Decorah Ice Cave

The Ice Cave is located in Decorah, Iowa. On a hot summer day it is one outdoor place in Iowa where you can go to cool off. When you walk in you are surrounded by limestone and dolomite that is slick and chilly. This cave dates back as far as 450 million years.

Possible Guiding, Compelling and/or Anchoring Questions

• How did this cave become the ice cave it is today? 
• How does the cave always stay so cold? 
• What makes this cave (an ice cave) different from other caves we see in Iowa?

Classroom Suggestions

• Students could build their own model of a cave.
• Students could research how caves are formed and demonstrate the formation through the use of a model.
• Students can engage in research about the history of the cave and why the climate in the cave is the way it is.

Related Resources

• Explore an Ice Cave: Exploration of Ice caves through a fun science kid-friendly video.
• Decorah Ice Cave State Preserve: Explanation of how you can visit this cave as well as some background knowledge about the cave.
• Iowa State Preserves: Iowa DNR explanation of what a state preserve is, showing how the ice cave is an Iowa phenomena.
• Underground Explorers: 5 Caves in Iowa: Highlights other Iowa caves, great possible field trip options!