JEWEL CAVE NATIONAL MONUMENT Located in a scenic ponderosa pine forest, this 1,279-acre park is a peaceful retreat for hiking, bird watching and viewing colorful wildflow-ers, but its most spectacular sight is deep beneath the surface. Discover Jewel Cave, the third-longest cave in the world, which boasts more than 180 miles of mapped passageways as well as illuminated caverns, glittering dog-tooth spar crystals, textured “cave popcorn” and ceilings dripping with stalactites. More on page 49. DON’T MISS Go on the Scenic Tour of Jewel Cave , a guided expedition of the cave’s most impressive rock formations, such as boxwork, flowstone, stalactites, stalagmites, ribbon drapery and more. This popular tour lasts 80 minutes and involves more than 700 stairs, so be sure to dress comfortably. NEARBY CITIES Custer: 12.5 miles CUSTER STATE PARK Experience the rugged beauty of the Wild West where bu alo still thunder across the earth and graze the open plains and pris-tine lakes mirror the reflections of nearby granite peaks and wide-open skies. This legendary place is Custer State Park. Explore its 71,000 acres by hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, driving along a scenic byway or dropping a fishing line into one of four mountain lakes. Stay nearby in one of the lodges and be sure to check out the exhibits at the new visitor center. More on pages 42-45. DON’T MISS Drive along the 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road to see the herd of 1,300 majestic bison, an animal that played a vital role in the lives of Native Americans by providing food, clothing and shelter. NEARBY CITIES Custer: 4 miles 8 #HiFromSD *City distances are approximate.
South Dakota Vacation Guide SD Vacation Guide 2017: Page 8
