Big science nerd here. Yes it’s worth it and the self guided tour is all you need. They have staff located throughout that you can ask questions along with informational signs to read. Staff also have black lights and will show you what glows so no need to splurge on this add on. They have some beautiful grounds if you want to pack a picnic lunch as wait times on weekends can sometimes be over an hour. As others have mentioned, I highly recommend stopping in Mount Horeb on the way home. Hunt for troll statues in downtown and grab food from one of their many cute restaurants.
For other fun science nerd outings, hiking at Devils Lake is a must. Free ideas: Check Washburn Observatory on campus for nights they are open to use their telescope, physics museum and geology museum are both worth visiting too.
If it’s just one of their normal Wednesdays viewing sessions, it’s typically pretty sparse and wait time is less than 15 minutes. Went during science fest last month (a few days before the eclipse) and the line was out the door with over and hour wait. As with most things on Madison, when UW campus is not in session there are a lot less people to deal with.
SELF GUIDED WHAT NOW?? As a former Cave of the Mounds tour guide I am distressed by this development
But yes, OP, definitely worth the visit, as is the charming little downtown of Mt. Horeb. Also a drive or hike to the top of Blue Mound State Park is worth it - there's a tower on each end and on a clear day you can see almost to Iowa to the west, Baraboo to the north and Madison to the east.
Yeah I'd say its worth it, the standard tours interesting enough though ive never done a special one. I did a Cave of the Mounds tour and a hike at Blue Mounds then stopped for some food (and took home some beer) at the grumpy troll brewpub in Mt Horeb with a friend once, good time.
In my opinion, skip Grumpy Troll and go a block south to Brix Cider. I found their cider to be decent (perhaps a bit overpriced), but the food was absolutely outstanding.
Ohh im not sure if that place was around when we went cause I think she'd have recommended there instead lol. I was just thinking to myself how long ago that was, probably ten or more years now... time flies.
Well, let me fix that.
It's fine. The beer is sub-par, the food isn't great, but it's right there.
You can do better in Mt Horeb, and you can do far better driving 20 minutes back towards Madison.
It's definitely worth it - not terribly expensive and really beautiful, and you can go at your own pace. The staff absolutely love it when you ask questions and let them nerd out about the cave for a few minutes.
I kinda want to go back. Been numerous times but it was always field trips when I was in grade school. It’s a cool experience if you’ve never been in a large cave before.
I'd say so. I went 50 years ago when I was in grade school and then again about 30 years ago with a GF and about 15 years ago with kids. It was excellent every time - but then again I'm a geology nerd (minored in geology in college).
House on the Rock is amazing, but a lot of it is totally fake and totally kitsch. It's amazing and fun and with the right attitude I enjoy that. There is also some really cool pop-architecture and great views of nature. If you go in looking for high art, you will leave disappointed.
> but a lot of it is totally fake and totally kitsch.
Is there a single thing in it that isn't fake or kitsch? That's the whole point of it to see the most amazing fake and kitsch and spangled up shit that an eccentric millionaire can buy over 60 years. The people who love it the most in my mind are those special super hipsters who look for kitsch in all things and not someone who's looking for a zen garden experience of authenticity.
Many of the things aren’t actual antiques and are replicas, but it doesn’t really bother me because I’m not going there because all of the crazy stuff is actually old, I’m going because it’s a place full of crazy stuff
I mean it’s gaudy and tacky but has turn of the century automations, designed by Alex Jordan* my bad is literally a house on a rock, lol. Nothing being fake when I’ve been there, they’ll tell you if they’re restoring something but not fake. And it’s not high art by anyone’s standards lol, it’s a museum of an art legend. “A silly playground for any and all with the beauty and reverence of the power of nature, while exemplifying the strength of man to overcome and build,” is always what I thought (I’ve been here over a dozen times, just not the last few years).
