Ultimate Guide to Eagle Cave, Wisconsin (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
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Eagle Cave is in Richland County, and it opened two years before the Cave of the Mounds. It is a wild cave and has various subterranean passageways making it a delight for spelunkers. Many people come here for camping, especially during the fall and spring months. Eagle Cave is known for its unique exploratory program and guided adventure tours, which let you explore the deep into the cave system. The program has been running successfully since 1954.
The cave was inaugurated in 1938, making it the first show cave in Wisconsin. Since then, it has been a below-ground wonder and has been delighting adventure seekers of all ages. The gift shop at the Eagle Cave is the place to go for refreshments and souvenirs.
History of Eagle Cave
Eagle Cave was discovered in 1849, and although the story surrounding its discovery is an adventurous one, it is true. As per locals, Peter Kinder was hunting for bears along the Wisconsin River between Blue River & Muscoda. He managed to shoot a bear weighing 600 lbs. Then Kinder and his friend, Murphy, brought the wounded animal back to the place which is now known as Eagle Cave.
The two friends got hold of ropes and lanterns, lowered themselves into the cave, and finally killed it. When they hauled the bear out of the cave, legend says that eagles were seen circling above the cave, which got its name from this incident.
Geological Cave Formations in Eagle Cave
Eagle Cave has beautiful speleothems consisting of stalactites, stalagmites, helictites, columns, rimstone, bacon strips, flowstone, and cave pearls. The bulk of the geological formations occurs at the third level of the cave. One of the formations named “Paul Bunyan’s toadstool” is a large flowstone formation that is more than 10m in diameter.
Wildlife in Eagle Cave
Eagle Cave is home to diverse animal species like a big brown bat, eastern pipistrelle, long-bodied cellar spider, and cave orb weaver (a type of spider).
Is Eagle Cave Haunted?
Eagle Cave is not haunted, but it becomes the scariest cave in Wisconsin for two evenings in October every year! The cave is turned into a haunted house on the weekend before Halloween. There are around 40 odd monsters inside the cave played by the volunteers. There are three levels of horror, and if you are brave, you can try all three.
How Big is Eagle Cave?
The cave has a length of 2445 ft.
Eagle Cave Tours
When it comes to exploring Eagle Cave, there are multiple options. The most popular one is the Guided Tour which is perfect for young and adults. The length of the tour ranges from one to two hours. There are many passageways but navigating through them is not difficult. The cave had several tourist-friendly additions such as handrails, lights, and stairs, making exploring the cave a more effortless and safer proposition.
The guided tour lets you explore the sites deep within the Earth, and the guide will inform you all about the geology and history of the cave. If you are not satisfied with the straightforward tour and yearn for a more adventurous tour, you can opt for the Guided Subterranean Adventure Tour.
The Subterranean tour is perfect for those who want to explore the subterranean passages they did not see on the general tour. The tour is usually offered to youth groups interested in deeper cave exploration. The tour includes free-climbing, lengthy crawls, muddy and slippery areas, and tight spaces. The tour demands an excellent physical condition from the participants.
The Cave Exploratory Program is the main highlight of the destination. In this program, the participants explore over 3000 ft of passageways. There are four main cave levels, and each level has underground subterranean tunnels. The participants get to explore every passageway, including the secondary passages. You must always use a Buddy system during exploration. The program runs from September to April every year.
Tour Prices and Discounts
The prices for the guided cave tours are as follows –
- Adults: USD 16 pp
- Children (4 to 12 years): USD 9 pp
- Children (3 years and under): FREE with paid adult
- Seniors will get a discount of USD 2, and military personnel may show their ID for a 50% discount.
Another tour is called the Guided Subterranean Adventure Tour, which costs USD 35 pp. However, you can opt for the combo of Guided Subterranean Adventure Tour and Guided Cave Tour for only USD 45 pp. Weekend campers can take advantage of this experience by shelling out an additional USD 25 PP.
Camping
USD 20 per night for the primitive site and USD 27 per night for the one with water and electricity. The price for the cabins starts from USD 55 per night on weekdays during summer. The charges for the other activities are –
Canoeing: USD 35 for a 2-seat canoe and includes canoe rental, paddles, and jackets.
In Cave Camping and Exploratory Program
- Entire Weekend Package – USD 75 per person
- Saturday Overnight – USD 60 per person
Is Eagle Cave Cold?
The cave maintains a temperature of 52 degrees year-round. You must carry a light jacket to keep you warm during the cave tours.
What to Wear?
You can wear light, comfortable clothes, but footwear must be appropriate as you will be walking a lot during the cave tour.
Eagle Cave Hours
Eagle Cave is open throughout the year, but guided tours are available as per the following schedule.
- Thursday to Sunday (Mem Day to Labor Day) – 10 am to 5 pm
What to Do at Eagle Cave (Beside Tours)
Eagle Cave is open on all days of the year, but people prefer to come here between Memorial Day and Labor Day for the summer activities.
Canoeing
Get a chance to canoe on the scenic and beautiful Wisconsin River. You can rent a canoe here or bring your own. You may also opt for the two-day pampered canoe trips where all your meals, shuttling, and camping charges are included.
Camping
If you are in love with the sylvan surroundings, you can book a rustic cabin or rent the campsite for an enjoyable stay. However, there is no provision for cave camping.
Office Gift Shop
The Gift shop is where you should go if you want to purchase some unique souvenirs for your friends and families back home.
18-Hole Mini Golf
There is also an 18-hole mini-golf course where you can hone your golfing skills or watch other play.
Best Time to Visit Eagle Caves
Eagle Cave remains open throughout the year. The summer activities are available from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and the exploratory program is available from the last weekend of September till the last weekend of April. The best time to come here is during summer as you can do a lot of activities apart from cave touring.
How to Get to Eagle Cave
Eagle Cave is in Richland County and near the Blue River in Wisconsin. If you are coming here, you can take help from Google Maps for driving directions. Just for records, Eagle Cave is in the NE of Cooper Hill and NW of 0.4 Reservoir.
Drive down Interstate 90 and exit at Madison. After proceeding on Highway 40 in a western direction, you need to turn left at Gotham on Highway 60 and turn North before the Blue River. Follow the signpost to reach the Eagle Cave.
Hotels Nearby
Eagle Cave property has adequate facilities for camping, and the campsites are equipped with water and electricity. The primitive site, though, does not have any provision for water or electricity. The property also has cabin facilities that you can book for overnight stays.
Each cabin can accommodate five people, and each has two sets of bunks or double beds. The standard facilities include electricity, chairs, a table, picnic table, heater, air conditioning, fire pits, and spacious desks. However, the cabins do not have indoor plumbing facilities, and guests must care for their bedding.
Eagle Cave Fun Facts
- The cave has a length of 2445 ft.
- It is the largest onyx cave in Wisconsin.
- Every year, before Halloween, the cave is turned into a scary house and is open to anyone who wants to celebrate Halloween traditionally.
- The cave is spread over eight levels; four are underground.
- It has 3000 ft of passageways.
Eagle Cave Details
- Length: 2445 ft
- Time Recommended: Full Day
- Difficulty: Easy to Hard but depend on the tour
- Kid-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Need to ask the cave authorities before visiting
- Fees: USD 16 for an adult for the standard guided tour
- Hours: 10 am to 5 pm
Visiting Eagle Cave
Do you need more information before visiting? Call (608) 537-2998 for an information packet.
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