Events

Fun Things to do at Cave of the Mounds

Cave of the Mounds offers a variety of events year-round. There are so many fun things to do!

Special Tours & Events

2 woemn holding drinks in front of a prairie garden

Lantern Tours

September 8th and 22nd at 4:30 PM

Discover the cave like the first explorers. Walk through the cave using only lanterns and flashlights. Feel as though you are one of the first people to ever see the cave. 

Cave of the Mounds was accidentally discovered during a quarry blast. The first who entered were quarry workers, a farmer, and a 17-year-old boy. They were the first to ever lay eyes on the cave as there are no natural entrances. No animal or human had ever seen the cave until 1939.

Today there are more than 400 known caves in the state of Wisconsin but often found in people’s backyards like this one. In fact, cave explorers find hundreds of caves in America each year!

Get a glimpse into the spelunking world! 

Tickets will be available 1 month before the tour

Blacklight Tours

September 8th and 22nd at 4:30 PM

Unique Experience to explore the Cave of the Mounds by Black Light. Watch the cave glow under UV Light. Why does the cave glow? Because of the perfect mixture of minerals, our cave is one of the few that glow under ultraviolet light.

You will learn about ultraviolet light, fluorescence, and see the speleothems GLOW! The tour price includes a black light rental and a guided tour of Cave of the Mounds. This is a fun experience not found just anywhere.

Tickets are non-refundable. Please be aware, that tours are held in the dark which may be inappropriate for very young children.

Tickets will be available 1 month before the tour

Blacklight & Brews Tour

September 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th at 5 PM

Discover the captivating allure of Cave of the Mounds during their Blacklight & Brews Tour, where ultraviolet lights illuminate dazzling fluorescent minerals and formations, complemented by the option to enjoy beer, wine, or a frozen margarita or sangria during the tour.

This is a stress-free exploration guided tour in the cave. With no strict time constraints, you can immerse yourself fully in the experience, savoring each moment and making lasting memories.

Blacklights are provided. Your first drink is complimentary.

You must be 21+ to attend the Blacklight & Brews Tour. Children and infants will not be permitted to enter. ALL guests need to bring a valid photo I.D. for entry.

Tickets are non-refundable. Please be aware, that tours are held in the dark.

Tickets are available 1-month before the event

HOLLOW-een

October 1st-31st

HOLLOW-een at Cave of the Mounds in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin is all of October. October 1st through 31st. Costumes are encouraged. They will be led by a guide and trick-or-treaters will receive a mix of rocks and fossils at stations in the cave.

Don’t be afraid of the dark – join us for the month of October for HOLLOW-een at Cave of the Mounds! Enjoy this sugar-less trick-or-treat experience at Cave of the Mounds. Anyone who wants to join can for an extra $2 charge per person when buying a ticket. This includes a reusable cloth bag, crystals & fossils that you will get in a trick-or-treat style throughout the cave. Trick-or-Treat for rocks and fossils from all over the world while exploring the Cave of the Mounds.

Purchase at the Ticket Desk or online after September 5th, 2024

*Note: Guest must buy tour ticket to join in this experience.

Lantern Tours

October 13th and 27th at 4:30 PM

Discover the cave like the first explorers. Walk through the cave using only lanterns and flashlights. Feel as though you are one of the first people to ever see the cave. 

Cave of the Mounds was accidentally discovered during a quarry blast. The first who entered were quarry workers, a farmer, and a 17-year-old boy. They were the first to ever lay eyes on the cave as there are no natural entrances. No animal or human had ever seen the cave until 1939.

Today there are more than 400 known caves in the state of Wisconsin but often found in people’s backyards like this one. In fact, cave explorers find hundreds of caves in America each year!

Get a glimpse into the spelunking world! 

Tickets will be available 1 month before the tour.

Blacklight Tours

October 5th, 6th, 12th, 19th, 20th, and 26th at 4:30 PM

Unique Experience to explore the Cave of the Mounds by Black Light. Watch the cave glow under UV Light. Why does the cave glow? Because of the perfect mixture of minerals, our cave is one of the few that glow under ultraviolet light.

You will learn about ultraviolet light, fluorescence, and see the speleothems GLOW! The tour price includes a black light rental and a guided tour of Cave of the Mounds. This is a fun experience not found just anywhere.

Tickets are non-refundable. Please be aware, that tours are held in the dark which may be inappropriate for very young children.

Tickets will be available 1 month before the tour.

Blacklight & Brews Tour

October 4th, 11th, and 25th at 5 PM

Discover the captivating allure of Cave of the Mounds during their Blacklight & Brews Tour, where ultraviolet lights illuminate dazzling fluorescent minerals and formations, complemented by the option to enjoy beer, wine, or a frozen margarita or sangria during the tour.

This is a stress-free exploration guided tour in the cave. With no strict time constraints, you can immerse yourself fully in the experience, savoring each moment and making lasting memories.

Blacklights are provided. Your first drink is complimentary.

You must be 21+ to attend the Blacklight & Brews Tour. Children and infants will not be permitted to enter. ALL guests need to bring a valid photo I.D. for entry.

