Wind Cave National Park, tucked into the southwest corner of South Dakota, is one of our more-overlooked offerings — perhaps because of the word “cave.” This park is so much more than that. The cave itself is spectacular, and not just because it measures a cool 53° year round, but because it is one of the longest, most complex fissures in the world and boasts the unique boxwork, a honeycomb pattern of calcite that adorns many of the walls. Above ground, over thirty miles of hiking trails (my favorites are East Bison Flats, Rankin Ridge, and Prairie Vista) cover untamed native grasslands and the scenic beauty of the Black Hills. Driving tours are a popular way to enjoy the park (including a geological one), and these tours also provide many opportunities to see animals, including bison, elk, coyotes, and prairie dogs. So, the next time you are taking in Mt. Rushmore and other Black Hills attractions, save a few hours (or a couple of days) for Wind Cave N.P.
