It is named after Black Hawk, a famous Sauk leader who fought against the United States in the Black Hawk War of 1832. The cave is said to have been used by Black Hawk and his warriors as a hiding place during the war. The cave is about 100 feet long and 20 feet wide.

UrbanExolorer_Mando

June 19, 2025

Cycling

Blackhawk Cave is a historically and culturally significant sandstone cave on the shore of Lake Mendota. However, it is completely inaccessible to the public. The entrance was permanently sealed with concrete and stone in the early 1960s for safety and preservation reasons, and it is located on private property.

UrbanExolorer_Mando

June 19, 2025

Cycling

Blackhawk's Cave is a well-known historical landmark located on the southern shore of Lake Mendota in Madison, Wisconsin. It's a natural sandstone cave that holds a significant place in local folklore, though its popular story is more legend than historical fact.

Nearby routes

Best routes near Black Hawk's Cave

3.5

(2)

riders

#1.

Howard Temin Lakeshore Path – Lake Mendota loop from Madison East High School

37.4km

02:17

230m

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

3.7

(3)

riders

#2.

Yahara River – Glenway Woods loop from Middleton

45.0km

02:38

200m

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

3.0

(1)

riders

#3.

Brittingham Bay – Howard Temin Lakeshore Path loop from Monona

37.9km

02:13

180m

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

Details

Informations

Elevation 290 m

Weather

Today

Wednesday 25 March

21°C

3°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 23.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See nearby routes

Take Me There

Location: Shorewood Hills, Dane County, Wisconsin, United States

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Glenway Woods

Vilas Park Beach

Southwest Commuter Path

Yahara River

Lake Wingra

Lake Mendota

Raymer's Cove

Bench With View of Lake Monona

Howard Temin Lakeshore Path

Tent Colony Caretakers Woods, Lakeshore Nature Preserve

Edgewood Forest

Howard Temin Path

Black Hawk's Cave

#1.

Howard Temin Lakeshore Path – Lake Mendota loop from Madison East High School

#2.

Yahara River – Glenway Woods loop from Middleton

#3.

Brittingham Bay – Howard Temin Lakeshore Path loop from Monona

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Sign up or log in to keep exploring this route

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️