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Basaic Says: There are about 30 miles of hiking trails in the park ranging from easy to moderately strenuous. I will discuss some of these trails in more detail under Sports Tips.
Basaic Says: There is a fire lookout tower in the Northern part of the park. There is a trail leading up to it. The lookout tower is on the National register of Historic Places.
Basaic Says: There is an abundance of wildlife in the park. Remember these animals are wild and keep your distance.
Basaic Says: One of the interesting pullouts along the road through the park discusses the geologic history/formation of the area. If it were not for erosion these hills would be 7500 feet higher (over 14,000 feet). You also probably would not see these pink rocks. These pink rocks are...
Basaic Says: The semi-arid climate and location of the Black Hills offers an interesting mingling of plants and animals from the Eastern and Western United States.
Basaic Says: There is certainly no hints in the terrain here above, that there is more than 100 miles of cave below. Pretty though.
Basaic Says: There are animals that call the cave home. You probably will not see them but you may see evidence of their existence.
Basaic Says: This formation is called a popcorn formation because it resembles that popular snack.
Basaic Says: Here you can see some of the boxwork formations in the cave.
Basaic Says: As always, you should obey all warning signs. They are there to for your safety and to protect the park, its wildlife, and its plants.
Toughluck Says: These are dangerous creatures. They have little fear and they don't like to be bothered. There's a story of how unpredicatable they are:Yellowstone National Park (about 1985)A buffalo was lying out in a field a short distance from the road. Many cars stopped. Many got out to...
Hiking in Jewel Cave Nat'l Monument
paulscuba Says: Ok this really isn't a tourist trap but unless you are really interested in forest succession after a forest fire these hikes can be a bit black. Not every trail is bad but since the big forest fire they still have one trail closed an the others have washouts. If you enjoy...
mrclay2000 Says: If you were not familiar with this sculpture, the Crazy Horse monument is a 60-year-old work in progress. Construction began about the time Mount Rushmore was completed, but received less fanfare and support. Plans are still alive to complete the likeness of the Lakota chief...
Most Likely Your Reason for Coming
mrclay2000 Says: There is nothing in Wind Cave in terms of scenery or wildlife that you did not already see everywhere outside the park. Buffalo, pronghorn, prairie dogs and coyote are familiar ambassadors to these environs. North of this tiny national park begin the granite towers where...
Basaic Says: The last trail I will mention is the Sanctuary Trail. This is a moderately strenuous trail that is 3.5 miles one way. Look for signs of early homesteaders as you walk this trail. Good walking shoes, water, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellant, a snack, weather appropriate...
Basaic Says: This trail leads up to the lookout tower. It starts out easy enough but gets more difficult. Good walking shoes, water, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellant, a snack, weather appropriate clothing, don't forget your camera!
Basaic Says: This is a moderately strenuous trail that circles the campground. It is also about the best place in the park to see Elk, although they are still frequently a no show like they were this trip. Good walking shoes, water, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellant, a snack, weather...
Basaic Says: The six mile portion of the Centennial Trail located inside Wind Cave National Park is the Southern entrance to this 111 mile trail that reaches Bear Butte State Park North of here and commemorates the 100 anniversary of South Dakota. The portion in the park is moderately...
Basaic Says: There are two parks under the National Park Service, involving caves, right near each other in the Black Hills part of Southwest South Dakota. They are Jewel Cave and Wind Cave. There is a bit of difference between the two caves and the formations therein and both are worth...
Toughluck Says: Custer State Park is just north of Wind Cave National Park. It's a fully feature park. Lodging, hiking, fishing, off-road, boating, camping, sightseeing, and wildlife.Things to do:Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway (Needles Highway)Wildlife Loop Road Scenic Byway (Buffalo...
Plan a Wind Cave National Park vacation with reviews, tips and photos posted by real travelers and Wind Cave National Park locals
This is the original entrance to the cave. It was the only way tourists could enter the cave for a number of years. Not sure I would want to try it.
Our members can help!
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Unique wonders above and below ground
I've got some interesting experiences in Wind Cave National Park. I'd love to share with you the 6 tips I've written, the 7 photos uploaded, and 0 travelogues I've created.
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Almost a Boutique of a National Park
In my drive through this tiny national park on the way to Mt Rushmore, I saw that the drive required seventeen minutes from the entrance to the exit. In between there were dozens of buffalo, a few...
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Wind Cave Natl Park - The long and winding cave.
My fiancee and I stopped at Wind Cave and the nearby Jewel Cave, Custer State Park on our way back from Yellowstone. Each park has it's own charm so if you have time visit them all. The neat thing...
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While visiting Custer State Park, we decided to get out of the heat for a few hours and take a cave tour. The choices in the area are Jewel Cave National Monument and Wind Cave National Park. We chose...
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Basaic Wind Cave National Park Page
There are two parks under the National Park Service, involving caves, right near each other in the Black Hills part of Southwest South Dakota. They are Jewel Cave and Wind Cave. There is a bit of...
Build your own Wind Cave National Park page
