Spook Cave
McGregor, IA, 47°F inside
50°F
inside, all year
Crystal Lake Cave
Dubuque, IA
45 min
on the main tour
$22
adult ticket
A cave near Dubuque with 45-minute walking tours through nearly three-quarters of a mile of limestone passages, plus black-light and wild cave tours.
The story
Crystal Lake Cave was discovered in 1868 when miners searching for lead and zinc unexpectedly uncovered an underground world with crystal formations, stalactites, and stalagmites. The discovery became a regional attraction drawing visitors from across the country. Today the cave is operated through guided tours that combine natural beauty, science, history, and adventure. The site describes itself as a natural underground treasure inspiring visitors since 1868.
- Found
- 1868
History source: crystallakecave.com.
What you'll see
- Stalactites
- Stalagmites
- Crystal formations
- Limestone passages
- Massive underground chamber with a flowing creek (Wild Cave Tour)
Tickets and timing
- Adults
- $22 (12+)
- Kids
- $10 (ages 4–11)
- How long it takes
- 45 minutes (Wild Cave Tour 3 hours)
- Hours
- Memorial Day weekend–Labor Day and Sep–Oct: weekdays 9am–5pm (last tour 4:30pm), weekends 9am–5:30pm (last tour 5pm).
- Booking
- Walking and black-light tours online; private and wild tours by phone (563-556-6451).
Getting around underground
- The walk
- Nearly three-quarters of a mile.
- Wheelchairs
- Not wheelchair accessible; entry/exit requires 32 steps.
- Strollers
- Not stroller accessible; baby carriers recommended for infants and toddlers.
Dogs, weather and what to wear
- Dogs
- Pets are not allowed in the cave unless they are ADA-compliant service dogs.
- Temperature
- 50°F year-round (FAQ); the About page states a constant 52 degrees year-round.
Good to know
- Minimum age
- Walking History & Science Tour: all ages. Wild Cave Tour: 12 years+ (children 12-17 must be accompanied by an adult).
- Best time to go
- Hours vary by season. Open weekends only in May, September, and October; daily Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend.
- Photos
- Photography is welcome throughout the tour. Video recording is not permitted inside the cave.
- On site
- gift shop, gem mining sluice
Special tours and events
Black Light Tour ($26), Wild Cave Tour ($100, 12+).
Getting there
6684 Crystal Lake Cave Drive, Dubuque, Iowa 52003
Parking: Free parking is available on-site.
Directions in Google MapsDistances are straight-line from each city center.
Before you go
- Wear shoes that can get a little wet.
Questions people ask
How long does a visit to Crystal Lake Cave take?
45 minutes (Wild Cave Tour 3 hours)
How cold is it inside Crystal Lake Cave?
50°F year-round (FAQ); the About page states a constant 52 degrees year-round..
Can you visit Crystal Lake Cave in a wheelchair?
Not wheelchair accessible; entry/exit requires 32 steps.
Are dogs allowed at Crystal Lake Cave?
Pets are not allowed in the cave unless they are ADA-compliant service dogs.
Do you need to book Crystal Lake Cave in advance?
Walking and black-light tours online; private and wild tours by phone (563-556-6451).
When was Crystal Lake Cave discovered?
1868, according to the cave's own history.
Is there a minimum age for Crystal Lake Cave?
Walking History & Science Tour: all ages. Wild Cave Tour: 12 years+ (children 12-17 must be accompanied by an adult).
Where is Crystal Lake Cave?
6684 Crystal Lake Cave Drive, Dubuque, Iowa 52003
Listed in: wild caving tours
Checked on 2026-10-22 against crystallakecave.com (home and FAQ pages). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.