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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Wind Cave National ParkLeft to right: John Stabler, Mary McDonald, page from Alvin McDonald's Diary, Old staircase in Wind Cave, Alvin McDonald
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Wind Cave National Park
Birth of a National Park - The Wonderful Wind Cave Improvement Company
 

Beyond Mining

Due to financial difficulties, the South Dakota Mining Company stopped paying the McDonalds. However, the McDonalds had found that people were interested in seeing this unusual cave. In 1890, the first cave tours were conducted.

 
Early Cave Tours
NPS Photo Archive
Early Cave Tours
 
John Stabler

NPS Photo Archive

John Stabler

Partners With the Stablers

Soon, the McDonalds began looking for a partner to help build the business. In 1892, John Stabler, saw the financial value of the cave and bought an interest in the Wonderful Wind Cave Improvement Company. His sons and daughter, George, Charles, and Katie, helped lead tours and explore the cave.

 
William Jennings Bryan is the man in the middle of the photo with a child on his lap. Katie Stabler is on the high left. John Stabler is the lower left.

NPS Photo Archive

William Jennings Bryan is the man in the middle of the photo with a child on his lap. Katie Stabler is on the high left. John Stabler is the lower left.

Making a Name for the Place

John Stabler knew that Hot Springs was a popular tourist destination and money could be made by promoting the cave. They invited famous people to visit. Governor Lee of South Dakota and William Jennings Bryan were guests. Bryan reported that he "was enthusiastic over the beauty of the cave." These visits were advertised in the local newspapers and brought attention to the cave.

 
Evans Plunge in Hot Springs, South Dakota
NPS Photo Archives
Evans Plunge in Hot Springs, South Dakota
President Roosevelt in the White House in 1903 the year of the establishment of Wind Cave National Park
Birth of a National Park
Pre-Park History
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Alvin McDonald
A Brief History
Learn about the people and events that helped shape Wind Cave National Park.
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Natural Entrance of Wind Cave  

Did You Know?
Winds caused by changes in barometric pressure are what give Wind Cave its name. These winds have been measured at the cave's walk-in entrance at over 70 mph. The winds at the natural entrance of the cave attracted the attention of Native Americans and early settlers.

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Last Updated: May 05, 2007 at 12:22 EST