Ultimate Guide to Irvine Park Cave, Wisconsin (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
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Irvine Park Cave is one of the smaller caves in Wisconsin, but it does draw many visitors throughout the year as it is housed inside Irvine Park. It is a beautiful park where you can walk around for a couple of hours and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Irvine Park Cave, Wisconsin
If you are serious about caving, then Irvine Park Cave might disappoint you, but it is a great spot for novice spelunkers and those who are still taking baby steps in the caving world. It is an easy-to-navigate cave, and the natural spring inside it makes the cave look more beautiful.
History of Irvine Park Cave
Irvine Park reminds you of those days when the cities set aside large swaths of land for various recreational purposes. The cave and the surrounding seven acres of land were purchased in 1871 by the owner of the Schmitmayer Brewing Company, F.X. Schmitmayer. He took steps to enlarge the cave, which had a natural spring.
The entrance of the cave was closed with an iron gate. The hole in the cave’s ceiling was the bottom of a shaft that was dug from the top. Through this hole, beer was lowered and stored in the cool cave.
The modern-day Irvine Park was established in 1906 by Chippewa Falls businessman William Irvine, his firm Chippewa Lumber and Boom Co, and L. C. Stanley. The feat was achieved as they received generous donations, including 165 acres of land. It marked the beginning of Irvine Park.
Since then, it has grown in leaps and bounds, and today it is spread over 318 acres and acts as a recreational resource for the citizens of Chippewa Falls.
Wildlife in Irvine Park Cave
Wildlife is in abundance here. You will come across a wide variety of birds, ducks, deer, and geese, and there will be the usual critters and small animal population in the cave. There is also an on-site zoo with cougars, bison, Bengal tiger, and bobcats.
The Red Barn Petting Zoo is popular with both adults and kids as they get a chance to meet and pet a wide variety of farm animals like bunnies and goats. The kids learn about these animals through the concept of touch and play.
Is Irvine Park Cave Haunted?
Irving Park Cave in Chippewa County is one of the foremost tourist attractions in Wisconsin and is not haunted by any means.
How Big is Irvine Park Cave?
The cave is small and is only 20 ft in length.
Irvine Park Cave Tours
The surroundings of the cave let you focus more on the area’s natural beauty. It is a small cave that can be entered, and you need to explore it yourself. There is a small natural spring in the cave, and there used to be a bear enclosure right next to the cave opening.
For this reason, it was once known as Bear Cave. In the earlier days, the cave was used as a storage for beer after the Shmitmayer Brewing Company purchased it in 1871.
Tour Prices and Discounts
There are no charges for entering Irvine Park or accessing the cave, but donations are always appreciated. There is a parking fee, which is USD 3 per vehicle for weekdays and USD 5 per vehicle for weekends.
Is Irvine Park Cave Cold?
The summer in Irvine is warm and pleasant. Still, in winter, the temperature can drop down to as low as 14 degrees F. So, you need to carry clothes accordingly, and the temperature inside the cave is expected to be 2 to 3 degrees cooler than outside.
What to Wear?
You can wear any clothes, but since you will be entering the small cave, you must wear closed-toe shoes for your comfort. Carry jackets and heavy woolens if you are here in winter.
Irvine Park Cave Hours
Irvine Park remains open on all days of the week from 10 am to 8 pm.
What to Do at Irvine Park Cave (Beside Tours)
Irvine Park has lots of activities for people of all ages at all times of the year. There are full-length basketball courts and sand-based volleyball courts. The tennis courts are illuminated in the evening so that you can enjoy a quick game after dinner. During summer, if you are here, you can spend quality time at the swimming pool and enjoy the rides down the waterslide.
On the other hand, you can do the cross-country ski trails if you come here during winter. Some other activities available here to keep you busy include bird watching, Skateboard Park, outdoor pool, splash pad, horseshoe pits, and picnicking.
Best Time to Visit Irvine Park Caves
The best time to visit Irvine Park is the summer season. It does get a bit crowded on weekends, but you will love spending time in the park and exploring the on-site cave.
How to Get to Irvine Park Cave
To reach Irvine Park, you can come from downtown Chippewa Falls heading north on Wisconsin Highway 124. You need to turn left (west) onto Bridgewater Avenue and go right onto Bear Den Drive. The parking lot would be on your left side.
Hotels near Irvine Park Cave
Staying near Irving Park would never be a problem as there is a good range of hotels, motels, and B&Bs AT Chippewa Falls. There are some excellent options to stay like Badger Motel, Hampton Inn Chippewa Falls and Glen Loch Inn.
Irvine Park Cave Fun Facts
- The Pavilion at Irvine Park was built in 1908 to accommodate large gatherings.
- The Rumbly Bridge was erected in 1907, and it was designed as an ornamental park bridge.
- Every year, on Christmas, the park organizes a Christmas Village, which has been a tradition since 1987, and it is a treasured part of the park.
- Geological Formations in Irvine Park Cave
- The cave has scant geological formations.
Irvine Park Cave Details
- Length: 20 ft
- Time Recommended: 2 to 3 hours, but you can stay a full day if you want to enjoy all the activities.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Kid-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes, but they are not allowed in certain particular areas.
- Fees: USD 3 per vehicle for weekdays, USD 5 per vehicle on weekends, USD 7 on holidays
- Hours: 10 am to 8 pm
Visiting Irvine Park Cave
Do you need more information before visiting? Call (715) 723-0331 for an information packet.
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