Hey Globe-Trotters, welcome to USA Travelers diary, your one stop solution for your every craving regarding trips and places you think for. Before we start about Wind Cave National Park, let’s grab some of the amazing knowledge about this place.
So, what we know about caves is only dark holes in the ground right? But Wind Cave National Park is not at all end by this counter. This park has one of the longest caves in the whole world with special rock formations you cannot see anywhere else. The cave also makes wind sounds, which is super cool. So this much geography knowledge is enough for you trotters, let move to the most awaiting turn that you all are waiting for TOP THINGS IN WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK. I make sure this list will surely help to make a good itinerary for your holidays.
Why Wind Cave National Park is Special
Wind Cave National Park is in South Dakota near the Black Hills. This cave is famous because of the boxwork formations on the ceiling. You all may think what is boxwork, right? These are thin calcite fins that look like honeycomb on the cave roof. Wind Cave has 95 percent of all boxwork in the world which makes it very rare.
The cave got its name because wind blows in and out of the entrance. When air pressure changes outside, the cave breathes like a living thing. Early settlers heard this wind sound and that is how the cave became famous.
Cave Tours You Can Take
The park offers different cave tours for visitors. Let me tell you about the main tours:
Garden of Eden Tour – This is the easiest tour perfect for families with small kids. The tour takes only 1 hour and you see the most beautiful boxwork formations. You don’t walk too much which is good for people who cannot climb stairs.
Natural Entrance Tour – This tour goes through the natural opening where wind comes out. You walk more stairs here but see amazing cave rooms. The tour takes about 1.5 hours. Good for people who want a bit more adventure.
Fairgrounds Tour – This is a longer tour of 1.5 hours covering more cave areas. You see popcorn formations which look like small bumps on rocks. The guide tells interesting stories about cave history.
Wild Cave Tour – For people who love real adventure, this 4 hour tour is perfect. You crawl through tight spaces and use headlamps. You get dirty but see parts of the cave that most tourists never see. You must be 16 for this tour.
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Animals Above the Cave
Wind Cave National Park is not just caves. The park has 28000 acres of prairie land above ground. Here you can see wild animals roaming freely which is amazing amazing.
Bison herds – The park has one of America’s largest bison herds. You can see hundreds of bison grazing on grass. These big animals look scary but they are peaceful if you stay in your car.
Prairie dogs – These cute small animals live in underground towns. Prairie dog towns have many holes where they pop in and out. Kids love watching them.
Elk – During morning and evening you can spot elk walking near forests. Male elk have large antlers that look beautiful.
The park also has deer, coyotes and many birds. Bring your camera to photograph these wildlife.
Easy Hiking Trails
If you don’t want to go inside the cave, the park has nice hiking trails above ground. These trails show you prairie views and forests.
Elk Mountain Trail – This 2 mile trail takes you through forest and gives views of surrounding hills. Not too hard for most people.
Prairie Vista Trail – Short 1 mile trail perfect for seeing bison. The trail goes through open grasslands where animals come to eat.
Cold Brook Canyon Trail – This 3 mile trail has trees and small streams. Good for hot summer days when you want shade.
Make sure to carry water bottles because South Dakota gets very hot in summer. Also wear good walking shoes for rocky paths.
When to Visit Wind Cave National Park
You may think now when should I visit this park right? Summer months June to August are most popular. The weather is warm and all cave tours are running. But many many tourists come during this time so book your cave tour early.
Spring and fall are also good times. April to May has baby animals which are cute to see. September to October has nice cool weather perfect for hiking. Some cave tours run less frequently so check the park website before going.
Winter is the coldest time but cave tours still happen. The cave stays the same temperature all year which is 53 degrees. Above ground you see snow which looks pretty on the prairie.
Tips for Your Visit
Let’s discuss some helpful tips for Wind Cave National Park:
- Book cave tours online before you go because they fill up fast
- Wear warm jacket for cave even in summer because it is cold inside
- Bring flashlight for some trails but cave tours give you light
- Stay far away from bison, at least 100 feet for safety
- Visitor center has good displays about cave formation
- Pack snacks because no food shops inside park
- Check weather before hiking as storms come quickly
The park entrance is free, which is great for families. Only cave tours cost money and prices are very reasonable.
Wrapping It Up
So tourists, this was our guide to Wind Cave National Park. I hope you will love exploring the rare boxwork formations and seeing wild bison on prairie. This park is a perfect mix of underground caves and outdoor nature. The cave tour guides know so much history and geology which makes your visit educational and fun.
Show your love in the comment section. How do you like our blog and stay tuned for more information about amazing national parks.
Frequently asked questions
What is special about Wind Cave National Park?
Intricate, wind-carved rock formations, ancient stalactites, and a vast network of caverns characterize Wind Cave National Park.
How much are tickets to Wind Cave?
Adults:16 to 61 ($16)
Children:6 to 15 ($ 8)
Under the age of 6: free
How old is Wind Cave National Park?
On 9th January 1903, President Roosevelt signed legislation to create Wind Cave National Park
Why is it called Dead Man’s Cave?
It is called a dead man’s cave because of the dead body which was found in the cave of a Workshop man who had been missing for nearly six months, lying on a crude mattress inside the cave
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