Crystal Cave

Spring Valley, United States

4.5

11 reviews

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Good for Kids
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Description

Specialties

Join us for Adventures Above and Below…

Fun for the Whole Family!

Discover the wonders of Crystal Cave by taking an hour long tour through Wisconsin’s longest cave. Explore the multiple levels and meandering passages that descend more than 70 feet below ground. Learn about the history and discovery of the cave, the geology as you pass beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, columns and other crystal formations, and the four species of bats who call the cave home!

There are lots of things to do above ground too. Once you are finished with your adventure in the cave, come above to search for real gems and fossils at Prospector’s Creek. The large property also lends itself to hiking, picnicking, and shopping in our educational gift shop. Bringing your group to Crystal Cave is also a great option. Setting up a visit is easy and can provide a unique educational experience that leaves memories for a lifetime!

History

Established in 1942.

Crystal Cave was developed by Henry A. Friede from Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Opening weekend was June 7, 1942 and nearly four thousand people attended the opening. Mr. and Mrs. Friede operated the cave making it a well known local attraction.

1957 — 1986

The Moe family moved to Spring Valley to run and operate the cave and gift shop. During 29 years at Crystal Cave the Moe Family continued to manage a successful business.

1986 — 2012

Prior to becoming owners, the Cunninghams worked as mineral, oil and gas exploration geologists. Blaze, originally from San Antonio, Texas, graduated from Texas Tech, Lubbock, Texas and attended University of Houston for graduate work. Jean, a native of western Wisconsin, graduated from University of Wisconsin-​River Falls and University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. Both have had a life-​long association with caves. Blaze began exploring caves in high school while Jean’s first job was as a tour guide at Crystal Cave, working for the Moes.

Meet the Business Owner

Eric and Kristen M.

Business Owner

Eric and Kristen were active cavers in Tennessee before moving to the Midwest. Both are Life Members of the National Speleological Society (NSS) and active in local and national caving organizations. Eric was awarded the prestigious «Fellow of the National Speleological Society» for his lifetime of volunteer work.

Eric and Kristen met at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN and one of their first dates was caving! Eric received a Masters of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from Vanderbilt. Before taking the helm at Crystal Cave, Eric’s last job was President of KWIK SEW Pattern Co., a multinational corporation in the home-​sewing and quilting markets. Eric decided to exchange his business suits for caving suits, and hasn’t looked back!

Kristen received her Ph.D. in Special Education at Vanderbilt. She taught for several years in Nashville public schools, and is now an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Minnesota.