What to do and see in Wisconsin, United States: The Best Caverns & Caves

July 21, 2021 Roger Rusk

When you think “adventure travel” you probably think of far-flung places like Belize and Alaska—not Wisconsin. But if you’re an outdoor adventurer, you’ll find plenty of places to explore in Wisconsin. A vacation in Wisconsin can put you close to the Kettle Moraine State Forest, which has excellent biking trails. Or choose Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands—kayakers will love exploring Lake Superior’s many caves and shipwrecks.

Packers fans don’t wear those cheese-wedge hats for nothing! Foodies will love tasting as many of Wisconsin’s artisanal cheeses as possible. Either drive from cheesemaker to cheesemaker, or choose a Wisconsin vacation in a town with a good farmers’ market—then the cheesemakers bring their wares to you. And what goes better with artisanal cheese than craft beer? In Milwaukee, visit the Lakefront and Sprecher Breweries for tours and tastings.

Wisconsin Dells is a classic family vacation destination. A vacation in Wisconsin Dells will put you close to all the excitement—you’ll have to tear the kids away from the theme parks, wave pools and water parks in Wisconsin Dells!

Lake Geneva boasts clean beaches, golf, and a small-town feel that definitely appeals to city dwellers—it’s a popular getaway for residents of Chicago.


Restaurants in Wisconsin

1. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Ice Caves

90500 Meyers Road, Bayfield, WI 54814 +1 715-779-3397 http://www.nps.gov/apis/mainland-caves-winter.htm
Excellent
89%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 212 reviews

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Ice Caves

Reviewed By PrairiePaddler - Madison, United States

Outstanding, definitely one of the better narrated scenic cruises we've experienced. Our 2-1/2 hour Grand Tour was conducted by a lifetime local resident who grew up on the water and had a wealth of information to share. The ice caves on Devil's Island alone are worth the trip.

2. Ice Caves

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Superior, WI http://www.nps.gov/apis/mainland-caves-winter.htm#modal-park-map
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 11 reviews

Ice Caves

3. Pier Natural Bridge Park

17520 State Hwy 80, Richland Center, WI 53581-8451
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Pier Natural Bridge Park

4. Cave of the Mounds

2975 Cave of the Mounds Rd, Blue Mounds, WI 53517-9413 +1 608-437-3038 [email protected] http://caveofthemounds.com/
Excellent
56%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 551 reviews

Cave of the Mounds

The most beautiful cave in Wisconsin and the upper Midwest, Cave of the Mounds lies just off U.S. Highways 18/151 in Blue Mounds, WI. The United States Department of the Interior and the National Park Service designated Cave of the Mounds a National Natural Landmark because the site possesses "exceptional value as an illustration of the nation's natural heritage and contributes to a better understanding of man's environment". Curious tourists and budding cave enthusiasts have been enjoying an introduction to caving in the midwest for years while visiting Cave of the Mounds. Commonly referred to as the "jewel box" of America's major caves for the variety and delicacy of its formations, Cave of the Mounds is recognized by the Chicago Academy of Sciences as "the significant cave of the upper Midwest".

Reviewed By LynnD922 - Fairfield, United States

Well worth the drive to get to from Madison where we were staying. After a short introduction film about how the cave was formed and founded, and what stalactites, stalagmites, trilobites and a few other things you will see in the cave we proceded down into the depths of the cave with our tour guide. On this tour at some of the stops we sang some Christmas songs which was a lot of fun. At one point on the tour our guide turned out the lights so total darkness was experienced. Very interesting, been a long time since I had been in a limestone cave and had forgotten how beautiful the formations can be.

5. Crystal Cave

W965 State Road 29, Spring Valley, WI 54767-9030 +1 715-778-4414 [email protected] http://www.acoolcave.org/
Excellent
67%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 282 reviews

Crystal Cave

Join us for Adventures Above and Below... Crystal Cave is fun for the entire family! Discover our unique, naturally formed, geological wonder 485 million years in the making! Our professionally guided tours explore multiple levels and meandering passages that descend more than 70 feet below the earth. Learn about the history and geology of the cave as you pass stalactites, stalagmites, other crystal formations, and the four species of bats who call the cave home! After the hour-long tour, venture above to experience the other great activities we have to offer. Search for real gems and fossils at Prospector’s Creek. Take the opportunity to hike our woodland trails, picnic with the family in our shaded picnic grounds, or browse our educational gift shop, which includes one of the largest rock shops in the upper Midwest. In addition to our extensive mineral collection, we have beautiful jewelry, fossils, apparel, and unique educational products for the entire family. A Visit to Crystal Cave is a great opportunity for families, groups, or anyone looking for memories to last a lifetime. There’s always something new to discover and explore at Wisconsin’s longest cave! You are guaranteed an adventure that is truly under this world!

6. Eagle Cave

16320 Cavern Ln, Blue River, WI 53518-4828 +1 608-537-2988 http://www.eaglecave.net/
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
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4.5 based on 18 reviews

Eagle Cave

Reviewed By 739danj

Planning a trip is hard in 2020 when you want to be safe. Having resources together is harder. Eagle Cave solved all of that for us. They adjusted our campsite for us because we had more hammocks than planned- no complaints, no issues, and they seemed genuinely happy to help us. We went on the canoes and had a great time. They know the area well and dropped us off with plenty of direction, at a price that cannot be beat. We had privacy, we had supplies, and we had a good time. My only regret is we didn’t stay long enough to visit the grounds’ namesake cave. Maybe next year.

7. Meyers Beach Sea Caves

Bayfield, WI 54814 +1 715-779-3397 http://www.nps.org/APIS
Excellent
77%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 124 reviews

Meyers Beach Sea Caves

Meyers Beach sea caves are located just North of Cornucopia, Wi. There are caves at the the Northern end of Mawikwe bay and one cave at the South end of Mawikwe Bay.

Reviewed By witravelingcouple

The sea caves at Meyers Beach are breathtaking... hiking the trails and then kayaking among them was an out-of-this-world experience for my Husband and I.

8. Cherney Maribel Caves

North on US 141, Maribel, WI +1 920-683-4185 http://www.maribelcaves.com/
Excellent
43%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
5%
Terrible
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4.0 based on 21 reviews

Cherney Maribel Caves

Reviewed By bigsei - Manitowoc, United States

This is a fun stop for people of all ages. Trails take you on leisurely walk through the park, there is a great playground, covered picnic area and guided, educational, and interesting tours of the caves available the third Sunday of the month. It is a beautiful park.

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