Wind Cave National Park is near the town of Hot Springs, South Dakota. The National Park is home to two different worlds. Above ground is the largest thriving natural mixed grass prairie in the US. Below ground is the world’s seventh longest cave.
It’s the third longest cave in the US. At the time of publication, there is a total of 154.2-miles of cave discovered. It was the seventh National Park in the U.S., while being the first cave to become a National Park.
There were two families that feuded, via an ongoing legal battle over the rights of the land. Currently protected by the government, ever since assuming ownership from the feuding owners. The feud was eventually settled in court and finally ended in 1903.
Alvin McDonald was 16 years old when he arrived, becoming the first true explorer of the cave. The adventurous teenager, and his family, moved to the area in 1890. They scratched out a living by offering cave tours to anyone that was willing to pay.
Alvin began exploring with little more than a candle and a ball of string. These tools allowed him to see during exploration. The adventurous teenager managed to map out around 8-10-miles of the cave. Alvin named several of the rooms and passageways. The names assisted Alvin while drawing up the first map of the cave.
All access to the cave is through guided tours only. There are three tours, and each offers a different route through the cave. Buy tickets on the day of the tour, in person, at the visitor’s center. The two longer tours (Natural Entrance and Fairgrounds) cost $12 per adult. Seniors cost $6 each, as do children between the ages 6-16. Children 5 and under get in free. The shorter tour (Garden of Eden) is $10 for adults and $5 for children and seniors. Head to NPS.gov for the most current and up to date information on all tours.
The world above Wind Cave is a stark contrast to the one below. Bison, prairie dogs, and pronghorn are among the creatures that roam the great plains. Swaying grass allows for glimpses of colorful wildflowers. As a gentle breeze carries along the sweet scent of nearby ponderosa pines.
Wind Cave National Park has plenty of hikes that traverse through the plains. Choose between many options that range from easy to strenuous. There are three nature trails if you’re short on time, have young children, or don’t want to do a full day’s hike. Each one is about a mile. They offer a chance to view wildlife in three different ecosystems within the park.
I found myself short on time with only the afternoon ahead of me. So, I signed up for the Natural Entrance Tour, one of the last two cave tours offered for the day. I enjoyed every part of the cave. Every twist and every turn had new geologic formations. Formations that become more vivid with each step, deeper into the Earth.
About halfway through the cave, our tour guide stopped us and turned off all the lights. This created a deep darkness that settled in on all sides. I couldn’t see the person standing next to me. The first explorers could only use candlelight. This demonstrated what it was like for those explorers.
I cannot wait to return to this National Park to take the other tours. If time allows, I’d love to get some hiking in as well. This was a fantastic stop and one I’d recommend for the whole family! If you’re considering a trip to this National Park, then do yourself a favor and make it sooner than later. It’s worth the journey. See some of the world’s rarest cave formations at Wind Cave National Park. While visiting the area, don’t miss out on a history lesson from the Wild West in Deadwood, South Dakota.
