South Dakota National ParksThere are two South Dakota National Parks. Wind Cave National Park and Badlands National Park. Here we are going to talk about Wind Cave National Park.When you first arrive here you see prairie land and Ponderosa Pine Forests. But just underground lies a fabulous cave. Under just one square mile of land is the fourth longest cave in the world. It is also one of the oldest known caves world wide. It is a least 300 million years old. It is named the Wind Cave because of how the wind comes and goes throughout the cave. When atmospheric pressure is higher above ground than it is in the cave, the wind blows through the cave. When atmospheric pressure is higher in the cave than it is above ground, the wind blows out of the cave. About 500 feet below the surface is a lake. The cave is still being explored but to date there is just under 90 miles of passageways. This is a cave that twists, turns and winds around more than most caves. Wind Cave is most famous for the intricate boxwork inside of it. Boxwork looks like crystal honeycombs. a thin blade of a mineral called Calcite comes out of the walls and the ceilings of this cave. These crystal fins intersect each other and make intricate shapes. This cave also has a lot frostwork. Frostwork is the mineral Calcite growing in shapes of sharp needles. You can choose from several different cave tours if you are interested in spending time inside the Wind Cave. This intricate cave will not disappoint you! Above land you will see the bison's. 400-500 bison call this US National Park home. Other animals in the park are elk, deer, coyotes, pronghorn sheep coyotes and prairie dogs. Wind Cave National Park is about a two hour drive to South Dakota's other National Park, Badlands. It is about a one hour drive to Mount Rushmore. Other activities to do once you are here are hiking, camping, biking and photography. There is no lodging inside Wind Cave National Park. The city of Hot Springs is only seven miles down the road and the city of Cluster is only 17 miles away. Wind Cave National Park Lodging Wind Cave National Park Weather Wind Cave National Park Map
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