This cave, Cave of the Mounds, was on the dells site I read before going to Wisconsin. Because it was in the same direction as the winery I insisted that this be our second adventure of the day and because who doesn't love cooling off in a cave?
The history of the cave was given to us via a DVD as well as from a tour guide through the cave. The cave was found when workers on the property were blasting limestone from the property. One of the blasts blew the face off the quarry and exposed a giant underground cave. Because Wisconsin had never seen anything like it many people flocked to the site to view the big cave. Luckily the family had the fortitude to close off the cave and to preserve it.
Lights and wooden walkways were installed and in 1940 the cave was opened to visitors. Eventually, as time passed the cave was updated with concrete pathways and theatrical lighting.
The cave is mainly limestone made from compacted seashells and marine sediments. The rock dates back over 400 million years when the Earth was covered with water. As the water receded it left these layers of rock behind and erosion began to wear them down.
The cave is probably 1 to 2 million years old. It was formed along the "lifeline" crack that can be seen when touring the cave. There are many areas that go back several feet and are not passable without destroying the walls of the cave so the lighting is used to show the depth.
The pathway was easy to maneuver, except for one narrow area, and although it was wet and chilly (50 degrees year-round) I made it through the tour in my Crocs. Yes, my crocs. Not exactly the shoes for cave exploring, but, hey, we made it!
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