National Park Service Wind Cave National Park U.S. Department of the Interior The official newspaper Annual 2015 Visitor Guide Park Information and Maps
The Best of Both Worlds What Lies Below? From Tipis to Tours Back From the Brink Wind Cave National Park is host to Wind Cave is considered sacred and Many national parks are great places one of the longest and most complex culturally significant to many American to view wildlife. However, that has caves in the world. Currently over 143 Indians, and throughout the centuries, not always been the case. In the early miles of twisting passageways reside many tribes lived and traveled within 1900s, many animal populations neared under only 1.2 square miles of surface what would become Wind Cave extinction because of loss of habitat or area, creating a maze of tunnels deep National Park. Who first discovered hunting pressures. below the park's rolling hills. The cave Wind Cave is lost to time, but in 1881, is famous for a rare formation known Tom and Jesse Bingham rediscovered as boxwork. More boxwork is found in the cave when they were attracted Welcome to Wind Cave than all other caves in the to the entrance by whistling noises Wind Cave National Park! world combined. coming out of the cave.
This national park is one of the oldest in Portions of Wind Cave are believed to In 1889, the South Dakota Mining the country. Established in 1903, it was the be over 300 million years old, making Company established a mining eighth national park created and the first set it one of the oldest known caves in the claim at Wind Cave and hired J.D. aside to protect a cave. world. The cave has undergone many McDonald to manage it. The mining geological changes and those processes was unsuccessful, but McDonald While Wind Cave is the major attraction continue today. Geologists have many realized the cave's potential as a tourist With the establishment of the Wind with its unique boxwork and significant questions yet to answer before we can destination. One of J.D.'s sons, Alvin, Cave National Game Preserve in 1912, underground cave passageways, the surface fully understand the rich, incredible only 16 years old, spent much of his wildlife that once flourished in the area resources, including both natural and world below our feet. time exploring the cave. were reintroduced back to their native cultural resources, are also worth the stop. habitats. Because of this and continuing The buildings around the visitor center date Where Does that Hole Go? back to the 1930's Civilian Conservation On January 3, 1903, President efforts, such as the 2007 reintroduction What tempted the first explorers of Corps. The wildlife such as bison, elk, mule Theodore Roosevelt signed the bill of the black-footed ferret, Wind Cave deer, pronghorn antelope, prairie dogs, Wind Cave to leave behind their safe, creating Wind Cave National Park. It National Park is home to ferrets, elk, and black-footed ferrets are also exciting to familiar world, and venture into the was the eighth national park created bison, pronghorn, prairie dogs, and an view. dark, unknown depths of Wind Cave? and the first to protect a cave. abundance of other wildlife. Cave exploration continues here for Today, visitors from around the world come many of the same reasons humans have The Endless Unknown A Sea of Grass to see these two parks in one. Our hope explored since the beginning of time: The park's underground frontier is Wind Cave National Park is a place is that you have a safe and enjoyable visit out of adventure, curiosity, and even the matched by an equally vast wilderness where one can still see a remnant of a to Wind Cave National Park, take plenty of desire for riches. over the prairie every night. The night mixed-grass prairie and imagine the pictures, participate in our programs, and sky is an important part of the Wind scene that greeted westward-bound leave nothing but footprints. Cave National Park experience. The 19th century pioneers – not farms Travel Safe, park's exceptionally clean air brings and cities, as today, but open plains stars and planets shimmering to life as stretching across the middle of the Vidal Dávila day fades into night. Even for those continent. A piece of that prairie is Superintendent with limited knowledge of astronomy, preserved here in its natural state. the night sky is a memorable part of the park experience. Within Wind Cave National Park you Call 911 for Emergencies can find an excellent example of a Experiencing the prairie while mixed-grass prairie. A mixed-grass surrounded by the inky blackness prairie is a meeting point - or ecotone - Table of Contents After more than 100 years of exploration of the night, interrupted only by the where species of the eastern tall grass Planning Your Visit ...... 2 is there anything new to discover in glow of the northern lights or a distant prairie mingle with the short grass Wind Cave Seasons ...... 3 Wind Cave? Amazingly, the cave still lightning storm, is a tie to our past. It species of the western high plains. Cave Tour Information ...... 4 offers opportunities to venture where gives us a place and time to sit back and The convergence provides a home Learning More About the Park ...... 6 no one has gone before, making it one of enjoy what our ancestors would have for a diversity of plants and animals the last frontiers on Earth. National Park Neighbors ...... 