10 Things To Do Near Cave Of The Mounds, Wisconsin 2024
What additional things to do near Cave of the Mounds are there? Plenty, so much so that you will need to plan several weekend road trips to explore this unique southern Wisconsin area. You will find yourself wanting to come back and explore this area again and again.
We love the uniqueness of this area and the charm that shines through when visiting each of the towns.
We will share with you some of the interesting and even quirky adventures we discovered in the area. We know you will want to add many of them to your Wisconsin road trip bucket list.
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Top Things To Do Near Cave Of The Mounds
We can not list everything you will find. Every visit for us has shown us something new and unique. The fun is in exploring all Wisconsin has to offer.
To really appreciate this area of Wisconsin and the additional things to do near Cave of the Mounds, you will want to make several trips to explore many of them. You may also choose to spend an extended weekend by staying at one of the many unique hotels in the Cave of the Mounds area. These are our top suggestions for things you need to explore.
House on The Rock
Getting There: Google Maps Link to House on the Rock
House on the Rock is near Spring Green, Wisconsin, just a short drive from Cave of the Mounds. There is no place quite like House on the Rock, and it is not a place that you can make a quick stop at.
Alex Jordan built House on the Rock. His vision for the very lengthy project was constantly changing and evolving. Taking on a life of its own. It has been compared to the designs of Frank Lloyd Wright but has no connection to Wright.
This is the place to let your imagination go and expect the unexpected. The house is built on top of a chimney rock and does not follow any certain design. Inside this unusual home is an infinity room, the world’s largest carousel, a life-size sea creature doing battle, and every collection Alex Jordan could think of.
House on the Rock welcomes over half a million guests each year. Stop in and see for yourself why this is the place to let your imagination run wild.
Taliesin
Getting There: Google Map Links to Taliesin
Taliesin is just a half-hour from Cave of the Mounds. It is another place you won’t want to miss when traveling through this rural Wisconsin area. This is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s homes. It has been described as his autobiography, created out of wood and stone.
Wright made rural Wisconsin his home and built this gem as a refuge for himself and his new wife. This is where most of his architectural career occurred, and he raised his family.
Although much heartbreak could be associated with Taliesin, Wright always bounced back and rebuilt.
Mount Horeb Trolls
Getting There: Google Maps Link to Mount Horeb
This one has to be the most fun of all the things to do near Cave of the Mounds. After just a twenty-minute drive, you will come upon this quirky little town called Mount Horeb. Although the town’s name is catchy, it’s what you will find in the town that catches everyone’s eye.
This self-proclaimed “Troll Town USAs” main street, more affectionately referred to as “The Trollway,” is guarded by trolls that seem to come from nowhere but are there to offer you a friendly greeting and welcome you.
Mount Horeb’s rich Norwegian history may have a little something to do with the trolls. The trolls guarding main street are not the only trolls in town. People come from all over the world to see if they can find all 34 trolls that call Mount Horeb home and enjoy one of the many festivals that take place each year.
Grumpy Troll Brew Pub
Getting There: Google Maps Link to Grumpys
Located in the middle of Mount Horebs, downtown, is Grumpy Trolls Brew Pub. It is an independent craft brewery that usually has about a dozen microbrews on tap.
Award-winning ales and lagers are brewed on-site. I don’t know if it’s the fun name – come on, how can you resist having to check out something called Grumpys? or the brews on tap or the food, but it’s obvious from the line out the door that Grumpys is the place to be.
Not only is Grumpys known for its brews, but if you talk to anyone local, they will advise you to stop in and at least order a ‘Uff Da Pretzel.’ This half-pound soft pretzel is served warm and accompanied by two mustards and beer cheese. This is the perfect thing to munch on while enjoying their local brew.
New Glarus Brewery
Getting There: Google Maps Link to New Glarus
Home of the Spotted Cow! When in Wisconsin, make a stop at Wisconsin’s hometown brewery that is nestled on the outskirts of New Glarus, Wisconsin. This brewery only sells its beer in Wisconsin. New Glarus Brewery is considered one of the best microbreweries around in an area known for milk, cheese, and family farms.
From the time you arrive, you will enjoy the charming atmosphere of this brewery. Start your visit by watching the video about how and why they started the brewery. It’s a great story and really helps you appreciate the tour. Following the movie, take the self-guided tour and see the brewing and bottling process. The movie and tour are free.
Following your tour, you can purchase a sampling of their beer. When you purchase a sampling of three small beers you receive a token good at a local restaurant or pub for an additional free beer. Seeing the support across businesses in the area is refreshing.