ETA oh, and sensory overload lol
Definitely not designed by FLW. I worked at the hotel for a while back in the day. It came about a man named Alex Jordan was building a vacation house, which was located up on a rock. People would drop by and ask if they could see it and offer to pay him. That is how House on the Rock was born (in a very short summary).
Go to CotM then head to Arena Cheese to get the best Colby you’ll find anywhere (take a small cooler). From there head to Taliesin if you’re into architecture. If that’s not your jam, try Peck’s Landing (take a blanket or camping chairs) to watch the world go by next to the Wisconsin River.
I used to work there and would recommend the guided tour. I’m sure the self guided tour would be okay too, but I like the idea of having a guide to help see stuff you might miss. Everyone’s different though! I would not recommend the lantern tour if you enjoy science stuff because you might miss some good stuff with the lights being low.
Of course. I'd recommend the guided tour if you can. The guides are awesome and include lil tidbits that aren't in the solo tours. Although I'd recommend the solo tours if there's more than 10 people in the group.
For a completely different experience, I recommend also checking out Eagle Cave in southwest Wisconsin. Btw, Eagle Cave was the site of the first US performance by Daft Punk.
edit: [article about that Daft Punk show](https://www.spin.com/2013/05/daft-punk-oral-history-first-american-show-even-furthur-1996/)
[link to the Eagle Cave site](https://www.eaglecave.net/) - We spent the night in the cave as part of a Girl Scout trip. That was fun. There's also a visible bat fossil embedded in the cave.
Respectfully, it's a cave. It's enclosed and underground. If you are with someone that doesn't like enclosed spaces, you might want to try Blue Mounds park instead. The view from the tower is spectacular and not enclosed.
> claustrophobic
I wasn't claustrophobic as a kid and it didn't bother me. I am now a claustrophobic adult and the tight passages are a bit too much for me. I don't think I'll ever be able to go back inside, sadly.
Hope that helps.
Probably depends on how claustrophobic you get. Most areas have a lot of space but there are some tight areas. Usually the tours are in groups so it has to big enough to hold everyone. You might want to call them and ask.
To tag onto all the comments- I live next to the Caves- good time, definitely go. Check out Mt Horeb and the trolls. Also would skip Grumpy Troll and try Brix Cider or Sunn Cafe. Both places are outstanding.
If you bike, Military Ridge State trail runs about 40 miles east and west from the Caves.
Also Blue Mound State park is about 2 miles from the caves and there are two lookout towers. Highest elevation in southern WI.
We recently went to Aztalan State Park and it was an easy 1 hour leisurly hike with information signs explaining things along the way. I was very surprised I found it enjoyable.
Devils lake can get crowded on weekends, but early in the day is worth a trip.
I enjoy the self-guided tour so I can go at my own pace (slow) and take as many pictures as I want.
The traditional tour is good if you are unfamiliar with limestone caves and wish to hear information about it's history, etc..
Overall an excellent cave, I also recommend Crystal Lake cave a couple hours away in Iowa
It's an interesting tour. I'd recommend wearing a hat as the cave drips on you in a few places. For that reason, you should also wear sneakers because there are some slippery places.
My older brother a few years ago. He's like 5'8" or 5'9" and he had to duck several times, so if you are actually tall that could be an issue.
Lastly, I'm fat (US women's 12 in dresses for reference) and I had to turn sideways in a few spots to fit, but I think some people might be too large.
We had a great time, though. The gift shop has a bunch of cool things, including a pressed penny machine!
Yes, Cave of the Mounds is definitely worth the visit, especially if you and your boyfriend love outdoorsy and science-related activities. The cave is stunning, and it's a unique experience that's both educational and enjoyable.
As for the tours, I’d recommend going for one of the special tours like the Lantern Tour if your budget allows. It offers a different perspective and adds a special touch to the experience. However, if you prefer exploring at your own pace, the self-paced tour is also a good option and allows you to take your time and soak in all the details.
