This incredible cave tour is a great way to spend a hot Iowa summer afternoon.
At the base of a 90-foot bluff along Bloody Run Creek, seven miles west of MacGregor, is a unique spring.
Spook Cave Website Gerals Mielke discovered it in the 1950s. He blasted into the bluff and found a cave with water that flowed through it. After building a ramp down into the cave, he spent years removing mud and rock to make the area accessible. Spook Cave opened to the public in 1955. It’s the only underground boat tour in Iowa.
Spook Cave and Campground/Facebook
The ticket stand and gift shop here are two local schoolhouses that were salvaged and put together. There place is full of historical photographs showing how Spook Cave developed over the years.
Spook Cave and Campground/Facebook
The 93-acre property also includes a beautiful campground complete with cabins.
Spook Cave and Campground/Facebook The lock and dam keep water levels steady inside the cave and make boat access possible. During winter, the cave’s stream is drained to remove pollutants that run off from farms.
To make reservations for a camping site, contact the owners of this property at 563-873-2144.
Spook Cave Website You can also make camping reservations at SpookCave.com. Reservations made within 10 days of arrival require a nonrefundable deposit.
This cave is about 750,000 years old. Spook River is on top of the Decorah shale.
Photo Credit The roof of the cave is very low in places. You’ll need to double over to get through those tight spots. The biggest area of the cave is 30 feet high . There are handles inside the walls of the cave, but they are for the guide. Passengers need to keep their hands inside the boat to avoid injury.
While you are visiting Spook Cave, be sure to stop by and spend some time at the beautiful Beulah Falls.
Photo Credit
Spook Cave and Campground/Facebook This 20-foot waterfall cascades over a moss covered rock wall.
This popular family attraction is a great summer activity.
photolibrarian/Flickr There’s no walking involved on the tour. A knowledgeable guide explains the history of the limestone cave and the details of how it was discovered.
The cave temperature is always 47 degrees.
Mike Haeg/Flickr The entire tour is fully lighted, and the amazing stalactites and natural formations are a sight to behold.
Where is your favorite cave in Iowa? Tell us about it in the comments.
Spook Cave Website
Gerals Mielke discovered it in the 1950s. He blasted into the bluff and found a cave with water that flowed through it. After building a ramp down into the cave, he spent years removing mud and rock to make the area accessible. Spook Cave opened to the public in 1955. It’s the only underground boat tour in Iowa.
Spook Cave and Campground/Facebook
The lock and dam keep water levels steady inside the cave and make boat access possible. During winter, the cave’s stream is drained to remove pollutants that run off from farms.
You can also make camping reservations at SpookCave.com. Reservations made within 10 days of arrival require a nonrefundable deposit.
Photo Credit
The roof of the cave is very low in places. You’ll need to double over to get through those tight spots. The biggest area of the cave is 30 feet high . There are handles inside the walls of the cave, but they are for the guide. Passengers need to keep their hands inside the boat to avoid injury.
This 20-foot waterfall cascades over a moss covered rock wall.
photolibrarian/Flickr
There’s no walking involved on the tour. A knowledgeable guide explains the history of the limestone cave and the details of how it was discovered.
Mike Haeg/Flickr
The entire tour is fully lighted, and the amazing stalactites and natural formations are a sight to behold.
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