WIND CAVE

Category: Midwest Region

State: South Dakota

The entrance of Wind Cave is a small opening. Tour guides accompany all visitors as the complex passage have found many needing rescue in past years.

Date Created: Wind Cave National Park was established on January 9, 1903, making it the seventh oldest national park in the United States.

Last Visited by Susan: June 2023

Location: Black Hills of southwestern South Dakota, USA.

Size: Approximately 33,847 acres (13,701 hectares).

...we made our way down the stairway against the very strong wind and then began our descent proper, into the wonderful, indescribably wonderful cave—down, down into the very 'bowels of the earth.'

— An early explorer of Wind Cave, 1890

Susan's Reflections:

While Native Americans knew of the existence of this cave two brothers inadvertently stumbled upon this discovery in the late 1800’s. A small hole in the ground emitted wind and a loud whistling noise. Scientists determined that the wind blowing in and out of the cave is caused by the difference of air pressure above and below the ground. Only 5% of the cave has been mapped. The cave is a trip into an ethereal landscape of amazing limestone formations. Above ground there are 30 miles of hiking trails, bird-watching and wildlife viewing. Our adventure to this park was outstanding.