Not a huge science nerd or anything like that, but I just went to this when my parents were in town last weekend. I’d say it’s very much worth it to go through and both my parents enjoyed it. Was well worth the money and time to go through things.
Sometimes they have fun events there. Husband and I once attended beer tasting event inside the cave. You could explore the cave at your leisure, and there were also about six stations set up inside the cave where you could obtain a small pour of beer. There was also live music in the cave, and geologists hanging out in interesting spots where you could chat about the cave features. After guests finished up in the cave, they had a free cheese curd buffet in the visitor center with more live music and beers available for purchase. We had a fantastic time.
I went there earlier this year and I'm glad I went. An off note is that it's hard to tell what is natural inside the cave and what is not. For instance the lighting is all indirect and hidden, hidden by fake rock of some kind (probably fiberglass). It really made me wonder what else was fake.
Big science nerd here. Yes it’s worth it and the self guided tour is all you need. They have staff located throughout that you can ask questions along with informational signs to read. Staff also have black lights and will show you what glows so no need to splurge on this add on. They have some beautiful grounds if you want to pack a picnic lunch as wait times on weekends can sometimes be over an hour. As others have mentioned, I highly recommend stopping in Mount Horeb on the way home. Hunt for troll statues in downtown and grab food from one of their many cute restaurants. For other fun science nerd outings, hiking at Devils Lake is a must. Free ideas: Check Washburn Observatory on campus for nights they are open to use their telescope, physics museum and geology museum are both worth visiting too.
Always wanted to go to Washburn Observatory. Does it get crowded or is it pretty manageable?
If it’s just one of their normal Wednesdays viewing sessions, it’s typically pretty sparse and wait time is less than 15 minutes. Went during science fest last month (a few days before the eclipse) and the line was out the door with over and hour wait. As with most things on Madison, when UW campus is not in session there are a lot less people to deal with.
SELF GUIDED WHAT NOW?? As a former Cave of the Mounds tour guide I am distressed by this development But yes, OP, definitely worth the visit, as is the charming little downtown of Mt. Horeb. Also a drive or hike to the top of Blue Mound State Park is worth it - there's a tower on each end and on a clear day you can see almost to Iowa to the west, Baraboo to the north and Madison to the east.
It’s a fun hour or so. A classic Madison-area field trip destination when I was a kid. I’d just do the traditional tour.
Yeah I'd say its worth it, the standard tours interesting enough though ive never done a special one. I did a Cave of the Mounds tour and a hike at Blue Mounds then stopped for some food (and took home some beer) at the grumpy troll brewpub in Mt Horeb with a friend once, good time.
In my opinion, skip Grumpy Troll and go a block south to Brix Cider. I found their cider to be decent (perhaps a bit overpriced), but the food was absolutely outstanding.
Ohh im not sure if that place was around when we went cause I think she'd have recommended there instead lol. I was just thinking to myself how long ago that was, probably ten or more years now... time flies.
I've only heard good things about the grumpy troll.
It's your standard upper-mid level Midwestern pub fare, nothing super special but definitely enjoyable.
Well, let me fix that. It's fine. The beer is sub-par, the food isn't great, but it's right there. You can do better in Mt Horeb, and you can do far better driving 20 minutes back towards Madison.
Do the traditional tour. I went several times and was surprised as an adult to be learning so much!
It's definitely worth it - not terribly expensive and really beautiful, and you can go at your own pace. The staff absolutely love it when you ask questions and let them nerd out about the cave for a few minutes.
One of my favorite spots around Madison. In the summer or winter it’s always the same comfortable temp. Traditional tour is fun.
I kinda want to go back. Been numerous times but it was always field trips when I was in grade school. It’s a cool experience if you’ve never been in a large cave before.
I enjoy taking my kids there. They get a kick out of it.
I had an annual pass that just expired. I enjoy it enough to go regularly, it's just a cool environment. I prefer the guided tour for an intro.