7 experienced, peering into the endless and allows us to step back in time and Hiking Trails & Map ...... 8 unknown. glimpse the immensity of what was once the Great Plains. Planning Your Visit National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Visitor Center Backcountry Camping Bicycling The Wind Cave Visitor Center is a great Wind Cave National Park's Bicycling is limited to roads which place to start your park visit. The visitor backcountry offers an excellent are open to public motor vehicle Wind Cave National Park center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. opportunity to experience and enjoy access. Bicycling off road, on trails, daily, with extended hours during the the abundant resources of the park. or in the backcountry is prohibited. Located in the southern Black Hills of summer. The visitor center is closed on Backcountry camping is permitted When bicycling, be aware that animals South Dakota, Wind Cave National Park Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New in the northwestern part of the park. roam freely through the park. Keep encompasses 33,851 acres of mixed- Year’s Day. All cave tours begin at the Backcountry campers must have a a safe distance from bison and all grass prairie and ponderosa pine forest, visitor center and are offered daily. permit. Permits are free and can be wild animals. Traveling the park’s as well as one of the longest, oldest, Exhibits, maps, book sales, backcountry obtained at the visitor center. backcountry roads, NPS 5 and 6, and most complex cave systems in the permits, horse permits, information provides a great opportunity to see the world. about cave tours and ranger programs, prairie area of the park. lost-and-found services, and Federal Superintendent Vidal Dávila Picnicking Wind Cave National Park Recreational Lands Passes are all The park’s picnic area is located ¼ 26611 US Hwy 385 available here. Hot Springs, SD 57747-0129 USA mile north of the visitor center and Ranger Programs is open year-round. The picnic area Park Phone When visiting the park, plan to attend contains tables, fire grates, and pit (605) 745-4600 a ranger-led program. Cave tours are toilets. Drinking water is available in offered year-round while other ranger- the summer months. Website lead programs vary seasonally. See page 4 www.nps.gov/wica for more information. Restrooms Restrooms are available year-round Email at the visitor center and in the For your safety, and for the protection [email protected] summer months at the Elk Mountain of park resources, follow all regulations Campground. Pit toilets are available during your stay. Leave no trace of your at both the picnic area and the visit. campground year round. Hiking Trash and Recycling When hiking park trails make sure to Trash receptacles are available at Campground carry plenty of water; temperatures in the visitor center, the picnic area, The Elk Mountain Campground is the summer can exceed 100°F (38°C). and the Elk Mountain Campground. This Visitor Guide is published by the located one mile north of the visitor Water is not readily available along Recycling facilities are also available Black Hills Parks and Forests Association, center. Campsites are available on a the trails and any water found in the a not-for-profit organization that at these areas. The park recycles glass, first-come, first-served basis;generally backcountry should be treated or boiled assists the National Park Service in its aluminum cans, steel cans, and plastic the campground does not fill. Each before drinking. Flies, mosquitoes, and educational, interpretive, and scientific containers with PETE 1 or HDPE 2 site accommodates up to eight people wood ticks can be found in the wetter programs. For more information, see markings. Please rinse recyclables and two vehicles. Two accessible sites areas of the park. Be watchful for page (7). before placing them in containers. are available. The fee for camping is $18 rattlesnakes throughout the prairie. The National Park Service cares for the per night, per site. In the off-season, Area Services Horseback Riding special places saved by the American when facilities are limited, the fee is $9 There are no lodging, gasoline, grocery, Horseback riding is a wonderful way to people so that all may experience our per night. Holders of Senior or Access or restaurant services in the park. heritage. experience the park’s backcountry. All passes pay half price. Group camping is Snacks are available at the visitor center horse and pack animal use requires a available by reservation; contact the park vending machines. Full services are free permit available at the visitor center. for reservations. The campground has available in the nearby towns of Hot EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA™ Almost all of the park is open to riding, restrooms with water and flush toilets Springs (15 minutes south) and Custer except: directly on hiking trails, near but no showers, electrical hookups, (25 minutes north), with partial services water sources, on roadways, and in the or dump stations. Firewood is made in Custer State Park (bordering Wind campground and picnic areas. available for campers as the collection Cave National Park). For information of firewood is prohibited. During the on Hot Springs, call 800-325-6991; for summer months park rangers present Custer, call 800-992-9818; for Custer campfire programs at the campground State Park, call 605-255-4515. amphitheater.
