Crystal Lake Cave
Dubuque, IA, 50°F inside, from $22
47°F
inside, all year
Spook Cave
McGregor, IA
35–40 min
on the main tour
A boat tour through a cave near McGregor, Iowa, 35–40 minutes long at 47°F, open May to October.
The story
Early settlers of Clayton County often referred to strange noises coming from a hole at the base of the hill along Bloody Run Creek. Gerald Mielke made the discovery of nature's handiwork. The cave was opened suddenly by man. These beauties are now available to the public.
History source: spookcave.com.
Tickets and timing
- How long it takes
- 35–40 minutes
- Hours
- May–October. June–Labor Day daily 9am–5pm (last tour 4:45pm).
- Booking
- Weekday reservations required in May, September and October. Book online or call 563-539-4114.
Getting around underground
- The walk
- Entire tour is in a boat with no walking; extensive bending required in low areas; tour lasts 35-40 minutes.
Dogs, weather and what to wear
- Temperature
- 47°F year-round
Good to know
- On site
- store with souvenirs, food, beverages, and ice cream, playgrounds, basketball court, free picnic area for cave goers, mining, cabins, campground, fishing in trout stream and Spook Cave Lake, swimming, paddling, hiking
Getting there
13299 Spook Cave Rd, McGregor, IA 52157
- Madisonabout 96 miles
- Des Moinesabout 155 miles
- Minneapolisabout 167 miles
Distances are straight-line from each city center.
Questions people ask
How long does a visit to Spook Cave take?
35–40 minutes
How cold is it inside Spook Cave?
47°F year-round.
Do you need to book Spook Cave in advance?
Weekday reservations required in May, September and October. Book online or call 563-539-4114.
Where is Spook Cave?
13299 Spook Cave Rd, McGregor, IA 52157
Listed in: cave boat tours, caves with camping or lodging
Checked on 2026-10-22 against spookcave.com (home and cave tour pages). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.