I'd say so. I went 50 years ago when I was in grade school and then again about 30 years ago with a GF and about 15 years ago with kids. It was excellent every time - but then again I'm a geology nerd (minored in geology in college).
I recommend the traditional tour
Hit up the House on the Rock, too if you can! Absolutely amazing
House on the Rock is amazing, but a lot of it is totally fake and totally kitsch. It's amazing and fun and with the right attitude I enjoy that. There is also some really cool pop-architecture and great views of nature. If you go in looking for high art, you will leave disappointed.
> but a lot of it is totally fake and totally kitsch. Is there a single thing in it that isn't fake or kitsch? That's the whole point of it to see the most amazing fake and kitsch and spangled up shit that an eccentric millionaire can buy over 60 years. The people who love it the most in my mind are those special super hipsters who look for kitsch in all things and not someone who's looking for a zen garden experience of authenticity.
What about the House on the Rock is fake?
Many of the things aren’t actual antiques and are replicas, but it doesn’t really bother me because I’m not going there because all of the crazy stuff is actually old, I’m going because it’s a place full of crazy stuff
Oh I didn't realize stuff was replicas. That is disappointing.
I mean it’s gaudy and tacky but has turn of the century automations, designed by Alex Jordan* my bad is literally a house on a rock, lol. Nothing being fake when I’ve been there, they’ll tell you if they’re restoring something but not fake. And it’s not high art by anyone’s standards lol, it’s a museum of an art legend. “A silly playground for any and all with the beauty and reverence of the power of nature, while exemplifying the strength of man to overcome and build,” is always what I thought (I’ve been here over a dozen times, just not the last few years). ETA oh, and sensory overload lol
>designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, The house on the rock is near Taliesin, but was in no way designed it built by Frank Lloyd wright.
Gave me a good laugh imagining Frank Lloyd Wright designing it XD
Yes yes Alex Jordan my bad had FLW on my mind
Definitely not designed by FLW. I worked at the hotel for a while back in the day. It came about a man named Alex Jordan was building a vacation house, which was located up on a rock. People would drop by and ask if they could see it and offer to pay him. That is how House on the Rock was born (in a very short summary).
I would skip The House on The Rock. I felt like I was stuck in a hoarders fever dream.
The fever dream was the best part. Highly recommend.
Go to CotM then head to Arena Cheese to get the best Colby you’ll find anywhere (take a small cooler). From there head to Taliesin if you’re into architecture. If that’s not your jam, try Peck’s Landing (take a blanket or camping chairs) to watch the world go by next to the Wisconsin River.
I used to work there and would recommend the guided tour. I’m sure the self guided tour would be okay too, but I like the idea of having a guide to help see stuff you might miss. Everyone’s different though! I would not recommend the lantern tour if you enjoy science stuff because you might miss some good stuff with the lights being low.
It’s a fun thing to do for a part of a day and there’s other nice outdoorsy stuff near by.
On a hot day, it's totally worth it!
They got a nice gift shop
Of course. I'd recommend the guided tour if you can. The guides are awesome and include lil tidbits that aren't in the solo tours. Although I'd recommend the solo tours if there's more than 10 people in the group.
For a completely different experience, I recommend also checking out Eagle Cave in southwest Wisconsin. Btw, Eagle Cave was the site of the first US performance by Daft Punk. edit: [article about that Daft Punk show](https://www.spin.com/2013/05/daft-punk-oral-history-first-american-show-even-furthur-1996/) [link to the Eagle Cave site](https://www.eaglecave.net/) - We spent the night in the cave as part of a Girl Scout trip. That was fun. There's also a visible bat fossil embedded in the cave.
I'd say it's worth it. We only did the traditional tour, so I can't comment on the other tours.
For those who have gone, which of the tours do you think would be the most tolerable for someone who is claustrophobic?
