The Best List of Caves in Wisconsin

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If you are looking for caving in Wisconsin, this list is the best place to start. The caving scene in Wisconsin is growing more popular every day, and it’s important that people know where the best caves are located. This article will tell you all about our list of caves in Wisconsin so that you can make an educated decision on what caving adventure to choose next!

“Are there any caves in Wisconsin?” Did you ask that? Many people are unaware that Wisconsin has so many caves. We were unaware of this fact until we started our research, and we are happy that we did.

The Best List of Caves in Wisconsin

The caves look stunning, and you will not stop clicking pictures when you reach there. There is a saying that if you ever felt like crawling in a cave, Wisconsin offers you plenty of opportunities to do so. 

The Top Caves to Visit in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has more than 250 caves, and that includes both limestone and sandstone. Some of these caves are open to the public and allow access while a few caves are out of bounds for the visitors.

Here is a list of the top caves in Wisconsin – 

• Cave of the Mounds
• Cherney Maribel Caves
• Crystal Cave
• Eagle Cave
• Ledge View Caves
• Samuels’ Cave
• St John Mine
• Tainter Cave
• Cave Point
• Kickapoo Indian Caverns
• Wyalusing State Park
• Apostle Island Sea Caves
• Irvine Park Caves
• Devil’s Island Sea Caves

The list mentioned above of caves is not all-inclusive, but these are the ones that you may visit on your next trip to Wisconsin. It is impossible to see all these caves in a single trip; so let’s break this down a bit into different categories. 

Best Caves in Wisconsin

Let us check out the top caves in their respective categories. 

Ice Caves in Wisconsin

If you want to see the famous ice caves in Wisconsin, you need to come up to the Northwest part of the state. 

The Apostle Islands

The renowned Apostle Islands and their stunningly beautiful ice caves are located around 18 miles from Bayfield. The right time to visit the caves is when Lake Superior freezes over, as these caves can then be reached by crossing the great lake on foot. The Park officials monitor the ice conditions regularly to prevent any untoward incidents. 

Bayfield Ice Caves

The Lake Superior Bayfield Ice Caves of the Bayfield Peninsula are a great attraction during the winter months. It is a beautiful experience to visit the ice caves in the winter, provided the conditions are conducive for such a trip. The Apostle Island Sea Caves and the Bayfield Ice Caves are adjacent to each other, so people coming here would get to see the best ice caves that Wisconsin has to offer. 

Caves in Wisconsin Dells

Cave of the Mounds

OK – this isn’t really in the Dells, but is a close enough drive – under 60 miles – that if you are staying in the Dells, it could be a day trip! They actually promote it at their visitor center.

Probably the best-known cave in Wisconsin is the Cave of the Mounds. This is really closer to Mt. Horeb and Blue Mounds Wisconsin. Discovered in 1939, the cave was opened to the public a year later. The Cave of the Mounds is now a national natural landmark as it has been marked as a heritage site. People come here to admire the variety in the formations and walk through the colorful stalagmites and stalactites. 

Eagle Cave

Although a bit far (60 miles approx.) from Wisconsin Dells, the Eagle Cave is an onyx cave near the Blue River. It was the first cave that was commercially operated in Wisconsin. It was opened for public viewing in 1938. 

Crystal Caves in Wisconsin

The Crystal Caves are rare caves in this state that are perfect for a family outing. 

Crystal Cave

Located in the Pierce County of Wisconsin, the Crystal Cave is a multi-level cave that promises fun for the whole family. You can opt for the guided tours that take you down to more than 70 feet below through the meandering passages. It is an ideal cave to learn about stalagmites, stalactites, and various other crystal formations. 

Sea Caves in Wisconsin

The sea caves of Wisconsin will leave you in awe and amazement. They are beautiful to look at, and although they are not as grand as the underwater caves of Mexico, the state of Wisconsin has its share of natural wonders. 

Apostle Island Sea Caves

The 21 islands that constitute the Apostles archipelago on Lake Superior create a beautiful picture, but what makes them unique are the sandstone sea caves lining the shores. Fed by the waters of the Great Lakes, the main features of the caves are the winding passageways and the arches. 

Meyers Beach Sea Caves

Meyers Beach has the most extensive sea caves in the Apostle Islands. Although the sea caves at the Devil’s Islands and the Sand Island are more renowned, the ones at Meyers Beach are no less beautiful. It is not uncommon to find scores of paddlers at the Meyers Beach location during the summer months. 

Caves in Door County Wisconsin

The waters at Door County naturally provide gorgeous backdrops, and the main attractions here are the beautiful caves. 

Cave Point Country Park

It is, unfortunately, overlooked by many tourists who come to Door County every year. However, this is a real gem along the eastern shores of the county. The best time to go here is on a rainy day when the waves crash into the cliffs and the waters shoot up to 20 ft in the air. The view from the top will leave you spellbound, and depending upon the weather, people can climb down to the edge of the waters. 

Caves to Kayak in Wisconsin

Kayaking is a rewarding investment, and there is no better place to do it than the state of Wisconsin. It is insignificant whether you are a beginner or a pro because the waters of Wisconsin will accommodate everybody.

Madeline Island Sea Caves

It is the largest of all the Apostle Islands and a great place to launch your kayaking journey. Waters remain calm most of the time, and the beginners feel confident shadowing the shoreline. They also enjoy the incredible views of the sea caves and the sandstone caves. 

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Meyers Road

Earmarked for the more experienced paddlers, it is a popular kayaking location in the state. You can go through the sandstone shorelines and caves in under three hours. Even if you are less experienced, you can make this trip with confidence. 

As you can tell, the state of Wisconsin has a lot of caves to explore. Make certain to always be safe and prepared before entering any cave so you can make your cave experience a good one!

Other articles you may find helpful or interesting:

• Ultimate Guide to Carver’s Cave, Minnesota (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
• Caving Lamps: Essential Gear for Safe and Successful Underground Exploration
• Ultimate Guide to Samuels’ Cave, Wisconsin (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
• Ultimate Guide to The Lava Tube, California (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
• Ultimate Guide to Ice Cave at Bixby State Preserve, Iowa (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)