Ultimate Guide to Crystal Cave, Wisconsin (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)

Cave Guides

Ultimate Guide to Crystal Cave, Wisconsin (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)

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Crystal Cave is a fun place that the whole family can enjoy. The professionally guided tours will help you discover the wonders of the cave and understand its geology and history. There are hiking trails, picnic spots, an educational gift shop, and gem panning facilities. People say that there is always something new to explore at the longest cave in Wisconsin.

Crystal Cave Cover Image — Photo Credit: Travel Wisconsin

Crystal Cave is a multi-level solutional cave formed in the dolomite bedrock in the Prairie du Chien Group. The dolomite got formed 485 million years ago in the Lower Ordovician Period.

History of Crystal Cave

Crystal Cave was discovered in 1881 by a couple of local farm boys when they were chasing a woodchuck, and it suddenly disappeared down a hole. The next day, the two brothers descended the hole, which initiated the cave’s primary exploration.

They entered a dome filled with clay and debris and dropped down into what is now referred to as the main room of the 2nd level. The existence of other levels was not known then, and Crystal Cave was known as Sander’s Corner Cave then.

In 1941 Henry Friede purchased the property and opened the Crystal Cave for tours. On November 2 of the same year, work began in the cave on the 1st and 2nd levels. By April next year, the majority of the debris was removed.

The cave at that point in time had 1100 ft of the linear passageway, which was open to the public at a depth of 81 ft. Construction also started on the entrance building and stairways, which helped move people from the basement to the 1st and 2nd levels.

The official opening date of the cave is June 7, 1942, and around 20,000 visitors came to see the cave. The cave was purchased by the Moe Family 15 years later, and in 1986, Cunningham purchased the cave. In 1992 a major exploration was able to connect Crystal Cave with another nearby cave known as Bat Cave.

Additional cave passages were discovered during the exploration, and the joining of the two caves meant that the original length of the Crystal Cave almost tripled. The cave now belongs to Eric McMaster, who purchased it in 2012.

Geological Cave Formations in

The cave has a variety of formations, but the majority are concentrated in the southeast part of the cave as the conditions are optimum there. The speleothems present in the cave can take various forms, such as stalactites, with soda straws being the most popular variant, columns, stalagmites, draperies, flowstone, and ribbons. There are also helictites and cave pearls, but these are rare.

Wildlife in Crystal Cave

Crystal Cave is home to different species of bats such as Big Brown Bat, Little Brown Bat, Eastern Pipistrelle, and Northern Myotis. You will be able to see a few of them on the tour of the caves. When you go, there is a chance that they will be sleeping in various locations of the cave ceiling as they will be hibernating.

Is Crystal Cave Haunted?

The cave is nowhere near being haunted, but many experts have opined that it is the best place for shelter if there is a tornado as it is so deep underground!

How Big is Crystal Cave?

Crystal Cave consists of three levels, and it extends up to a depth of 69 ft. It has a length of 4600 ft.

Crystal Cave Tours

Crystal Cave Tour is highly enjoyable and suitable for people of all ages. It is a 1-hour walking tour that is led by professional tour guides. The tour is hugely popular, and reservations are highly recommended. During the tour, you will get to learn about the history and geology of the cave.

You will witness beautiful cave formations like stalactites, stalagmites, and various other formations on the cave walls and ceilings. You will learn about the limestone caves in detail and how the Crystal Cave got its name from the tiny crystals on the cave’s walls. However, the tour can be strenuous for you if you cannot walk or stand for at least one hour. You also need to walk down and back up seven stories of ramps and stairs.

Tour Prices and Discounts

The Crystal Cave Tour

Adults – USD 19.98
Kids (3 to 12 years) – USD 11.98
Infants (0 to 2 years) – Free but will need a free ticket.

Is Crystal Cave Cold?

The temperature inside the cave is at a steady 50 degrees F with high humidity. It may sound nice initially, but after 15 min in the cave, you are bound to feel the chill.