Hey Kids... Safety and Protecting Park Resources Protecting the Park Weapons Park resources are for everyone to Federal law allows people who can Traveling in the Park enjoy. Do not disturb or remove legally possess firearms under federal, All vehicles (including bicycles) must plants, wildlife, antlers, bones, rocks, South Dakota, and local laws to possess remain on roadways. Off-road driving or any other natural or cultural firearms while visiting Wind Cave or bicycle riding is prohibited. feature; they are protected by federal National Park. Hunting and the use law. These resources are all part of the of firearms is prohibited. It is the Slow down and enjoy the view! When park’s ecosystem and are important to visitor’s responsibility to understand and driving park roads, obey all speed the park’s history and to the survival comply with all applicable state, local, limits as they are in place to protect of animals and plants. Please leave all and federal firearms laws. Federal law you and the wildlife. Over eighty bison objects undisturbed so the next visitor prohibits firearms in public buildings have been struck and killed by motor can enjoy them. within this park. These locations are vehicles in the last twenty years. For I've got horns like a bison but I posted with signs. your own safety, federal and state shed them every year like an elk. Pets seatbelt laws are enforced. My closest relative lives in Africa. Pets are prohibited in the backcountry Wildlife Want to race? Bet I'll win... and on most hiking trails. Pets are Animals in the park are wild and permitted on the Elk Mountain Nature unpredictable. Do not approach or Trail and on the Prairie Vista Nature attempt to feed them. Feeding animals Trail. Please clean up after your pet. causes them to become dependent on Pets may not be left unattended and handouts and attracts them to highways. Check out the Creature Feature on must be on a leash at all times. Bison roam freely within the park and page 6. Do not leave pets in your vehicle for can be dangerous. Stay a safe distance any length of time. Kennel space is from all wildlife – at least 25 yards from available in Hot Springs or Custer. bison and elk.
2 Wind Cave National Park Wind Cave through the Seasons Like many national parks Wind Cave National Park is open year-round. Each season offers a unique experience in this special landscape.
Winter Icy winds, short days, snow -- and Despite such weather, the Wind solitude. South Dakota winters can be Cave National Park Visitor Center is harsh, but the rewards of visiting Wind open 362 days a year, only closing on Cave National Park in the winter can be Thanksgiving, Christmas and New great. Photographers will find a special Year's days. Between Thanksgiving and treat in the winter. Fresh snow enlivens late February, visitors generally find the landscape. The sun sets early in the they only need to share the park with winter and provides a glorious range of the resident bison. Luckily for those color set against a muted prairie palette. visitors, the weather is always good underground in Wind Cave, where Meanwhile, bison, deer, and pronghorn temperatures stay near 54°F (12°C) remain active in the winter, along with regardless of the outside temperature prairie dogs. Coyotes grow a thicker and where it never snows (although you coat of fur and are frequently seen might spot some “frostwork” on the prowling the prairies. Elk, normally shy tour). The park also hosts special winter and rarely seen, congregate in the park hikes and children’s programs. Ask a during the winter and are frequently ranger for details. seen in large herds at dawn and dusk.
Spring Spring is a season of change in the Black summer residents such as burrowing Hills and within Wind Cave National owls begin to arrive. Bison, elk, deer Park. Warm days and chilly nights are and pronghorn give birth in the spring punctuated by sudden snow storms, and lucky visitors may see red-hued only to be melted the next day. A foot bison calves playing in the prairie. of snow will be quickly replaced by green prairie grasses and wildflowers. Spring also brings more visitors to Pasqueflowers, phlox, and coneflower the park. Environmental education are common. programs are offered for school groups. The cave tour schedule expands, though Spring may well be the best season to its still a good idea to arrive early. Hiking view wildlife as animals become more trails can be muddy, but spring is a great active. Migratory birds move through time to take a hike before hot summer the area on their way north, while temperatures take hold.
Summer Long, hot summer days are shattered of cave tours and other programs by sudden thunderstorms, while warm are available. Even on the hottest nights bring out a variety of wildlife. day, the cave is still 54°F (12°C) and Summer is the season in the Black provides welcome relief from outdoor Hills when the most recreational temperatures. Summer is also a good opportunities are available, weather is time for hiking and camping for those the warmest, and wildlife is very active. that plan ahead. Dangers such as heat, thunderstorms, rattlesnakes, and ticks Wind Cave receives 75% of its visitation are at their height during the summer in the three summer months. For most season, but the prairie is at its most of June through August the full range splendid and sunsets can be magic.
