An Excursion to the Cave

The Stablers built a hotel near the entrance to Wind Cave to accommodate visitors. An excursion to the cave included a stagecoach ride to and from the cave and a meal at the hotel. After arriving, visitors were given a candle. They entered the cave through a trap door, descending a series of ladders to begin their adventure.

Collecting and Selling Formations

The cave was being advertised as having more miles of passageways than any other cave, being 97 miles long. McDonalds and Stablers were also selling cave formations and minerals. Katie Stabler opened a store in town to advertise the cave and sell formations.

Business card

Katie Stabler’s price list

Wind Cave hotel and cave entrance

Wind Cave Hotel and stagecoach

Collecting formations from the cave

Early History of Wind Cave National Park

• The Winds of Wind Cave
• Early Explorations
• The McDonalds Arrive
• Exploring with Alvin
• The Wonderful Wind Cave Improvement Company
• Visiting the Cave
• Publicizing the Cave
• Who Owns the Cave?
• The Feud
• More Court Battles and More Decisions
• A Decision is Made
• A National Park is Created