Lots of Iowans have visited Spook Cave or Maquoketa Caves State Park, but have you ever heard of Crystal Lake Cave? This smaller, quieter cave outside of Dubuque is one of the most fascinating destinations in Iowa, and you’ve got to plan a visit!

Crystal Lake Cave was discovered in the late 1800s, and opened to the public in 1932.
Flickr / Photolibrarian
You can find the cave at 6684 Crystal Lake Cave Dr Dubuque, Iowa.
For millions of years, this cave has been growing stalactites and stalagmites below the surface of Iowa's land.
Flickr / Photolibrarian
Today, you can visit and tour this incredible, historic cave and see history in the making.
Flickr / Soumit Nandi
The cave is fairly accessible, and most walking paths are paved. You'll start by heading underground from the entrance.
Flickr/ Soumit Nandi
Crystal Lake itself is only visible and accessible through one hole in the cave's wall. The 30 foot long lake is just 2 feet deep!
Flickr / Soumit Nandi

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The stalactites and stalagmites here are continually growing. If it's hanging from the ceiling, it's a stalactite. If it's growing from the cave floor, it's a stalagmite.
Facebook / Crystal Lake Cave
Each unique formation here has a name - you'll notice the signs as you pass by them all.
Flickr / Soumit Nandi
When you get to "The Chapel", be sure to look up! The ceiling is absolutely breathtaking.
Flickr / Soumit Nandi
The gorgeous and eerie Lost Garden is a favorite of visitors, as well.
Flickr / Soumit Nandi
All it takes is one visit to Crystal Lake Cave to see why Iowans have been coming here since the 1930s to see the wonders of natural science in person.
Flickr / Photolibrarian
You can take a virtual tour of the incredible caves right here, but nothing beats seeing it in person.

Crystal Lake Cave opens for weekend tours in early May, and after Labor Day it is open for daily tours from 9 AM – 6 PM. Learn more about visiting on their website, here. After you’ve spent a few hours exploring these wild caves, stop by Dubuque itself and learn about the oldest, most historic town in Iowa.

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