description Wind Cave National Park Overview
Wind Cave National Park is a protected area in the Black Hills of South Dakota, established in 1903. It was the first cave system designated as a national park and is known for extensive calcite boxwork, a delicate honeycomb-like formation found there in unusual abundance. Above ground, the park protects mixed-grass prairie and ponderosa pine habitat supporting bison, elk, and prairie dogs.
help Wind Cave National Park FAQ
Where is Wind Cave National Park?
Wind Cave National Park is in the Black Hills of South Dakota, near the city of Hot Springs. It protects both an extensive cave system and a surface landscape of prairie, forest, and wildlife habitat.
What is boxwork in Wind Cave?
Boxwork is a delicate calcite formation that resembles a honeycomb or network of thin fins. Wind Cave contains an unusually large amount of this formation, making it one of the park's defining geological features.
When was Wind Cave National Park established?
The park was established in 1903. It was the first cave system in the world to receive national-park protection.
Can visitors tour Wind Cave?
Yes, the National Park Service offers guided cave tours with different lengths and difficulty levels. Tours involve stairs and confined underground passages, while surface trails can be explored separately.
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