Post by L Roebuck on Jul 28, 2006 8:32:54 GMT -5
Discover mounds of fun at cave
By Kent Green
Special to the courier news
If you're tired of man-made attractions such as amusement parks, discover one of the Midwest's unique natural attractions at the Cave of the Mounds in Blue Mounds, Wis.
Located about 25 miles west of Madison, the Cave of the Mounds welcomes visitors into caverns that are more than 400 million years old. General Manager Ann Wescott said the limestone cave features scores of unique formations created as dripping water left mineral deposits behind. You'll find stalagmites (the ones that go up from the ground) 20 feet tall in some cases, and the cave's many formations are spattered with color from the different rocks in the ground — iron, for example, lends a reddish color to the rock.
"In terms of geologic sites, it's really a must-see," Wescott said.
The U.S. Department of the Interior and the National Park Service named Cave of the Mounds a National Natural Landmark in 1988, so it could be preserved for another — well, maybe not 400 million years, but a long time.
The only way you can see the cave is on a tour, and guided groups leave about every 15 minutes. Wescott said this is important to keep people from damaging the formations or getting lost.
"We have to protect the cave; it really is a special place," she said.
Larger group tours are available for classes or scout troops. Costs vary and are available on the cave's Web site.
Kids might enjoy the Gemstone Mine and Fossil dig, at which you can buy a bag of rough mining rocks and sift through them as prospectors might have in hopes of finding gemstones.
If you're in the mood to for a festival atmosphere, head up on Aug. 6 and 7 to celebrate the cave's Discovery Days — Aug. 4, 1939. The cave staff offers discovery tours, arming people only with flashlights.
"It gives you that discovery feeling, like what it was like when people first explored the cave," Wescott said.
And there's another benefit to exploring the cave: It stays at about 50 degrees all year long, a welcome relief from the sometimes-ruthless summer heat.
"It's natural air conditioning," Wescott said.
A trip to Cave of the Mounds doesn't have to be a spelunking venture. The cave is located near a major hiking and biking trail, or opt for a leisurely stroll through the prairie restoration gardens or the butterfly garden on the grounds. If you wait until fall, you can enjoy the colors of the leaves turning as you explore the area.
If you're planning a trip to the Wisconsin Dells area, the Cave of the Mounds is only an hour's drive north.
Southwestern Wisconsin has loads of interesting attractions for those who make the trip.
There's the oddity-packed House on the Rock, Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece Taliesin or Little Norway, a model of a traditional Norwegian village that offers discounted package deals with Cave of the Mounds.
More information on attractions and lodging is available from the Southwest Wisconsin Visitors Bureau.
"We have a lot of things that you can do above-ground as well," Wescott said.
• Destination: Cave of the Mounds, Blue Mounds, Wis.
• Distance: About 130 miles northwest of Elgin
• Getting there: Take Interstate 90 west toward Madison, Wis. Take U.S. 12 west (exit 142A) toward Madison, then take U.S. 18 west (exit 258) toward Dodgeville. Head about 7 miles to Hwy. 18 west (exit 258) and follow that about 25 miles to Cave of the Mounds Road.
• For more information: Visit the Southwest Wisconsin Visitors Bureau at www.southwestwi.com or call (800) 947-2799. Park information is available at http:// caveofthemounds.com or by calling (608) 437-3038.
Article: www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/entertainment/3_5_EL28_GETAWAY_S10728.htm
By Kent Green
Special to the courier news
If you're tired of man-made attractions such as amusement parks, discover one of the Midwest's unique natural attractions at the Cave of the Mounds in Blue Mounds, Wis.
Located about 25 miles west of Madison, the Cave of the Mounds welcomes visitors into caverns that are more than 400 million years old. General Manager Ann Wescott said the limestone cave features scores of unique formations created as dripping water left mineral deposits behind. You'll find stalagmites (the ones that go up from the ground) 20 feet tall in some cases, and the cave's many formations are spattered with color from the different rocks in the ground — iron, for example, lends a reddish color to the rock.
"In terms of geologic sites, it's really a must-see," Wescott said.
The U.S. Department of the Interior and the National Park Service named Cave of the Mounds a National Natural Landmark in 1988, so it could be preserved for another — well, maybe not 400 million years, but a long time.
The only way you can see the cave is on a tour, and guided groups leave about every 15 minutes. Wescott said this is important to keep people from damaging the formations or getting lost.
"We have to protect the cave; it really is a special place," she said.
Larger group tours are available for classes or scout troops. Costs vary and are available on the cave's Web site.
Kids might enjoy the Gemstone Mine and Fossil dig, at which you can buy a bag of rough mining rocks and sift through them as prospectors might have in hopes of finding gemstones.
If you're in the mood to for a festival atmosphere, head up on Aug. 6 and 7 to celebrate the cave's Discovery Days — Aug. 4, 1939. The cave staff offers discovery tours, arming people only with flashlights.
"It gives you that discovery feeling, like what it was like when people first explored the cave," Wescott said.
And there's another benefit to exploring the cave: It stays at about 50 degrees all year long, a welcome relief from the sometimes-ruthless summer heat.
"It's natural air conditioning," Wescott said.
A trip to Cave of the Mounds doesn't have to be a spelunking venture. The cave is located near a major hiking and biking trail, or opt for a leisurely stroll through the prairie restoration gardens or the butterfly garden on the grounds. If you wait until fall, you can enjoy the colors of the leaves turning as you explore the area.
If you're planning a trip to the Wisconsin Dells area, the Cave of the Mounds is only an hour's drive north.
Southwestern Wisconsin has loads of interesting attractions for those who make the trip.
There's the oddity-packed House on the Rock, Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece Taliesin or Little Norway, a model of a traditional Norwegian village that offers discounted package deals with Cave of the Mounds.
More information on attractions and lodging is available from the Southwest Wisconsin Visitors Bureau.
"We have a lot of things that you can do above-ground as well," Wescott said.
• Destination: Cave of the Mounds, Blue Mounds, Wis.
• Distance: About 130 miles northwest of Elgin
• Getting there: Take Interstate 90 west toward Madison, Wis. Take U.S. 12 west (exit 142A) toward Madison, then take U.S. 18 west (exit 258) toward Dodgeville. Head about 7 miles to Hwy. 18 west (exit 258) and follow that about 25 miles to Cave of the Mounds Road.
• For more information: Visit the Southwest Wisconsin Visitors Bureau at www.southwestwi.com or call (800) 947-2799. Park information is available at http:// caveofthemounds.com or by calling (608) 437-3038.
Article: www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/entertainment/3_5_EL28_GETAWAY_S10728.htm