Cave of the Mounds

Cave of the Mounds
Written by Cauldron Living staff writer Tommy Watson

I had the chance to visit a great treasure in Wisconsin the first of this month. *The Cave of the Mounds is located in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin. *The town was so named because of the great rolling grassy hills, which surround the area. *A lead miner, Ebenezer Brigham in 1828, settled the area where the cave is located. *On August 4, 1939 a limestone mining explosion accidentally discovered the cave. *When the cave was revealed the miners were advised to wait for three days before exploring the cave, yet the anticipation was so great they only waited three hours. *From that point on all mining ceased and excavation of the ruble began.

The cave opened to the public in May of 1940 with few "perks" and brief tours. *Over the years, additions to the cave have been discovered and dramatic lighting has been added to increase the drama of the cave colors. *In 1988 the cave was designated a National Landmark.

The cave is full of wonders I would have to say my favorite is the glowing parrot. *There is a picture of it below. *It is a mineral formation full of phosphates that retain light for a short period. *I have placed a picture of it below but it in no way does it justice. Besides the cave, this area of Wisconsin is full of wonderful small German towns with great shops and wonderful restaurants. *I was also fortunate enough to visit during autumn and the landscape was extraordinary. *I hope you enjoy the pictures if have placed below.