Wind Cave National Park, Wind Cave National Park

4.4

#4 of 28 in Wildlife in South Dakota

Cave · National Park

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Wind Cave National Park is an American national park located 10 miles (16 km) north of the town of Hot Springs in western South Dakota. Established on January 3, 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt, it was the sixth national park in the U.S. and the first cave to be designated a national park anywhere in the world. The cave is notable for its calcite formations known as box work, as well as its frostwork. Approximately 95 percent of the world's discovered box work formations are found in Wind Cave. The cave is recognized as the densest cave system in the world, with the greatest passage volume per cubic mile. Wind Cave is the seventh longest cave in the world with 154.2 miles (248.16 km) of explored cave passageways (as of 2021) and the third longest cave in the United States. Above ground, the park includes the largest remaining natural mixed-grass prairie in the United States.

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Wind Cave National Park reviews

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713 reviews

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4.6

By klpopp

We enjoyed hiking around the park. That even includes the part where we were forced to retreat when a herd of bison were ranging across the trail we were on. Prior to our hike we spoke with a ranger.... more

We enjoyed hiking around the park. That even includes the part where we were forced to retreat when a herd of bison were ranging across the trail we were on. Prior to our hike we spoke with a ranger.... more »
By Ghostrainchaser

I have toured many other caves in NP's and NM's and other countries BUT Mammoth Cave is truly the largest, most storied and breath taking I have seen. The park at its peak of the summer season offers.... more

I have toured many other caves in NP's and NM's and other countries BUT Mammoth Cave is truly the largest, most storied and breath taking I have seen. The park at its peak of the summer season offers.... more »

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By C K (Nighthawk)

This should be on your list of National Parks. It was very unique and well thought out. It’s located near another park and some other national historic sites, landmarks, and monuments. I was very surprised. The tickets are something you should be aware of for the tours. We did not pre-book, arrived at 11:30 and got the last two tickets for the day, this was during the off season as well so I would presume that time gets earlier during the summer. The rangers and staff were amazing. The visitors center was informative and had a great gift shop. The tour we did was around an hour and 45 minutes, the natural entrance. It was paced very well even for the older members of our group. Cannot recommend this experience enough for all age groups.

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By Amanda

Fascinating geography and history about the caves. They offer many different tours both long and short. My time was limited so I was only able to do the shortest (Garden of Eden) tour and it only made me wish I had more time to do the others. Highly recommend booking tours ahead of time on rec.gov. In fact, it might be required ahead of time. The rangers were friendly, informative and spectacular on every level.

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