Cave of the Mounds
Blue Mounds, WI, 50°F inside, from $26.99
A Wisconsin nature center with family cave tours on weekends during its caving season, which starts in April, and Halloween candlelight cave tours.
The story
Ledge View probably began around 1973, when Calumet County put the rocky, forested property outside of Chilton under the jurisdiction of the county parks commission. For several years the only use made of Ledge View Park was as a nature study and hiking area, and educators and scout leaders brought kids to see its cave. In 1978 the county hired Ron Zahringer as naturalist and gave him the task of planning the park's development. The original building was constructed in 1981, and new caves were later found and excavated. The nature center is currently closed for renovation and scheduled to reopen late summer 2026.
History source: ledgeviewnaturecenter.org.
Tickets and timing
- Adults
- Carolyn's Caverns Cave Tour: $7.00 per person weekdays, $9.00 per person weekends; Adventure Cave Tour: $8.00 weekdays, $11.00 weekends
- Hours
- Public cave tours on weekends from April.
- Booking
- Pre-registration required for cave tours; private tours can be booked for groups of 12 or more by calling 920 849 1471
Getting around underground
- The walk
- Caves are accessed by stairs and ladders
- Strollers
- No strollers
Dogs, weather and what to wear
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash at all times are welcome in the park; a dog waste bag dispenser is available by the kiosk next to the building
- Temperature
- About 55 F year round
Good to know
- Minimum age
- Kids must be at least 5 years and accompanied by an adult (Carolyn's Caverns Cave Tour); at least 10 years for the Adventure Cave Tour
- Wildlife
- Interactive exhibits on bats; caves are accessed by stairs and ladders
- On site
- observation tower, arboretum, gardens with native wildflowers, interactive exhibits, pavilion, outdoor restrooms
Special tours and events
Halloween Candlelight Cave Tours.
Questions people ask
How cold is it inside Ledge View Nature Center Caves?
About 55 F year round.
Are dogs allowed at Ledge View Nature Center Caves?
Dogs on a leash at all times are welcome in the park; a dog waste bag dispenser is available by the kiosk next to the building
Do you need to book Ledge View Nature Center Caves in advance?
Pre-registration required for cave tours; private tours can be booked for groups of 12 or more by calling 920 849 1471
Is there a minimum age for Ledge View Nature Center Caves?
Kids must be at least 5 years and accompanied by an adult (Carolyn's Caverns Cave Tour); at least 10 years for the Adventure Cave Tour
Where is Ledge View Nature Center Caves?
W2348 Short Road, Chilton, WI 53014
Listed in: lantern and flashlight tours
Checked on 2026-10-22 against ledgeviewnaturecenter.org (official site). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.