Cave of the Mounds
Blue Mounds, WI, 50°F inside, from $26.99
A free-to-enter cave park in Maribel, Wisconsin; New Hope Cave opens for tours on the third Sunday of each month, May to October.
The story
Maribel New Hope Cave was discovered on February 5, 1984, when steam was seen coming from a pile of rocks covering the entrance. A small opening was found, and excavation continued the next spring, revealing a small passage. Work was abandoned for years, but later cavers resumed digging. On October 31, 1990, cavers broke through into the first official cave room, now known as the Halloween Room. In 2004, new cavers lowered the entrance passage and installed a track system to remove debris more efficiently. The cave is open to the public only during special tour hours.
- Found
- February 5, 1984
History source: maribelcaves.com.
What you'll see
- Halloween Room
Tickets and timing
- Adults
- Park free; New Hope Cave tours $5 donation
- Hours
- Park dawn to dusk year-round. New Hope Cave tours third Sunday of the month, May–October, 10am–3pm.
Dogs, weather and what to wear
- Dogs
- Welcome on a leash.
Good to know
- Best time to go
- Tours are every 3rd Sunday of the month May-October 10am-3pm.
- On site
- restrooms
Getting there
15401 County Rd R, Maribel, Wisconsin
Parking: Upper parking only Nov 1 - Mar 31 (pit restrooms only available); Lower parking Apr 1 - Oct 31 (all restrooms open). No fee to use park.
Directions in Google MapsDistances are straight-line from each city center.
Questions people ask
Are dogs allowed at Maribel New Hope Cave?
Welcome on a leash.
When was Maribel New Hope Cave discovered?
February 5, 1984, according to the cave's own history.
Where is Maribel New Hope Cave?
15401 County Rd R, Maribel, Wisconsin
Checked on 2026-10-22 against maribelcaves.com (official site). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.