Fall Warm, dry days and cool nights, pierced temperatures staying fairly moderate by the haunting bugle of elk announce and with less chance of precipitation the arrival of fall. Temperatures begin than during other seasons. However, to cool off after the hot summer, as visitation slows down, so does the local attractions and parks are not as schedule of cave tours. Call ahead to crowded, and the elk are entering their check the schedule prior to visiting. A mating season, known as the "rut." unique ranger-led program is offered only in the fall, the Elk Bugling Program, Fall is a pleasant time to visit Wind which gives visitors a chance to listen to Cave National Park, with daytime and learn about the elk.
Weather
January February March April May June July August September October November December Average High 38°F 42°F 50°F 61°F 71°F 81°F 89°F 88°F 78°F 66°F 50°F 40°F Temp. 3°C 6°C 10°C 17°C 22°C 27°C 32°C 32°C 26°C 19°C 10°C 6°C Average Low 11°F 15°F 21°F 32°F 42°F 51°F 57°F 55°F 45°F 34°F 23°F 14°F Temp. -12°C -9°C -6°C 0°C 6°C 11°C 15°C 13°C 7°C 1°C -5°C -10°C Average 0.3" 0.4" 0.9" 1.8" 3.1" 3.2" 2.4" 2.1" 1.5" 1.5" 0.5" 0.4" Precipitation (6.6") (5.9") (7.4") (7") (2") (0) (0) (0) (0.5") (1.5") (5.1") (6") (snowfall)
Wind Cave National Park 3 Cave Tour Information General Information All cave tours are ranger-guided and the Black Hills in the last 5 years is Cave Tour and Program Schedule leave from the visitor center. The cave not permitted on any cave tour due January 1, 2015 - April 18 temperature is 54°F(12°C) year-round. to white-nose syndrome. Tickets are Visitor Center 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. A jacket or sweater is recommended. sold on a first-come, first-served basis Garden of Eden Tour 10:00, 1:00, 3:00 Shoes are required. Sandals are not at the visitor center. Tickets must recommended. Any clothing, foot- be purchased at least five minutes April 19 - May 2 wear, or gear worn in caves outside before tour times. Visitor Center 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Garden of Eden Tour 9:30, 11:30, 1:30, 3:30 EASY Candlelight Tour May 3 - May 22 2 hours; 2/ mile 3 Visitor Center 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Garden of Eden Tour 1 Reservations strongly recommended. 1 hour; /3 mile Natural Entrance Tour 9:00, 10:30, 11:30, 1:30, 2:30, 4:00 This tour is the least strenuous, with May 23 - May 25, Memorial Day Weekend only 150 stairs. It is a wonderful sample Visitor Center 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. of Wind Cave. Many of the beautiful cave formations – boxwork, popcorn, Garden of Eden Tour 10:00, 12:00, 2:00 and flowstone – are seen along the trail. Natural Entrance Tour 8:40, 9:20, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, 4:30, 5:00 The tour is ideal for people with limited Fairgrounds Tour 11:00, 1:00, 3:00 time or abilities. This tour enters and May 26 - June 6 exits the cave by elevator. Visitor Center 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Garden of Eden Tour 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 Experience the cave by candlelight. This MODERATE Natural Entrance Tour 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 1:00, 2:00, 4:00, 5:00 tour takes place in a less developed, unlit Natural Entrance Tour part of the cave. Each participant will June 7 - August 2 1 2 Visitor Center 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. 1 /4 hours; /3 mile carry a candle bucket. Shoes with non- The most popular tour at Wind Cave slip soles are required. No sandals of any Garden of Eden Tour 10:40, 12:40, 2:40 includes a visit to the natural entrance kind are permitted. This tour is limited to 8:40, 9:20, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, Natural Entrance Tour of Wind Cave, giving visitors the 10 people and the minimum age is 8. This 5:00, 5:30, 6:00 opportunity to see how the cave got strenuous tour covers 2/3 mile of rugged Fairgrounds Tour 9:40, 10:20, 11:40, 12:20, 1:40, 2:20, 3:40, 4:20 its name. Participants enter the cave trail. through a man-made entrance and Candlelight Tour 10:30, 1:30 journey through the middle level of the Wild Cave Tour Wild Cave Tour 1:00 cave. Wind Cave’s famous boxwork is 4 hours Campfire Program 9:00 p.m. abundant throughout this trip. Popcorn Reservations required. August 3 - September 7 and frostwork can also be seen along the Visitor Center 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. trail. Most of the 300 stairs along this Garden of Eden Tour 10:30, 1:40, 3:40 route are down. This tour is moderately strenuous and exits the cave by elevator. Natural Entrance Tour 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00 Fairgrounds Tour 9:30, 11:20, 1:20, 3:20 STRENUOUS Candlelight Tour 1:30 Fairgrounds Tour Wild Cave Tour Weekends Only: Aug. 