Tickets are non-refundable. Please be aware, that tours are held in the dark.

Tickets are available 1-month before the event

ROCKStoberfest – A Cave After Dark Oktoberfest Celebration!

This October, Cave of the Mounds invites you to experience an unforgettable evening of live music, local flavors, and an exclusive after-hours cave tour at ROCKStoberfest, part of the beloved “Cave After Dark” series. This adults-only event takes place on Friday, October 18, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM, and is the perfect way to celebrate fall with an Oktoberfest twist!

As part of the evening’s festivities, guests will enjoy a guided cave tour in a unique after-dark setting, along with live music to keep the party going all night. What’s Oktoberfest without a good drink? Every ticket includes a **complimentary beverage**, and our bar will be open for additional purchases. Local cheese boards, featuring Wisconsin’s cheeses, will also be available for sale, adding a savory touch to the celebration.

With tickets priced at $44.99, each guest will receive a free drink, access to the after-hours cave experience, live music, and the chance to enjoy a vibrant fall night out at one of Wisconsin’s most iconic natural landmarks.

Planning a weekend trip? Be sure to explore Mount Horeb, the Troll Capital of the World, just a short drive from Cave of the Mounds. From charming shops to scenic trails, Mount Horeb offers a delightful getaway. For those wanting to stay the night, GrandStay Hotel in Mount Horeb is offering a 10% discount for ROCKStoberfest attendees—just use the code CAVE when booking.

This one-of-a-kind event is expected to sell out quickly, so don’t miss your chance to experience ROCKStoberfest in the stunning setting of Cave of the Mounds. Tickets are available now!

**Event Details:**

– Date: Friday, October 18th, 2024

– Time: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

– Location: Cave of the Mounds, 2975 Cave of the Mounds Rd, Blue Mounds, WI

– Ticket Price: $44.99 (includes after-hours cave tour, live music, and one free beverage)

Make it a Weekend Getaway:

– Explore Mount Horeb, WI – the Troll Capital of the World

– Stay at GrandStay Hotel in Mount Horeb and receive a 10% discount using code CAVE

**Get your tickets now!

Lantern Tours

November 10th & 24th at 4:30 PM

Discover the cave like the first explorers. Walk through the cave using only lanterns and flashlights. Feel as though you are one of the first people to ever see the cave. 

Cave of the Mounds was accidentally discovered during a quarry blast. The first who entered were quarry workers, a farmer, and a 17-year-old boy. They were the first to ever lay eyes on the cave as there are no natural entrances. No animal or human had ever seen the cave until 1939.

Today there are more than 400 known caves in the state of Wisconsin but often found in people’s backyards like this one. In fact, cave explorers find hundreds of caves in America each year!

Get a glimpse into the spelunking world! 

Tickets will be available 1 month before the tour

Blacklight Tours

November 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 16th, 17th, 23rd, 29th, & 30th at 4:30 PM

Unique Experience to explore the Cave of the Mounds by Black Light. Watch the cave glow under UV Light. Why does the cave glow? Because of the perfect mixture of minerals, our cave is one of the few that glow under ultraviolet light.

You will learn about ultraviolet light, fluorescence, and see the speleothems GLOW! The tour price includes a black light rental and a guided tour of Cave of the Mounds. This is a fun experience not found just anywhere.

Tickets are non-refundable. Please be aware, that tours are held in the dark which may be inappropriate for very young children.

Tickets will be available 1 month before the tour

Blacklight & Brews Tour

November 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd at 5 PM

Discover the captivating allure of Cave of the Mounds during their Blacklight & Brews Tour, where ultraviolet lights illuminate dazzling fluorescent minerals and formations, complemented by the option to enjoy beer, wine, or a frozen margarita or sangria during the tour.

This is a fun exploration guided tour in the cave. With no strict time constraints, you can immerse yourself fully in the experience, savoring each moment and making lasting memories.

Blacklights are provided. Your first drink is complimentary.

You must be 21+ to attend the Blacklight & Brews Tour. Children and infants will not be permitted to enter. ALL guests need to bring a valid photo I.D. for entry.

Tickets are non-refundable. Please be aware, that tours are held in the dark.

Tickets are available 1-month before the event

Fun Things to do while Visiting

Enhance your Cave Tour by learning even more about Wisconsin geology and Cave of the Mounds! These events are FUN for all ages. Therefore these specialty tours and events are open to the public and one of the many fun things to do while visiting. 

Stay & Play​

  • Discover Treasure at the Gemstone Mine
  • Explore our Rock & Fossil Gift Shop
  • Crack open a Geode
  • Get certified as an Adventure Ranger
  • Walk along our Geologic Timeline
  • Hike the Interpretive Nature Trails
  • Observe the Rock & Perennial Garden
Photo of a girl pointing at the wonders along our nature trails. one of the many Fun Things to do while visiting places in Wisconsin
Private Rentals

Host your next event at Cave of the Mounds National Natural Landmark!

For Event Rental inquiries please contact: info@caveofthemounds.com