Delores Gaidowski and the Kickapoo Indian Caverns

Delores Gaidowski passed away last year taking with her decades of women's history in caving that I can only imagine. She came from a time when the web was only developing and women often attributed their accomplishments to their husbands and fathers.

Delores and Ray Gaidowski purchased a 83-acre property in the early 1980s that held the amazing Kickapoo Indian Caverns. At one time this cave was known as Goblin Cave. It was used by Native Americans hundreds of years before soldiers stationed at Fort Crawford discovered the cave in the middle 1800s. But it wasn't until July 4, 1947, when a building was constructed and the keyhole-shaped entrance to the cave expanded to allow for tours.

Kickapoo Indian Caverns is one of Wisconsin's largest cave systems. It is an Indian shelter that was created by an ancient underground river. The passage ways hold several exiting features such as the kiva ‘Nowannus Sukwahan’ chamber of lost waters, a majestic cathedral room with an onyx ceiling that is 60 feet high, a stalactite chamber, a turquiose room, a swirling waters formation, a Madonna and child and even a frozen waterfall.

It was clear Delores loved her cave. She said "It is my home ... Everything about the cave is beautiful.” After Ray's death many years ago, Delores ran the cave tour business until she passed in 2015. "She was a colorful, local character ... very protective of the cave" one local man said.

Today the property is for sale and the tours are no longer in progress. If you have more information about this woman, please let us know. EWLS's mission involves recording these important pieces of women cave history. You can email us at lisab.ewls@gmail.com.

Sources
thonline.com
wetpig.com
lacrossetribune.com

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