Now, if you are an avid spelunker, the caving adventures in Wisconsin, USA, listed below, will surely get you excited. Scroll down to find out more.

1. Crystal Cave

Crystal Cave near Spring Valley, Wisconsin, USA
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user James St. John used under CC BY 2.0

Crystal Cave is perfectly suitable for family adventures. It features multiple levels of winding passages with trail guides and fences that descend below the earth - an approximate depth of 21 meters (69 feet). Ready yourself for some stunning geological features such as stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal formations. But don’t get too carried away if you see some bats. Crystal Cave is home to some rare species of bats and you will encounter them the deeper you go into the cave. There are also games hosted here, coupled with food and snacks on the picnic grounds. Souvenirs are also available, which are mostly a collection of jewelry, fossils, and educational products.

Crystal Cave

Address: W965 WI-29, Spring Valley, WI 54767, United States

Website: Crystal Cave

Opening hours: 9:30am - 5:30pm (daily)

Price: 15 USD

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2. Eagle Cave

Eagle Cave in Peninsula State Park Wisconsin
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Richie Diesterheft used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Eagle Cave features a cave system with four subterranean levels interconnected by narrow, winding passages. Stunning geological features such as stalactites and stalagmites can be seen, as well as some rocky formations, and bats! Soak your feet in the tiny river that flows within. What makes the place special is its program of activities. There are programs tailored to weekend vacation and day tours. Included within, aside from cave exploration, are fun-filled games held at the main assembly area, as well as the lodge, where explorers can mingle with one another.

Eagle Cave

Address: 16320 Cavern Ln, Blue River, WI 53518, United States

Website: Eagle Cave

Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 9am - 4pm; (closed from Mon - Thu)

Price: 16 USD

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3. Cave of the Mounds

Cave of the Mounds, Wisconsin
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Yinan Chen used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Cave of the Mounds is a limestone cave named for the two nearby hills, and it is accessible via US Highways 18 & 151 west of Madison. The cave is known for its large deposits of speleothems, as well as other geological formations, so prepare your eyes for the magnificent sights! You can also enjoy other cave-related activities such as searching for gemstones littering the ground or digging for fossils. Aside from the cave tour, above-ground activities such as hiking and cycling are hosted here, offering scenic views. Picnics are also possible on their picnic grounds.

Cave of the Mounds

Address: 2975 Cave of the Mounds Rd, Blue Mounds, WI 53517, United States

Website: Cave of the Mounds

Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)

Price: 25 USD

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4. Rubens Cave

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Rubens Cave is as historic as it is beautiful. The story goes that old Ruby, a wolf hunter, came to the Albany area to hunt. He stayed at a cave along the bluff of the Little Sugar River, now known as Rubens Cave. This cave is public and is open to everyone. Visiting includes trekking a dense floodplain woods, through the green meadows full of wildlife, and then traversing some rocky outcrops. Welcoming you is the secluded Rubens Cave - a hallow cavern within the massive rocks. It is also within public hunting grounds so beware of hunters. Due to its quiet peculiar place, Rubens Cave is a perfect destination for intrepid adventurers.

Rubens Cave

Address: Sugar River Pkwy, Albany, WI 53502, United States

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

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5. Caves in Cave Point County Park (from USD 58.0)

Cave Point County Park is a popular tourist spot known for its kayaking tours. Expect to see jaw-dropping underwater caves and wave-worn limestone cliffs. The plateau overlooking the county park is a great spot to go sightseeing, perfect for photographers and nature observers. Feel the breeze of warm air coming from the sea and immerse yourself in the sounds and sights of waves crashing against the cliffs, all in a soothing ambiance. Explore old caves and scenic waterfront views at Cave Point County Park with an expert guide and experience the best natural scenery Wisconsin has to offer.

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Cave Point Kayak Tour

Duration: 2 hours

51 reviews

6. Caves in Ledge View Nature Center

Ledge View Nature Center Calumet County
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Royalbroil used under CC BY-SA 2.5

Ledge View Nature Center is home to a cave system that’s ripe for exploration. The trails and passages are not so easily accessible, and they require some skill. But don’t fret, every tour is led by a cave expert. Expect to get dirty though. The main passageway can only be accessed by stairs and ladders. Subsequent passageways involve crawling and traversing tight spaces. And as you go deeper, the cave gradually starts to share its secrets. These are secrets in the form of geological designs that will surely make you more appreciative of nature. Explore the depths of Ledge View Nature Center and complete a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Caves in Ledge View Nature Center

Address: W2348 Short Rd, Chilton, WI 53014, United States

Website: Ledge View Nature Center

Opening hours: 8am - 4:30pm (daily)

Price: 8 USD

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7. Bayfield Peninsula Sea Caves

Sea cave
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Krzysztof Ziarnek... used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Bayfield Peninsula Sea Caves is another popular tourist attraction at Lake Superior. During the dry and hot season, you can explore the caves from the lake in a kayak. Welcoming you are superb geological formations of rocks and stone carved by time. And as you go further inside the cave system, the scene gets more surreal, that is, a feeling of gratitude to nature. During the winter season, the lake becomes frozen so anyone can walk over a vast space of frozen lakes going to the frozen sea caves.

Bayfield Peninsula Sea Caves

Address: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, 415 Washington Ave, Bayfield, WI 54814, United States

Website: Bayfield Peninsula Sea Caves

Opening hours: 8am - 4:30pm (daily)

Price: 8 USD

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An adventure in Wisconsin

Exploring the caves of Wisconsin will surely make you connect better with nature. The caving adventures listed above are nature escapes unlike any other. Be closer to nature by checking out the less-explored creative works of nature with your own eyes. Expect to get dirty and prepare yourself for the sights and sounds of the places less traveled.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Based in Manila, Philippines, and born and raised there, John Cedrick is a Civil Engineer by profession with a deep-seated passion for writing. He aspires to establish a renowned blog while...Read more

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