Hidden beneath the rolling prairie of the southern Black Hills is one of the world’s longest caves
Swaying prairie grasses, forested hillsides, and an array of wildlife such as bison, elk, and prairie dogs welcome visitors to our country’s seventh-oldest national park and one of its few remaining intact prairies. Secreted beneath is one of the world’s longest caves, Wind Cave. Named for barometric winds at its entrance, this complex labyrinth of passages contains a unique formation – boxwork.
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Crawling Down Passageways
Right now there could be explorers discovering new places in Wind Cave. Learn more about geology, exploration, cave explorers, and unique formations.
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Plan Your Visit with the Park Newspaper
If you are planning a trip to Wind Cave National Park, Passages, the park’s annual newspaper is a good place to start.
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Spend Some Time in the Park
Relax at the Elk Mountain Campground. Camping is on a first-come, first-served basis, but we seldom fill. Backcountry camping is available by permit.
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Follow the Wind - Exploring History
American Indian stories dating back centuries speak of a "hole that breathes cool air" in the Black Hills. In 1881 the exploration of Wind Cave began.
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Fire, Fire, Fire
Fire is perhaps the most significant ecological force in nature. Learn about its effect on the health of park ecosystems.
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Bring Back the Animals
In late 1890 many species native to the US prairies faced possible extinction. The Wind Cave National Game Preserve was created to help protect them.
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Did You Know?
Wind Cave is the first cave in the world to be designated as a national park. That occurred on January 9, 1903.