South Dakota Vacation Guide - 2026 South Dakota Vacation Guide
Wind Cave National Park
2025-12-18 16:53:49
Deep beneath the vast expanse of the golden, windswept prairie in western South Dakota is one of the world’s longest and most complex cave systems. The Lakota and other Oceti Sakowin peoples have long considered Wind Cave a sacred place. In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt signed legislation that created Wind Cave National Park, the first cave to be designated a national park. Above ground, explore more than 30 miles of hiking trails that offer ample opportunities to spot diverse wildlife and more than 100 species of birds. Then, learn about the geological history of the area on the National Park Service’s self-guided Geology Driving Tour.
EAT & DRINK
Find eateries for any time of day in nearby Hot Springs. Kick off your morning with a breakfast burrito and pastry at Wandering Bison Coffee. Get a taste of authentic Pakistani cuisine at Silk Road Experience, a charmingly rustic takeout spot tucked in an alleyway with outdoor seating. At Two Cows Creamery & Bistro, dig into a comforting bowl of pasture-raised yak chili, then enjoy homemade ice cream for dessert. Try the Calamity Jane milkshake—salted caramel blended with peanut butter and malt.
Nearby Towns: Hot Springs (7 miles); Custer (18 miles)
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