Eagle Cave facts for kids

Eagle Cave is a special cave found near Blue River, Wisconsin, in Richland County, Wisconsin, United States. It is famous for its beautiful onyx formations. Eagle Cave is known as Wisconsin's biggest onyx cave. It was also the very first cave in Wisconsin to be owned and run as a business for visitors.

The cave was first found in 1849. It then opened its doors to the public in 1938. Today, it is a super popular place for camping. Many groups, especially youth groups, love to camp inside the cave. This is popular during the cooler months of fall, winter, and spring. Campers can join a fun cave exploration program that has been running since 1954.

Exploring Eagle Cave

Eagle Cave is a natural wonder hidden underground. It is a place where you can see amazing rock formations. These formations are made from a mineral called onyx. The cave offers a unique adventure for everyone who visits.

What is Onyx?

Onyx is a type of rock that forms inside caves. It is a beautiful, banded form of quartz. Water dripping through the ground carries minerals with it. Over thousands of years, these minerals build up. They create amazing shapes like stalactites and stalagmites. Stalactites hang down from the cave ceiling. Stalagmites grow up from the cave floor. When these formations are made of onyx, they can look like shiny, colorful curtains or pillars.

A Brief History of Eagle Cave

Eagle Cave has a long and interesting history. It was first discovered way back in 1849. Imagine being the first person to see such a hidden world! For many years, it remained a natural secret.

Opening to the Public

It wasn't until 1938 that Eagle Cave opened for visitors. This made it the first cave in Wisconsin to become a public attraction. People could now explore its depths and see its wonders. This was a big step for cave tourism in the state.

Camping Adventures at Eagle Cave

One of the most exciting things about Eagle Cave is the chance to camp inside it! This is not your typical outdoor camping. You get to sleep surrounded by ancient rock formations. It's a truly unique experience.

The Cave Exploratory Program

Since 1954, Eagle Cave has offered a special program. It is called the cave exploratory program. This program is perfect for youth groups. It teaches them about caves in a fun, hands-on way. Participants learn about geology and cave safety. They also get to explore parts of the cave not usually open to the public.

Best Time to Camp

Camping inside Eagle Cave is most popular during the fall, winter, and spring. The cave stays at a cool, constant temperature all year round. This makes it a cozy place to camp when it's cold outside. It's an unforgettable adventure for any young explorer.