Wind Cave National Park

Wind Cave National Park, established in 1903, is a unique natural wonder in South Dakota’s Black Hills. It’s home to one of the world’s longest and most complex cave systems, featuring rare boxwork formations that make up 95% of the world’s known examples. The cave “breathes” due to atmospheric pressure differences, a phenomenon that led to its discovery in 1881.

Above ground, the park preserves 33,970 acres of mixed-grass prairie and forest, providing habitat for diverse wildlife including bison, elk, and prairie dogs. Visitors can explore the cave through guided tours, hike over 30 miles of trails, and enjoy scenic drives.

As the world’s first cave to become a national park, Wind Cave offers a fascinating blend of subterranean marvels and pristine prairie landscapes.