Is Wind Cave National Park worth it?

Is Wind Cave National Park worth it?

Wind Cave is a very unique type of cave. ... However, if you've seen a few stalagmites and stalactites in your day and you're looking for some unique cave features, then Wind Cave is definitely worth a tour. It is famous, and thus given the National Park designation, because of its unique boxwork found throughout the Cave.

How long do you need at Wind Cave National Park?

How long to stay in Wind Cave National Park: You can see Wind Cave in two days, with one each dedicated to underground and aboveground sights.

What is Wind Cave National Park known for?

South Dakota's Wind Cave National Park lures visitors with mixed-grass prairie and wildlife. The cave is well known for its outstanding display of boxwork, an unusual cave formation composed of thin calcite fins resembling honeycombs. ... American Indians of the area have known about the opening to Wind Cave for centuries.

How much does Wind Cave National Park cost?

Natural Entrance Cave Tour - $12 for adults 17 & older, $6 for children ages 6-16, children 5 & under are free. $6 for holders of the Senior (Golden Age)/Access Passports. Fairgrounds Cave Tour Fee - $12 for adults 17 & older, $6 for children ages 6-16, children 5 & under are free.

Is Jewel or Wind Cave better?

While Jewel Cave is recognized as the world's third longest cave (with nearly 200 miles mapped), Wind Cave ranks sixth, with 148 miles charted as of June 2018.

Can you go in Wind Cave without a tour?

Absolutely! Wind Cave National Park offers scenic drives and over 30 miles of hiking trails through prairies and ponderosa pine forests. It's home to bison, prairie dogs, elk, and numerous other species of birds and wildlife. ... There is no fee to enter, drive or hike through the park, or stop by the visitor center.

Can you just drive through Wind Cave National Park?

Aboveground there are some nice hiking trails at Wind Cave, or you can drive around the entire 35,000-acre park via U.S. 385, South Dakota 87, and park route 5 in about an hour.

Which cave is better Jewel or wind?

While Jewel Cave is recognized as the world's third longest cave (with nearly 200 miles mapped), Wind Cave ranks sixth, with 148 miles charted as of June 2018.

Can you go inside Wind Cave?

Wind Cave's natural entrance is a deeply spiritual place to many people. Despite its length and complexity, Wind Cave has very few natural entrances. The largest and most well-known naturally formed entrance is only about ten inches wide. Visitors can still view this entrance without going on a tour.

What animals live in the Wind Cave?

Wind Cave is well known for its highly visible mammal species, including the bison, elk, pronghorn, and prairie dog.