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30, 1 2 Sept. 5, 6 1 /2 hours; /3 mile This tour explores both the upper and Campfire Program Nightly, call for times. middle levels of Wind Cave. Boxwork September 8 - September 19 is abundant along the trail in the middle Explore the cave away from the Visitor Center 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. developed trails. On this strenuous tour, level of the cave. In the upper level, the Natural Entrance Tour 9:00, 10:30, 11:30, 1:30, 2:30, 4:00 trail winds through large rooms and into visitors will be introduced to the basics of Evening Activity 7:00 p.m., starting on September 8th, Tue., Thu., Sat. areas where popcorn and frostwork safe caving while also getting to see many can be seen. This is the most strenuous of the formations which are common in September 20 - October 10 walking tour. There are 450 stairs along Wind Cave. Wear old clothes and gloves, Visitor Center 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. the route with one flight of 89 steps up. as much of the trip includes crawling. Garden of Eden Tour 9:30, 11:30, 1:30, 3:30 Long pants, long sleeved shirts, and The tour enters and exits the cave by October 11 - December 31 elevator. sturdy, lace-up boots or shoes with non- slip soles are required. No sandals of any Visitor Center 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. kind are permitted on this tour. The park Garden of Eden Tour 10:00, 1:00, 3:00 Accessibility Tour provides hard hats, lights, and kneepads. Early 2016 Please do not bring jewelry, watches, or Visitor Center 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. other valuables on the tour. Clothing Garden of Eden Tour 10:00, 1:00, 3:00 worn on the Jewel Cave Wild Caving Tour is not permitted in Wind Cave. Clothing Schedule subject to change; please call 605-745-4600 for current schedule. and gear used in areas with potential white-nose syndrome contamination are Reservations not permitted in the cave. This tour is Tickets for cave tours are sold on a first-come, first-served basis with the following limited to 10 people and the minimum exceptions: age is 16. We require a signed parental • Large groups or schools: Reservations are accepted. consent form for participants 16 and 17 • Candlelight Tour: Reservations are strongly recommended. The cave is partially accessible to years old. • Wild Cave Tour: Reservations are required. people with limited mobility. Please Reservations are accepted beginning one month before the tour and must be made call ahead to make arrangements or by phone. Call 605-745-4600 for information or reservations. ask at the information desk for an accessible tour. Limited areas of the Cave Tour Fees cave are accessible to wheelchairs. Tickets must be purchased at least five (5) minutes before scheduled tour time. The fee for the tour is $5.00 for adults and half price for Senior or Access Garden of Eden Natural Entrance Fairgrounds Candlelight Wild Cave pass holders. Sign language tours are Tour Tour Tour Tour Tour available with prior notice. Adults (17+) $10.00 $12.00 $12.00 $12.00 $30.00 Children (6-16) $5.00 $6.00 $6.00 ** Not Permitted 5 and Under Free Free Free Not Permitted Not Permitted Interagency Passes Senior/Access $5.00 $6.00 $6.00 $6.00 Issued Here Pass* * Price applies only to cardholders. ** Minimum age for Candlelight Tour is 8 years old. Tickets for children 8-16 cost $6.00
4 Wind Cave National Park The Wonders of Wind Cave Wind Cave is unique from many still be found, often hidden amongst other caves in that it has less active other cave formations. The following Speleothem or Speleogen? water flow. Less water means fewer covers only a small percentage of the dripstone formations, or speleothems, many formations found within Wind Both words refer to cave formations Those that form by minerals deposited such as the stalactites and stalagmites Cave. While some are buried in the far and are rooted in the Greek word for after the cave formed are speleothems. common in other caves. However, reaches of the cave, many can be seen cave. The difference depends on when To remember the difference recall that in Wind Cave many speleothems can along tour routes. the feature formed. Those that form speleogens had their genesis or creation when the cave formed are speleogens. with the cave, not after. Boxwork One of the most common sights in Wind Cave, boxwork is extraordinarily rare elsewhere. In fact, over 95% of the known boxwork worldwide Vugs is found within Wind Cave. Adding to boxwork’s Vugs are pockets in the limestone cave walls lined mystique, it is not a true speleothem, but a with crystals. The ornate crystals can be large or speleogen, having formed before the cave itself! small, clear or colored, quartz or calcite, dogtooth spar or nailhead spar. Visitors with sharp eyes will Dripstone spot these formations hidden in the walls along all Dripstone is a general term for a whole class of tour routes. cave formations, all of which are formed by water as it drips into a cave. Dripstone formations Moonmilk include stalactites, stalagmites, columns, popcorn, Moonmilk's origins are almost as strange as its flowstone, and draperies (cave bacon), most of name. It has been hypothesized to be either the which are rare in Wind Cave, a relatively dry cave. result of bacterial action on limestone or hydrated Dripstone features can be seen in a few places calcite precipitates. This cave formation looks though, including along the Garden of Eden tour somewhat like cottage cheese splattered on the cave route and off-trail areas such as the aptly named walls. Dripstone Delight. Frostwork Calcite Rafts Frostwork forms as airflow interacts with droplets A lump of calcite, like most rocks, would sink of mineral-rich water. Frostwork