Wisconsin, a Midwestern state, attracts many to have an adventurous time in nature. With more than 400 public and private caves, you can have fun exploring and finding out the wonders that are stored deep within them. Whether they are ice formations or speleothems like stalagmites or stalactites, these geological beauties adorning the caves are sure to leave you spellbound. Some, including Cave of the Mounds and Crystal Cave, require guided tours, while others can be self-explored. They all offer a unique experience, from crawling and squeezing through tight passageways to hopping on a boat to reach them. Besides this, you can also enjoy various activities from gemstone mining to picnicking and camping in the vicinity.
These stunning ice caves in Apostle Islands at Meyers Beach are accessible only by a winter trek when the Lake Superior gets frozen. Once you reach here, you can see the spectacular ice formations that adorn the entire sandstone cliffs. Depending on how cold the weather is, the icicles keep changing frequently. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and sturdy boots. You’ll have to pay $ 5 as an entry fee before you start your hike.
Other activities: You can explore the surrounding area by treading along the trails. This place is a haven of recreational activities during summer as you can enjoy fishing, camping, kayaking, and scuba diving.
Hours of operation: 8 am to 4 pm
While the ice caves at Meyers Beach are impressive in winter, the sea caves in summer are no less enchanting. You’ll have to take a boat to witness its beauty. Various boat tours are available at Apostle Islands Cruise Service. If kayaking on your own, you will find a boat launch at the end of Meyers Road, from where you can easily access the mainland caves. There’s another launching point at Little Sand Bay to reach Sand Island Caves. You can have fun exploring the passageways and vaulted chambers inside these red sandstone formations. A parking fee of $ 5 per vehicle is required here.
Other activities: Apart from kayaking, you can hike and camp within the area.
Hours of operation: 24 hours
Just off the U.S. Highways 18 and 151, you will find this limestone cave which gets its name from the two adjacent hills called Blue Mounds. What makes it attractive are the large deposits of speleothems such as soda straws, flowstones, and helictites. You will have to take a guided tour to access the interiors. The paved paths and proper lightings make it an excellent family outing spot. Do keep in mind to wear some layered clothes as the cave temperature remains about 50° F throughout the year.
Other activities: You can indulge in gemstone mining and fossil digging in the gift shop once you complete the tour. In addition, make sure to visit Butterfly Gardens, hike along the interpretive trails, and enjoy your meals at the picnicking area.
Hours of operation: 9 am to 5 pm
Eagle Cave in Blue River is the state’s largest onyx cave having over 3000 feet of passageways. It is easily accessible by spelunkers of all skill levels as it has appropriate lightings, stairways, and railings to guide you all the way. Do wear a jacket on your exploration as the temperature remains around 50° F all year round.
Opting for a guided cave tour will enlighten you with the fascinating history and geology of the place. Adventure enthusiasts can choose a tour offered by Subterranean Adventure Tours. It allows you to explore the deep interiors through tight passages that require crawling and squeezing yourself to get through. However, do keep in mind these tours are available only from Thursday to Sunday and from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Moreover, there are Cave Exploratory programs also from September to April.
Other activities: This place is a favorite camping destination among many. You can also participate in the fun games held in the main assembly area.
Hours of operation: 10 am to 4 pm
You can explore the geological wonders of Crystal Cave with the help of the one-hour guided tour. Treading along the passages more than 70 feet below the ground will lead you to marvelous stalactites, stalagmites, and various other crystal formations. On your way, you might even spot bats as this cave is home to four species of them. An ideal spot for a family adventure, make sure to reserve your tours in advance.
Other activities: This cave features many fun-filled activities to engage visitors of all ages. You can enjoy searching for gems and fossils at Prospector’s Creek or enjoy playing a match at T-Rex Mini Golf. There’s also a gift shop to buy a souvenir like jewelry, fossils, and various educational products.
Hours of operation: 10 am to 4 pm
The tropical blue waters of Lake Michigan within Cave Point County Park are home to some beautiful underground caves and limestone cliffs. If you’re an experienced kayaker, don’t miss the opportunity to explore them. You can launch your boats from the north of Cave Point at Schauer Park that will cost you a fee of $5. Other visitors, too, can see them with the help of professional guides. Many kayak companies dotting the area provide these tour services. Some of them are Peninsula Kayak Company, Door County Kayak Tours, and Cave Point Paddle.
Other activities: You can hike the trail along the shoreline to admire the picturesque diverse scenery. Cliff diving, swimming, scuba diving, and picnicking are other sought-after activities in the park.
Hours of operation: 6 am to 11 pm
Cherney Maribel Caves County Park sits on the West Twin River along the rugged cliff line. You’ll find about seven small caves at its rocky base, like Cave of Treasures, Staircase Cave, Coopers Cave, and Spring Cave. Guided tours of the largest and longest among these, Maribel New Hope Cave, are available only on the third Sunday of the month. You might even get to see bats residing at the dark corners. It is pretty fun to crawl through the passages but don’t forget to wear knee pads and headlamps.
Other activities: You can spend time enjoying other amenities that the county park features, like a playground area, picnic spots, and hiking and biking trails.
Hours of operation: 6 am to 8 pm
Ledge View Nature Center is a Calumet County Park, best known for its caves. With the help of expert guides, you can access the insides of it. You will have to descend stairs and ladders to get to the main passageways. However, as you move deeper, the passages grow narrower to the point that you will have to crawl or squeeze yourself to make your way through it. Remember to wear old clothes in layers and carry flashlights as it is quite cool, dark, and muddy. The cave’s geological patterns and formations, along with some history, make the tour an interesting one. If planning to visit it, don’t forget to make prior reservations.
Other activities: he park offers other natural wonders that you can explore, like the nature center, rocky ledges, and open prairie. You can climb up the 60-foot observation center and get spectacular views of the surroundings from there.
Hours of operation: 9 am to 4 pm
TOP PICKS
Best Caves for Kayaking: Meyers Beach Sea Cave, Cave Point County Park
Best Underground Caves: Cave of the Mounds, Crystal Cave, Ledge View Nature Center
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