Wind Cave

Expert’s Picks: Wind Cave

The Geology of Wind Cave National Park

Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota is a unique park in terms of its geology, with the forces of erosion and other weathering creating a magnificent landscape. Below the ground is the third longest cave system in the nation, with its own geological quirks. read more
Information on Wind Cave National Park

Ponderosa pine forests, mixed grass prairies and a complicated and fascinating system of caves await visitors to South Dakota's Wind Cave National Park. Located south of Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills, the park has 28,295 acres of land that support varied ecosystems. read more
Geology of Wind Cave National Park

Visitors to South Dakota's Wind Cave National Park can enjoy dual landscapes: the transition from mixed-grass prairie to Black Hills forest and, below, the 132-mile limestone labyrinth---one of the oldest and largest in the world---that gives the place its name. read more
Wind Cave National Park History

South of Rapid City, Black Hills National Forest, and Mount Rushmore in western South Dakota, Wind Cave National Park protects more than 28,000 acres of prairie and pine forest. More than 132 miles of cave passages are underground, making it the third-longest cave system in the United States. read more
How Was the Wind Cave Discovered?

The long, winding, subterranean passages beneath the prairies and grasslands of Wind Cave National Park comprise the fourth longest cave system in the world. Native Americans held great reverence for the cave, but it did not enter the national consciousness until two men found the fissure connecting the surface to the cavernous depths below. read more

Related Wind Cave Articles & Videos

Camping at Mount Rushmore

Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Mount Rushmore is famous for the mountain carved with the faces of four of America's greatest Presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. However,… read more
Things to Do in Keystone, South Dakota

In addition to being just 2 miles from Mount Rushmore--a popular South Dakota attraction--Keystone was the adult home of Carrie Ingalls, sister of Laura Ingalls Wilder. The area has a rich mining history that's kept alive in local muse… read more
South Dakota Vacation Planning Guide

South Dakota draws a surprising amount of annual income from its tourism industry, relative to its population, and the reason why are the natural resources and landmarks existing within the state's boundaries. Caves, mountains and dese… read more
Tourism in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming

The Black Hills are an isolated, granite-cored uplift in southwestern South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming--named for their dark looming on the Great Plains horizon. Considered sacred by the Lakota and a number of other American India… read more
Why Is the Wind Cave National Park Famous?

Wind Cave National Park gained fame when two cowboy brothers discovered its entrance in 1881, and it eventually came to the attention of the country. Its size, unique geological makeup and above-ground ecosystems helped make it a promi… read more
Mesa, Arizona Tourism

Mesa, Ariz., the state's third-largest city, sits in a desert oasis. This eclectic city combines urban conveniences with outdoor activities. Hiking trails, golf resorts, cultural museums and sightseeing are some of the highlights of th… read more
Hot Springs, South Dakota Motels

Located by the southern edge of the Black Hills, the cultural town of Hot Springs, S.D., is a fine place for arts enthusiasts and wilderness lovers to vacation. Home to several annual arts festivals and many art galleries, the area is… read more
RV Parks in Custer, South Dakota

Located in western South Dakota near Wyoming, Custer, named after Union Lt. Col. Colonel George A. Custer, is generally considered to be the oldest established town of the Black Hills of South Dakota. Almost abandoned in 1876 with gold… read more
Campgrounds in Keystone, South Dakota

Keystone, South Dakota, is the home of the famous Mount Rushmore. Beyond the rock monument, the region has many opportunities for outdoor sports and activities. Hikers can find trails at the national park, as well as bird-watching, roc… read more
Prescott, Arizona RV Campgrounds

Prescott, Ariz., with its vistas of weather-beaten rock formations, is a place of serene and natural beauty, where outdoor activities abound. The Mile High Trail system consists of 28 miles of hiking trails, with rail trails converted… read more
Hotels in Driggs, Idaho

Hikers heading to Driggs, Idaho, will be directly in the Teton Valley, with large, looming mountains accompanying them on their trails. Travelers may choose from a variety of pathways, including the Moose Creek Trail, Wind Cave Trail a… read more
Lodging in Hot Springs, South Dakota

Hot Springs is nestled in the Black Hills, offering visitors the opportunity to get away from busy city life and explore the natural beauty of South Dakota. Guests can explore caves, see the remains of an ice age mammoth or take a day… read more
Bear Butte State Park in South Dakota

Part of South Dakota's Division of Parks and Recreation, this state park with its unique rocky formation was once the stomping grounds of Native Americans, including Lakota and Cheyenne tribes. The Native Americans consider Bear Butte… read more
Children's Activities in Arizona

Arizona's climate makes it an ideal travel destination year-round. If traveling with kids, parents will have no problem finding activities that they can enjoy in the great outdoors. From nature trails to amusement parks, Arizona has wh… read more
Bird Species of Wind Cave National Park

Wind Cave National Park, located in western South Dakota, encompasses 28,295 acres, according to the National Park Service's website. This park consists of mixed-grass prairies and pine woodlands, making it prime habitat for creatures… read more

Wind Cave Photos

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...