What to Wear?

The temperature inside the cave is always lower than the surroundings, and Crystal Cave is no exception. It would be best to come here wearing a light jacket or dress in layers. You must also wear appropriate footwear like hiking boots or tennis shoes.

Crystal Cave Hours

Visitors are allowed to come between 9:30 am and 5:30 pm but follow a different schedule on weekends (10 am to 4 pm) and in September and October. It is advisable to call the cave authorities before you come for a visit.

What to Do (Beside Tours)

At Crystal Cave, you will always have something to do. Everyone loves the Cave tour, but many activities are available that will keep you hooked.

Gem Panning

In this above-ground adventure, you get a chance to uncover natural crystals, fossils, and gems from all across the globe. The exciting part is that one gets to keep all the gems and fossils that one find. Before you start gem panning, you will get a gem or fossil identification card. All the gems and fossils are authentic, and the staff will help you with the discoveries.

Tee-Rex Mini Golf

The Tee-Rex Mini is an 18-hole educational mini-golf course that lets you learn about the dinosaurs as you play. You get a chance to putt through dinosaur eggs and fossils.

Gold Miner’s Saloon

If you are yearning for a glass of chilled beer or a glass of sparkling wine, then you can come down here. The Gold Miner’s Saloon is easy to locate as it is opposite Tee-Rex Minigolf.

Nature Trails

There are two major trails – Prairie Trail and Sinkhole Trail. Both have a length of ½ mile, and people are encouraged to go on foot only. The Prairie Trail is a restored 7-acre area that features a beautiful human sundial.

Picnic Grounds

When you come to Crystal Cave, you can enjoy a picnic with your family and friends. There are fourteen picnic tables under shade trees, and you can also take a group picture at the photo arch. There is a separate Picnic Pavilion, a non-heated all-weather shelter that accommodates 14 picnic tables.

Gift Shop

The Gift Shop at Crystal Cave is touted as the largest rock shop in the upper Midwest. It has an impressive collection of rocks and minerals from all over the world. It also has unique souvenirs, apparel, jewelry, educational books, and science kits.

Best Time to Visit

The caves remain open from April 1 to October 31. So, you can come here anytime within this period.

How to Get to Crystal Cave

One needs to Exit 19 on I-94 and then go south on US Highway 63. After traveling for 7 miles in the south direction, you need to follow the signs that will direct you to turn left (east) towards the Spring Valley. When you drive for 6 miles, the cave should be on your right side.

Hotels Nearby

There are two campgrounds near – Highland Ridge Campground and Nugget Lake County Park. However, there are no overnight camping facilities for the public. There are good hotel options near Crystal Cave and Wuksachi Lodge, and Stony Creek Lodge deserves a special mention.

Crystal Cave Fun Facts

The Crystal Cave is more than 70 ft below the ground.
It has a length of 4600 ft, making it the longest cave in Wisconsin.
The Vanasse brothers, who discovered the cave, had rappelled into the cave using a rope via the original entrance, which can now be seen near the present-day gift shop.
In September 2014, a weather monitoring station was installed.
In 1942, the cave was a designated bomb shelter, and it was believed that the cave could hold the entire population of the town if the need arose.

Crystal Cave Details

Length: 4600 ft
Time Recommended: 4 to 5 hours
Trail type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderately strenuous
Kid-friendly: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes, but the pet must be on a leash and under control
Fee: USD 19.98 for adults for the Cave Tour
Hours: 9:30 am to 5:30 in the evening
Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs or walkers

Visiting Crystal Cave

Do you need more information before visiting? Call (715) 778-4414 or email Crystal Cave through the form for an information packet.

World of Caves

Ultimate Guide to Crystal Cave, Wisconsin (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)

History of Crystal Cave

Geological Cave Formations in

Wildlife in Crystal Cave

Is Crystal Cave Haunted?

How Big is Crystal Cave?

Crystal Cave Tours