Ultimate Guide to Spook Cave, Iowa (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
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Iowa has many exciting places of nature, but nothing will probably thrill you more than Spook Cave and Campgrounds in McGregor, Iowa. If you are a hardcore cave enthusiast, you will love this cave with an underground boat tour! It is a great place to spend your weekend as the activities available here and the tranquil nature of the surroundings will keep you busy for a couple of days.
Spook Cave, Iowa
There is a chance that you can find the place a bit crowded on weekends but when you are staying over you will get your opportunity to explore the surroundings peacefully. The most amazing place is the little bridge over the small pond, which allows you to walk directly in front of the entrance, pose for pictures and view the boats that pass underneath you.
History of Spook Cave
Spook Cave, situated near the Mississippi River, was discovered in the late 1800s by the townsfolk of Beluah. Over the years, it turned out to be one of the most legendary caves in Iowa. As per the news reports, the early settlers in a town called Beluah were disturbed by a series of strange noises which emanated from a cavern hole at the base of a nearby hill.
Many people believed that the noises were of the early settlers’ tormented spirits, which prompted them to stay away from the area. However, in 1896 a terrifying flood turned Beluah into a ghost town, and more than 20 residents of the town were killed.
Everything was destroyed in Beluah, and the only thing that remained was the waterfall and the cave. In 1953 county resident Gerald Mielke decided to investigate the cave. He opened the hole and discovered a large and flooded underground cavern. The cavern is known as the Spook Cave due to the fright it gave to the town’s residents. The cave opened its doors to the public in 1955.
Today the cave is privately owned, and it has been kept open for guided boat tours. Visitors will know about the history and development of the cave, the misunderstood beginnings, and its present status as a top-draw attraction.
Geological Cave Formations in Spook Cave
Spook Cave is full of natural wonders, such as the drooping stalactites that grow less than an inch every 100 years or so. There are a few stalagmites that have taken a long time to form. You will also witness the soda straw stalactites and a hairy stalactite that can banish one’s hair if it comes in touch.
There is also a band of rock that looks like bacon if anyone puts a flashlight behind it. There is also a 90 ft chimney soaring from one of the large caverns.
Wildlife in Spook Cave
You will come across the usual cave critters and small animals that are normally found in cave surroundings. The bat population inside the cave is low, but one can spot them on the boat tours.
Is Spook Cave Haunted?
Spook Cave has a bit of haunting history, and it has been fueled by the local stories surrounding the cave. But, the reality is that Spook Cave is a popular tourist spot in Iowa and is not haunted.
The story is that the residents of the town of Beulah heard strange noises from the cave entrance, and they thought that they were the spirits of the early settlers. So, the townspeople stayed away and named it Spook Cave.
How Big is Spook Cave?
The entrance is on a property that is spread over 93 acres.
Spook Cave Tours
Spook Cave boat tour is a guided tour of 40 min through the flooded cave. The tour is not for claustrophobic people. If you are so, then you should avoid going on the guided tour and enjoy the beautiful park instead. For those who are not concerned with confined spaces, dark caves, and a one-way 40 min tour of a place that was supposed to be haunted for many years, the tour is a must-do activity here.
The cave tours take place daily from May to the end of October. When the boat navigates through the cave entrance, you may have to lay down for at least 20 seconds in the tiny boat to fit through. It all depends on the water level, but, as we said earlier, some people may feel claustrophobic. Once you make it through the opening, you can enjoy the rest of the ride with tall ceilings. When the boat moves through the cave, you can view and photograph the beautiful limestone formations like stalactites.
The evidence of the rich geological history of Iowa is on display inside this cave. A zebra-striped flowstone wall would remind you of the years of manganese and calcite buildup. You will enter a 35 ft dome room and an infinite chimney when you cross a corner. There is a gigantic frozen mineral waterfall inside the dome.
The cave is a bit creepy, and it becomes more so due to the presence of scratch marks made on the marks by Old Joe. For those who don’t know, Old Joe was a solo traveler who went to explore Spook Cave, but his boat capsized, and he drowned in the dark waters.
Tour Prices and Discounts
The cave tour starts at 9 am, and the last boat for the tour leaves at 5 pm. The fees for the boat tour are as follows –
- Adults (13 years and older) – USD 14
- Kids (4 to 12 years) – USD 10
- Kids (3 years and under) – Free
Is Spook Cave Cold?
The cave maintains a temperature of 47 degrees F throughout the year.
What to Wear?
You should be wearing loose, comfortable clothes with closed-toe shoes. Since the cave temperature is lower, you may carry a light jacket if you tend to feel the chill quickly.
Spook Cave Hours
It remains accessible from 9:00 in the morning to 5:30 pm every day from May to October.
What to Do at Spook Cave (Beside Tours)
Apart from the cave tours, the visitors can rent golf carts to explore the vast limestone bluffs and use the nearby hiking trails. There are several scenic attractions nearby which you can see, such as Clayton County Conservation Center, Iowa State Aquarium, and Pike’s Peak State Park, among others.
Best Time to Visit Spook Caves
The best time to visit is the spring and summer months as the winters are quite harsh in this part of the world.
How to Get to Spook Cave
Spook Cave is located around seven miles to the west of the town of McGregor in Clayton County. The cave entrance is on a property that is spread over 93 acres.
Hotels Nearby
The campground at Spook Cave is privately owned, and it offers electric, sewer, and water hook-ups for the RVs and the campers. The tent campers will enjoy their stay as they will have a more rugged experience at the primitive sites of the campground.
However, since the winters are very harsh here, camping between November and March will be virtually impossible. The campgrounds are in the low valley, and they become susceptible to flooding. So, always check the weather forecast before coming here.
There are also log cabins that overlook the fishing and swimming lake. Each cabin is fitted with a picnic table and a fire ring, but pets are strictly not allowed inside the cabins. The grounds around the cabins offer a host of facilities such as wireless internet, a volleyball court, and shower facilities.
Spook Cave Fun Facts
- This cave is a privately owned flooded cave.
- The cave is estimated to be 750,000 years old.
- An aluminum boat is used for cavern tours, and the length of the boat is 16 ft.
- Spook cave boasts of the only underground boat tour in Iowa.
Spook Cave Details
- Length: the cave entrance is on a 93-acre property.
- Time Recommended: 2 to 3 hours but ideal as a weekend destination.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Kid-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Must be on a leash
- Fees: USD 14 for adults
- Hours: 9 am to 5:30 pm
Visiting Spook Cave
Do you need more information before visiting? Call (563) 539-4114 or email Spook Cave for an information packet.
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