is formed from a in water. But calcite rafts are paper-thin sheets mineral known as aragonite, whose crystals form of calcite that coalesce around specks of dust delicate branches of needles or frost-like structures. floating atop perfectly still pools of water inside Some Wind Cave frostwork has grown 8-10” tall a cave. If the sheet of calcite becomes too thick crystals resembling frosted Christmas trees! (more than 1mm) or ripples form in the water, this floating rock formation will sink, piling with other sunken rafts on the floor. Popcorn Though resembling its buttery namesake, cave Gypsum Flowers popcorn could be more accurately described as Gypsum is a common mineral found in drier areas petrified cave sweat! Popcorn forms as water rich of limestone caves. Under the right conditions, in calcite beads up on the surface of cave walls. The gypsum can form incredibly delicate crystals, calcite crystallizes and, given time, the crystals come including gypsum flowers. Gypsum flowers to resemble a kernel of popped corn. Popcorn can are curling gypsum crystals which appear to be be found throughout Wind Cave and along all tour "blooming" out of the cave walls! routes.
White-nose Syndrome
A disease called White-nose Syndrome (WNS) is spreading through the United States, killing more than 6 million bats since 2006. WNS is linked to a fungus that forms a white growth on bats' muzzles and other body parts when they are most vulnerable--during hibernation. Affected bats wake and use up energy reserves before spring comes, resulting in death by starvation or freezing.
First identified in a cave in New York State, the disease has spread as far west as Iowa. Its appearance in western states may only be a matter of time. Although this disease does not affect humans, people may contribute to its spread by unknowingly transporting spores from an affected cave to others on clothing or objects used in affected caves.
You can help protect the bats in Wind Cave by not wearing any shoes, clothing or other items that have been in another cave or mine outside the Black Hills within the last five years.
Wind Cave National Park 5 Learn More About Wind Cave
program, available to any school with a understand the history of wildlife in the new infrastructure. Friends groups high speed internet connection. park, or discover more about local plant can receive and administer your ear- communities. marked donation for specific projects. Contact the park at 605.745.4600 for www.nps.gov/wica. For more information visit the Friends' details. website at Friends of Wind Cave National www.friendsofwindcavenp.org Join Us on Facebook Park Keep in touch with Friends of Wind Cave National what's happening in Park (FoWC) is a non-profit the park. Wind Cave's organization whose mission is to Facebook page allows Bring Your Class to the Park support and promote Wind Cave you to explore the park National Park as a natural and cultural Students can participate in regular from any location. See treasure and to expand the awareness cave tours or the park's Connections what is happening throughout the of the unique value of the park to the or Water in the Environment program. year, learn about special activities, and Black Hills community and the nation. These free programs are offered in May. watch the wildlife and landscape as the Reservations are required. seasons change. Friends groups provide community based fundraising for various projects Teach outside the Black Hills? No Explore Our Website to enhance the local park's interpretive problem! Bring the park to your Learn about the adventures of current programs or to maintain or install classroom with a distance learning and past explorers of the cave, Ranger Programs Ranger-led programs are offered throughout the year. Contact the visitor center at 605.745.4600 for scheduling and more information on any of the following programs. Campfire Program Sanson Ranch Hikes Discovery Talk Prairie Hikers Adventures in Nature
Evening campfire talks are Explore a historic homestead During the summer, join Discover seldom-seen areas Adventures in Nature is a fun presented nightly during the with a ranger, including a a ranger for a short talk or of the park with Wind Cave and interactive way for you summer at the Elk Mountain moderate 1.5 mile cross- demonstration explaining Prairie Walkers. Open to and your children to learn Campground amphitheater. country hike to a bison jump aspects of the park. Topics and anyone, these hikes last 3-4 about nature. The program Topics vary and programs last used by American Indians. times vary. hours, cover up to 2 miles is held during the winter and about 45 minutes. Meet at the visitor center and off-trail, and are held the last encourages children 3 to 13 caravan to the ranch. Offered Monday of every month. to actively explore the natural select Saturdays in summer. world around them. Kids Corner Creature Feature - Pronghorn What do you get when you cross an About the same size as a deer, Olympic sprinter with a long-distance pronghorn have dark, curved horns, a runner? The pronghorn -- able to run pair of white stripes across the throat, up to 45 mph for several miles! Also and a bright white rump patch they known as antelope, they can outrun flash when running away. any predator by 6 weeks of age.