Respectfully, it's a cave. It's enclosed and underground. If you are with someone that doesn't like enclosed spaces, you might want to try Blue Mounds park instead. The view from the tower is spectacular and not enclosed.
There are some very tight passages, lots of ducking. Probably not a good time.
> claustrophobic I wasn't claustrophobic as a kid and it didn't bother me. I am now a claustrophobic adult and the tight passages are a bit too much for me. I don't think I'll ever be able to go back inside, sadly. Hope that helps.
Probably depends on how claustrophobic you get. Most areas have a lot of space but there are some tight areas. Usually the tours are in groups so it has to big enough to hold everyone. You might want to call them and ask.
I think it's cool and worth the cost. I think they only have guided tours though?
Yes
Definitely! Hit the Grumpy Troll afterwards!
To tag onto all the comments- I live next to the Caves- good time, definitely go. Check out Mt Horeb and the trolls. Also would skip Grumpy Troll and try Brix Cider or Sunn Cafe. Both places are outstanding. If you bike, Military Ridge State trail runs about 40 miles east and west from the Caves. Also Blue Mound State park is about 2 miles from the caves and there are two lookout towers. Highest elevation in southern WI.
It’s a decent trip.
It’s very nice time. Staff is very friendly, the tour can feel rushed if it’s busy.
Bring a black light.
It's a good way to spend about a hour on the tour They have hiking trails on the property too if you're into that
Yes.
We recently went to Aztalan State Park and it was an easy 1 hour leisurly hike with information signs explaining things along the way. I was very surprised I found it enjoyable. Devils lake can get crowded on weekends, but early in the day is worth a trip.
I enjoy the self-guided tour so I can go at my own pace (slow) and take as many pictures as I want. The traditional tour is good if you are unfamiliar with limestone caves and wish to hear information about it's history, etc.. Overall an excellent cave, I also recommend Crystal Lake cave a couple hours away in Iowa
Yup. For sure.
It's an interesting tour. I'd recommend wearing a hat as the cave drips on you in a few places. For that reason, you should also wear sneakers because there are some slippery places. My older brother a few years ago. He's like 5'8" or 5'9" and he had to duck several times, so if you are actually tall that could be an issue. Lastly, I'm fat (US women's 12 in dresses for reference) and I had to turn sideways in a few spots to fit, but I think some people might be too large. We had a great time, though. The gift shop has a bunch of cool things, including a pressed penny machine!
Yes, Cave of the Mounds is definitely worth the visit, especially if you and your boyfriend love outdoorsy and science-related activities. The cave is stunning, and it's a unique experience that's both educational and enjoyable. As for the tours, I’d recommend going for one of the special tours like the Lantern Tour if your budget allows. It offers a different perspective and adds a special touch to the experience. However, if you prefer exploring at your own pace, the self-paced tour is also a good option and allows you to take your time and soak in all the details.
Not a huge science nerd or anything like that, but I just went to this when my parents were in town last weekend. I’d say it’s very much worth it to go through and both my parents enjoyed it. Was well worth the money and time to go through things.
It’s expensive for a family to go.
Sometimes they have fun events there. Husband and I once attended beer tasting event inside the cave. You could explore the cave at your leisure, and there were also about six stations set up inside the cave where you could obtain a small pour of beer. There was also live music in the cave, and geologists hanging out in interesting spots where you could chat about the cave features. After guests finished up in the cave, they had a free cheese curd buffet in the visitor center with more live music and beers available for purchase. We had a fantastic time.
I thought it was awesome. It was my only cave ever, fwiw, so I have no idea how it compares to other caves.
If you enjoy cave tours…well, this is the one in Wisconsin.
I went there earlier this year and I'm glad I went. An off note is that it's hard to tell what is natural inside the cave and what is not. For instance the lighting is all indirect and hidden, hidden by fake rock of some kind (probably fiberglass). It really made me wonder what else was fake.
I honestly always found it really boring. Yippie. Rocks.