The discovery of the Spillway

The history of the exploration of Wind Cave is filled with singular holes leading to miles of cave, such as the Natural Opening which is the only known natural entrance to the cave.

Within the cave, it was the discovery of the Spillway, found in 1964 by Herb and Jan Conn and David Schnute, that opened up exploration at Wind Cave and lead to over 70 miles of cave. Prior to their discovery, the cave's mileage hovered around eight to ten miles for decades.

The discovery of the Spillway on July 25, 1964, quickly lead to finding the Club Room, one of the cave's largest rooms, and Calcite Lake, the area's water table. The discovery of the Spillway proved to be a boon to exploration and one that explorers are still reaping benefits from today.

Defining Moments

1. The hiring of Jesse D. McDonald to manage the cave in 1890.
2. The Green Report of 1899.
3. The decision to expand the role of the park with the establishment of the nearby Wind Cave National Game Preserve in 1912.
4. The establishment of a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp at Wind Cave.
5. The decision not to build a second elevator shaft.
6. The discovery of the Spillway.
7. The beginning of the prescribed fire program.
8. The beginning of the cave management program.