Become A Junior Ranger
The Junior Ranger program is a great way to learn about the cave, ecosystems, and wildlife of Wind Cave National Park!
Free Junior Ranger booklets are available in the Park Store.
6 Wind Cave National Park Black Hills Parks & Forests Association
The Park Store is a collaborative Interested in supporting public Other BHPFA Store Locations: partnership with Wind Cave National lands? • Black Hills National Forest sites Park and Black Hills Parks & Forests • National Grasslands Visitor Association (BHPFA). Operating Annual Membership $29.95 Center sales outlets in Wyoming, South • Custer State Park Dakota, and the Nebraska Panhandle, Black Hills Parks & Forests • Jewel Cave National Monument each BHPFA outlet offers a variety of Association membership enables • Nebraska National Forest materials and products for learning public land enthusiasts to support more about the natural scenery and the goals of the organization and its To order online visit: rich history of our public lands. partner agencies. Members receive: www.blackhillsparks.org Proceeds from purchases support www.blackhillsparks.org environmental education programs, Newsletters - Discounts - Specials To order by phone call: interpretation, and research. Reciprocal program with savings 605.745.7020 nationwide
Expanding the knowledge of public lands through our partner agencies Education Interpretation Conservation
Black Hills Parks & Forest Association has awarded more than $90,000 over the last five years to Wind Cave National Park.
Alvin McDonald Diary Wind Cave: One Park, Two $49.95 Worlds Known as Wind Cave's first Other Alvin McDonald $19.95 explorer, Alvin McDonald products: Journey into two vastly different chronicled his adventures in the landscapes of uncompromising labyrinth cave's passageways. Magnet $4.99 beauty -- the prairie surface and Finely crafted in exact replica, Bookmark $2.50 cave below -- with the movie this journal offers a shown in the park visitor center. glimpse of this young Approximately 20 minutes long. man's remarkable life and explorations of nearly 10 miles of cave.
Jewel Cave / Wind Cave Wind Cave: An Ancient World 2-sided Puzzle Beneath the Hills $15.99 $11.95 A must-have for any puzzle The geologic story of one of the enthusiast! This 500 piece double- most complex cave systems is told sided puzzle features Wind in simple, yet technically detailed Cave National Park's boxwork text. Full of informative graphics formation and Jewel Cave National and photography, this book is Monument's Formation Room. sure to be a wonderful addition to Finished puzzle is 15" x 22". any cave and geology enthusiast's library.
These products available exclusively through the Black Hills Parks & Forests Association National Park Neighbors
Mount Rushmore Jewel Cave Badlands Devils Tower Minuteman Missile National Memorial National Monument National Park National Monument National Historic Site
Mount Rushmore is located Jewel Cave National Monument Badlands National Park is Devils Tower is located Minuteman Missile is located approximately 50 miles from is located approximately located approximately 145 approximately 135 miles from approximately 121 miles from Wind Cave. Carved from 1927- 35 miles from Wind Cave. miles from Wind Cave. The Wind Cave, a geologic feature Wind Cave. The Minuteman 1941 by Gutzon Borglum, the Immerse yourself within one park consists of 244,000 acres protruding out of the rolling Missile was an iconic weapon memorial depicts the portraits of the longest caves in the of sharply eroded buttes, prairie that surrounds the Black in the American nuclear of George Washington, Thomas world. With over 175 miles of pinnacles, and spires. It Hills. The site is considered arsenal during the Cold War, Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, mapped and surveyed passages, protects the largest mixed-grass sacred to the Lakota and other the defining historical event and Abraham Lincoln. Today, this underground wilderness prairie in the United States. tribes that have a connection to of the last half of the 20th Mount Rushmore is host to appeals to human curiosity. Its Its wilderness area covers the area. Hundreds of parallel century. A visit to the park almost three million visitors splendor is revealed through 64,000 acres and is a site of cracks make it one of the finest is an opportunity to explore from around the world. Over fragile formations and glimpses the reintroduction of the traditional crack climbing areas sites rarely seen by civilians the decades, Mount Rushmore of brilliant color. Its maze of black-footed ferret, the most in North America. Devils Tower and explore the Minuteman has grown in fame as a symbol passages lure explorers, and endangered land mammal in entices us to explore and define II system's role as a nuclear of America - an image of its scientific wealth remains a North America. our place in the natural and deterrent that maintained freedom and hope. mystery. cultural world. peace and prevented war.