If you are visiting on a nice day, be sure to enjoy the beautiful grounds and picturesque view of the valley below.
People love beer; it’s simple and yet complex. Sitting and enjoying a beer is about camaraderie. It’s a social drink that is best enjoyed with friends.
American Players Theater
Getting There: Google Maps Link to American Players Theater
Many of the things to do near Cave of the Mounds are indoors, but a thirty-minute drive will take you to American Players Professional Outdoor Theater.
Located just outside Spring Green, situated on 110 acres of meadows and woods, you will find not one but two theaters, a 1075-seat outdoor amphitheater and a 200-seat indoor theater.
American Players Theater is ranked as the country’s second-largest outdoor theater. Nine professional plays are produced yearly from June through November, earning a national reputation for presenting the highest-quality performances.
Who doesn’t love a wine tour? We discovered two worth
stopping at near Cave of the Mounds.
Botham Vineyards
Getting There: Google Maps Link to Botham Vineyards
Botham Vineyards is located in a beautiful setting just minutes away from Cave of the Mounds. It has been growing and producing some of Wisconsin’s best wines since 1989. For more than thirty years, its focus has been on Vine-to-Bottle winemaking. It is one of only a handful of wineries that produces authentic Wisconsin wine.
They offer wine tastings with a beautiful terrace where you can enjoy the natural beauty of your surroundings and offer opportunities to shop for your favorites to take home and stock your wine cellar.
Wollersheim Winery
Getting There: Google Maps Link to Wollersheim Winery
If you are looking for variety, another winery to try is Wollersheim Winery and Distillery and Bistro. Established in 1840, Wollersheim is a leader in the wine industry and has won many awards throughout its history.
In addition to wine tastings, Wollersheims offers guided walking tours. The guided tour details Wollersheim’s history while you sip wine along the way. You will also learn about the working winery, from the vineyard to the bottling. As a bonus, you will visit the underground limestone aging cellar in their historic winery building.
You don’t need to stop with the wine tasting and tour; there is more to do. For additional fun, sample some Wollershein spirits or visit the Bistro and grab a light lunch or appetizer to compliment your drinks.
Midwest MicroCar Museum
Getting There: Google Maps Link to Midwest MicroCar Museum
Midwest MicroCar Museum is another gem we discovered only 20 minutes north of Cave of the Mounds. Located within the walls of a historical and eclectic building, you will find a collection of some of the most unique and even bizarre vehicles I have ever seen.
The collection includes not only unique cars but almost anything with wheels, bikes, mopeds, and more.
Their motto is – “Drive by fun” The MicroCar Museum is meant to be a special place to look at the unique and bizarre means of getting around over the years.
Admission is free but donations are accepted and are given to local charities.
Tyrol Basin
Getting There: Google Maps Link to Tyrol Basin
This paradise for skiers and snowboarders is only four miles from Cave of the Mounds. This winter destination includes fun for all ages.
Tyrol Basin offers a thrilling skiing and snowboarding experience, making it a perfect destination for winter sports lovers. The well-maintained slopes cater to all skill levels, ensuring a fun and safe adventure.
Additionally, Tyrol Basin’s scenic location among Wisconsin’s beautiful landscape adds to the experience and charm, providing breathtaking views while you glide down the slopes.
Tyrol Basin is a fantastic choice for outdoor enthusiasts. So whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or want to enjoy the beauty of nature, Tyrol Basin is an excellent choice.
Blue Mound State Park
Getting There: Google Map Links to Blue Mound State Park
Blue Mound State Park is adjacent to the Cave of the Mounds property. It is located at the highest point in southern Wisconsin, offering breathtaking views of the area. Climb the stairs to the top of either Blue Mound Observation Towers and get an even more dramatic look at what the area offers.
The park has a family campground with access to state trails that offer bike-in campsites or a rustic cabin. Blue Mound State Park offers some of the best scenic hiking and off-road biking. A Wisconsin State Park sticker is required.
Wrap-Up – Things To Do Near Cave Of The Mounds
Although it is a destination all on its own, there are so many things to do around Cave of the Mounds. There is something for every traveler.
From venturing deep underground to embarking on outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or camping, this area is a playground for nature lovers.
But the area isn’t just about the natural wonders, it’s a treasure trove of history and culture with a little whimsical mixed in for good measure. Step back in time at local museums or visit a quaint town and immerse yourselves in Wisconsin’s rich heritage.
What truly sets the area apart is the seamless fusion of experiences all within close proximity of each other. Whether you’re seeking tranquility in nature or looking to experience the unexpected, the area near Cave of the Mounds promises a well-rounded and unforgettable road trip.
