Places

This ranger cabin, built in 1935, is part of the Wind Cave National Park Historic District.

NPS Photo by Jim Pisarowicz

Wind Cave National Park was established on January 9, 1903, making it one of the nation's oldest national parks. Wind Cave National Park is also the first national park in the world to protect a cave.

Human habitation dates back to well before 1903, and these significant places, both above and below ground are protected as part of the national park. Learn more about the places in Wind Cave and the history behind them.

• Historic District Wind Cave National Park has a rich history. Many of the structures in Wind Cave National Park are of historic significance and recognized as fine examples of National Park Service rustic architecture.
• Historic Place Names 1880-1901 In the early years of discovery at Wind Cave, everything - passageway, room, small grotto - was named, and little effort was spared toward variety and imagination. These names represent visitors from all walks of life.
• Wind Cave Room Names The names of rooms and places in Wind Cave were given by the cave explorers who discovered these places.