By Lakes Edition Web Content Manager
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10 Feb, 2021
(Photos courtesy of Cave of the Mounds) Where in Wisconsin can you venture outdoors in a relatively balmy 50 F in the middle of February? The Cave of the Mounds of course.. Awe inspiring and educational this geological wonderland has all the ingredients of a great, family field trip and more. The Cave of the Mounds's designation as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service in 1987 recognizes the site's historic, geological and educational significance to Wisconsin and the Midwest. In these pandemic times, parents must find a balance between virtual learning and safe options for childhood learning and development outside the home. From up-close and personal moments with 400 million years of Earth history to the geological process of how Speleothems like stalactites and stalagmites are formed, the Cave of the Mounds truly lives up to their nickname "Wisconsin's Oldest Classroom." The cave staff also provides a number of science experiments and curriculum's to meet the inquisitiveness of any budding earth scientist or geologist. Kids can crack open a geode, or sift sand for gemstones on site or download one of many, educational activities from the Cave of the Mounds' website . The COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges to all of us as we navigate our family's lives with their safety and health at the forefront. The Cave of the Mounds, in accordance with Dane County's COVID-19 guidelines, has put a number of new safety measures in place for their visitors and staff. Gone is the traditional tour with a guide, unless you reserve a VIP package online or in person. The Blue Mounds' area cave like Mammoth Cave National Park has implemented self-guided tours to better manage group sizes for social distancing. Additionally, the cave has added back lit signs to highlight educational moments along the route to help guide the self-paced tours. The cave's tour route is configured in a one-way loop to control foot traffic, and guides are now stationed at two locations in the cave to answer all questions.. Other facility-wide safety measures at the cave include hand sanitizing stations, frequent cleaning of all railings, door handles, cash registers and credit card pads. Mask wearing is mandatory for all staff and visitors both in the gift shop and the cave itself. "We have received lots of calls from visitors pointedly approving what precautions we have taken," says Jan Okeson, Operations Manager at Cave of the Mounds. Okeson also noted for the most part visitors have complied with mask wearing requirements and that only a handful of Instagramers posing for selfies have taken off their masks while inside the cave. Fortunately, there are cave guides stationed throughout the 1/2 mile tour so that help is always nearby. Lastly, if you want to have "Wisconsin's oldest classroom" all to yourself Okeson recommends visiting Tuesdays through Thursdays which tend to be the slowest days of the week. If you visit remember to mask up, maintain your social distance of 6 feet at all times. Take care and stay safe! HOURS Weekdays: 9 am to 5 pm Last tour entry at 4 pm Weekends: 9 am to 5 pm Last tour entry at 4 pm CONTACT Phone: 608-437-3038 DIRECTIONS From Madison exit 258 off the Beltline (Hwy 12/18.) to merge onto to Hwy 18W/151S. Take Hwy. 151 south for 25 miles and exit onto Cave of the Mounds Road. The Cave of the Mounds is located at 2975 Cave of the Mounds Road. 511 Wisconsin For up to the minute winter driving conditions in southern Wisconsin visit the Wisconsin DOT's 511 Wisconsin or call 511 or (866) 511-9472.