(605) 574-2523 (605) 673-8300 (605) 433-5361 (307) 467-5283 (605) 433-5552 www.nps.gov/moru www.nps.gov/jeca www.nps.gov/badl www.nps.gov/deto www.nps.gov/mimi
Wind Cave National Park 7 Hiking
Hiking in the Park
Wind Cave National Park offers more than 30 miles of trails to explore prairie grasslands and ponderosa forests. Go prepared: • Carry and drink plenty of water. • Check the weather forecast before starting and bring extra layers. • Off trail hiking is allowed. Watch out for wildlife. • A topographic map is recommended and can be purchased at the visitor center bookstore.
Hiking With Pets
Leashed pets are allowed only on the Elk Mountain and Prairie Vista Nature Trails. Please clean up after your pet. Do not leave your pets in your vehicle for any length of time. Kennel space is available in Hot Springs or Custer.
Short Walks Not up for a day hike? Three short nature trails offer a great way to explore for those with young children or little time. Each trail is about 1 mile in length. Informational signs or booklets are available for each trail.
Rankin Ridge Nature Trail - Gain Elk Mountain Nature Trail - Explore Prairie Vista Nature Trail - Stroll spectacular views from the highest point an ecotone, or meeting zone, where the the prairie grasslands from the Visitor in the park. grassland and forest converge. Leashed Center. Leashed pets allowed. pets allowed. Hiking Trails
Trail Difficulty Trail One-way Description # Distance This former road follows Wind Cave Canyon to the park boundary. Limestone cliffs provide 1.8 mi Wind Cave Canyon Easy 2 nesting areas for cliff swallows, canyon wrens, and great horned owls. Look for Red-headed 2.9 km and Lewis’s woodpeckers among the snag trees of forested hillsides. The trail winds through Cold Brook Canyon to the park boundary. Along the way a ponderosa 1.4 mi Cold Brook Canyon Moderate 1 forest gives way to the open prairie and crosses a prairie dog town, a good place to see prairie 2.3 km falcons and other raptors. Follow the rolling hills of the prairie across Lookout Point to Beaver Creek. A side trip up 2.2 mi Lookout Point Moderate 4 Lookout Point offers views of the American Elk Prescribed Fire from 2010. This trail can be 3.5 km combined with part of the Highland Creek and the Centennial trails to create a 4.5-mile loop. The trailhead is about one mile north of the Rankin Ridge fire tower turnoff. This trail follows Moderately 3.6 mi Sanctuary 5 the rolling hills of the prairie, crosses a large prairie dog town, and ends where it meets the Strenuous 5.8 km Highland Creek Trail. Hike one-half mile down the Wind Cave Canyon Trail to reach the East Bison Moderately 3.7 mi East Bison Flats 3 Flats Trail where a brief, steep climb leads to the rolling hills of the prairie. Panoramic views of Strenuous 6 km the prairie, Buffalo Gap, and the Black Hills await. This 6-mile trail can be reached from SD Hwy 87 or NPS 5. This section is the southernmost Moderately 6 mi Centennial 6 (89) part of a 111-mile trail through the Black Hills, ending at Bear Butte State Park. Here it crosses Strenuous 9.7 km prairies, ponderosa forests, and winds along Beaver Creek. The trail can be reached by a 1-mile hike down the Wind Cave Canyon trail or from the Moderately 8.6 mi northern trailhead on NPS 5. This trail is the longest and the most diverse in the park, crossing Highland Creek 7 Strenuous 13.8 km mixed-grass prairies, ponderosa pine forests, and riparian habitats of Highland Creek, Beaver Creek, and Wind Cave Canyon. The trail begins at a small parking area on NPS 6, one mile north of the junction with NPS 5. A 2.6 mi Boland Ridge Strenuous 8 series of climbs offer panoramic views of the Black Hills, Red Valley, and the plains beyond. Elk 4.2 km are often seen from this trail.
8 Wind Cave National Park