The Wind Cave area has been protected since 1903, when it was declared as a national park by Theodore Roosevelt. Thought to be one of the world’s oldest caves and regarded as sacred by American Indians, cave exploration did not begin here until 1881, when the entrance was noticed by two brothers, Jesse and Tom Bingham. The brothers discovered a small hole in the ground when they heard a loud whistling noise. This is the cave’s only natural opening. Legend has it that the wind was blowing out that hole with such force that it blew off Jesse’s hat. That wind, which gave the cave its name, is created by differences between atmospheric pressures in the cave and outside. This wind is still noticed today at the cave’s entrance.
Over many years of exploration and mapping, Wind Cave has grown to be one of the world’s largest known caves. Currently over 127.10 miles of passages have been mapped making it the third longest cave in the U.S. and the fourth longest cave in the world. Wind Cave has few stalactites and stalagmites, but many unusual formations and a variety of minerals are found in the cave. The cave is well known for its outstanding display of boxwork, an unusual cave formation composed of thin calcite fins resembling honeycombs.
Along with this massive cave, Wind Cave National Park also features 28,295 acres of mixed-grass prairie, Ponderosa pine forest and wildlife. The park’s mixed-grass prairie is one of the few remaining and is home to native wildlife such as bison, elk, pronghorn, mule deer, coyotes and prairie dogs.
Wind Cave National Park Tours and Fees
Wind Cave National Park is open year-round except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Years Day. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and are extended during the summer months. more…
Wind Cave National Park Programs, Facilities and Services
Wind Cave National Park doesn’t consist of only cave tours. It is a world of many resources. You can experience the amazing prairie and forest worlds of this park by exploring any of the 30 miles of hiking trails, one of the tree nature trails or by hiking cross-country. more…
What You Should Know When Visiting Wind Cave National Park
When visiting Wind Cave National Park there are a few things visitors should keep in mind. Cave trails are dimly lit and trail surfaces may be uneven, wet and slippery. Some of the cave ceilings are low, requiring some bending or stooping. Cave tours are not recommended for anyone with claustrophobia, heart or respiratory problems, recent surgeries or illnesses and/or other physical limitations. more…
Links to Consider: Official Wind Cave National Park Website
