Wind Cave National Park

Our third stop in the Black Hills was at the Wind Cave NP.  Again, I was worried that it wouldn't measure up to the previous spots. Who's ever heard of the Wind Cave?   I was afraid it would "blow."

Blow hard.

We camped at the Elk Mountain campground, inside the park.  This was very different from previous camping spots.  This park is basically on the edge of the prairie, and the camping area is surrounded by lush grasslands.  The stars were spectacular.  Prairie dogs abound, as you can imagine.  In an effort to check the 'dog population, the park has re-introduced the black-footed ferret to the area.  There was a ranger-led hike at 9:30pm in search of these elusive ferrets, but we were too bushed after a very long day to join the fun. 

The tours of the cave are first come-first served.  We had a huge advantage by staying at the park, but I really wasn't concerned.  The campground wasn't very crowded.  I already knew a senior ranger on a first-name basis, as he was recruiting us for the ferret vigil.   We got to the visitor's center at 8:45 and scooped up tickets for the 9:20 tour.  We watched the movie and the kids began completing the ranger workbooks.  Mom would stay either at the center, or in the RV.  We parked under some trees for shade. 

The tour at the wind cave was led by a newly-graduated ranger on his first National Park assignment, but he was a very experienced "caver" and maintained a very engaging 90 minutes for our group of about 20.  This cave is very complex, and contains 80-85% of the world's boxwork, delicate formations on the cave's ceilings.  We had a great time and really enjoyed how different this "hike" was from all the others on our trip.

Turns out the complex labyrinth has only one natural opening.  The cave inhales or exhales, sometimes forcefully, based on the outside barometric pressure.  Wind speed can be as high as 70 mph at this orifice.  Pressure and temperature (53 degrees) remain constant within the cave.

Brrrrrr....chilly willy

Returning to the visitor's center after the tour, the place was teeming with people.  It was very busy and subsequent tours sold out very quickly.  I was thankful we'd had an early start. 

Ranger hat fit like a glove.

The Wind Cave did blow. 

But only because a sunny, high-pressure system was in charge above ground.

It might suck when you visit.