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All the United States Wisconsin Blue Mounds Cave of the Mounds

Cave of the Mounds

This cave holds a surprisingly colorful variety of geological oddities.

Blue Mounds, Wisconsin

Added By
lillyh
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Cave of the Mounds   Alexis Fam on Flickr
Cave of the Mounds   Alexis Fam on Flickr
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
Flowstone and Cave Bacon   cotmmarketing / Atlas Obscura User
Beautiful Colors and Unique Formations   cotmmarketing / Atlas Obscura User
Painted Waterfall Leading to a Pond of Water   cotmmarketing / Atlas Obscura User
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
Stalactites. C for ceiling.   Jeff Wagg
Stalagmites. G for ground.   Jeff Wagg
Thousands of years in the making   Jeff Wagg
Onyx Ridge   cotmmarketing / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Stalactites and stalagmites are the most banal of the incredible variety of mineral formations in the Cave of the Mounds. 

Known as the "Jewel Box of Major American Caves" thanks to the cornucopia of colorful rock formations sprouting from its walls, the cave houses an impressive array of unique formations. The cave was first discovered by limestone miners who accidentally blasted their way into the rocky void. Once the chamber was found, the mining immediately stopped thanks to the instantly arresting stone forms. From bent stalactites known as helictites, to smooth limestone flowstones, to delicate hollow mineral tubes known as "soda straws," the Cave of the Mounds covers all types of geological forms. Thanks to the variety of minerals in the stones, these formations also take on a rainbow of reds, browns, and blues.  

The Cave of the Mounds is now a popular tourist attraction with a concrete walkway and dramatic lighting to bring the surprising beauty of geology to life. 

Related Tags

Caves Rocks Geology Geological Oddities Ecosystems

Community Contributors

Added By

lillyh

Edited By

Osage, EricGrundhauser, Jeff Wagg, Collector of Experiences...

  • Osage
  • EricGrundhauser
  • Jeff Wagg
  • Collector of Experiences
  • cotmmarketing

Published

November 5, 2012

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Sources
  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cave_of_the_Mounds
  • http://www.travelwisconsin.com/natural-attractions-and-parks/cave-of-the-mounds-203577
Cave of the Mounds
2975 Cave of the Mounds Road
Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, 53517
United States
43.018111, -89.814652
Visit Website
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