NPS Photo
Date September 08, 2005 Contacts Tom Farrell, 605-745-4600 Mary Laycock, 605-745-4600 In recognition of National Public Lands Day, all cave tours and programs at Wind Cave National Park will be free to the public on Saturday, September 24. This event is inspired by the spirit of conservation shown by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. In an endeavor to support the ideas of conservation, National Public Lands Day has become largest volunteer workday for public lands, and it provides an opportunity to engage and honor park volunteers. Park Superintendent Linda L. Stoll said, “Wind Cave National Park owes a great deal to the CCC and to our many dedicated volunteers who help with cave exploration, interpretive programs, and trail maintenance. Today’s volunteers are important because they help the park continue its mission to conserve and protect our natural resources in the spirit of the CCC.” To honor the work of park volunteers and to help people learn about the cave, the park will be offering free cave tours. These 1 hour and 15 minute tours will be presented every thirty minutes from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visitors will travel along the Natural Entrance Tour and view the boxwork for which the cave is world famous. This half-mile tour is moderately strenuous with approximately 300 stairs, most all of them going down. The cave temperature is 53 °F and a light coat or sweater is recommended. The day will end with a ranger program listening for the sound of elk bugling. Beginning at 7 p.m. in the Elk Mountain Campground Amphitheater, a ranger will give a brief talk about elk then the group will drive to a pullout to listen for the elk’s high-pitched bugle. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight. For more information, call the park at 605-745-4600. |
Last updated: July 20, 2017