Reuben's Cave - Albany, Wisconsin

Alex S.

This was an adventure to find on foot! If you want to set out on instinct alone, go for it. I was able to find it, despite the trail not being well marked.

If your GPS doesn't send you to 700 Reuben's Cave Dr., you're going the wrong way. Once you enter the wildlife area, be warned there will be a few logs over the path you will need to work around. You'll go past a fairy circle (reminants of an old farm silo foundation). Keep going to the "Y" in the path. You'll want to go left towards the prairie. Follow this until you see a deer path marked with red along the trees. Then it's a bit of a free-for-all until you get down to the river. Follow the deer paths. You'll walk along the river downstream and you will find yourself climbing the mossy dirt. There's a point you will look down and see a steep embankment. It is difficult to climb, the rocks and roots may come loose. Climb down (and back up!) with caution. Enjoy your adventure to Reuben's Cave!

Manticore

I walked to Reuben's Cave overland, parking at Reuben's Cave drive. It's not an easy hike as the trail fades out about halfway there. Be prepared for thorns. Reading about it, there was talk of needing to use a rope ladder to get down to it. That's no longer the case as you can scramble down some areas. It is difficult but doable if you don't mind getting dirty.

Jessica K.

I really wish there was a clear path to the cave. The "path" was not maintained. We ended up following a game trail from the path to the river. Definitely recommend thick pants and hiking boots as the path has several thorny branches.
I climbed down the cliff and found the cave. Cool little nook. We got lost on the way back, but eventually found our way back to the path. Lots of cuts.

Sean B.

You can only really access it from the water. If you're paddling in the area, this can be a fun stop, but don't try to hike here.

I don't know why the turn-by-turn directions say this cave is where it is. In April of 2020, I tried to hike to the cave because I saw it on the map. It was marked as being on the north side of the river, accessible from the Albany Wildife Area. Unfortunately, it's neither of those things. It's on the south side, but even if it wasn't, no trail goes anywhere near it!

The cave itself is cool. I came back by kayak in May. I wish I'd brought a flashlight. The cave is bigger than I guessed, and my phone light didn't really help me explore inside.

There's also a rope ladder someone put here. I didn't climb it, but I've been on the trail above the cave. I know you'll have to navigate tons of thorns and undergrowth to even get from the trail to this sketchy ladder. Again, I think a small boat is the only way to go.

4 stars because it's cool, but it might be more work than it's worth to get to.

Liz D.

A small cave that’s hard to get to. Water was low when I went. Sandstone Cave goes in about 15 feet. The local lore about Mr. Ruben is quite bizarre.

Firebirdmama37

Shouldn’t be on the map if there’s not an easy access to it! Bring a rope to get down there. If you don’t have a fear of falling and hurting yourself don’t go!

Hannah L.

You can only access it from a kayak or small boat, and could go about 15 feet inside because the city blew it up.

Matthew B.

Make sure you wear long pants and long sleeves, lots of thick thorns and poking things everywhere