Exploring the National Parks

139: Exploring Wind Cave National Park: Best Tips + Activities

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Wind Cave National Park is one of the most underrated stops in the Black Hills, and it is absolutely worth digging a little deeper for. Come with us into the prairies of South Dakota for rare cave beauty, bison sightings, and the kind of quiet that makes you exhale.

In this episode, we cover:

  • Why Wind Cave is so underrated, and why I recommend it even when people say Jewel Cave is “prettier”
  • How to get cave tour tickets (and why you should not wait until the day of)
  • Which three tours to choose from as a first time visitor, plus options for special tours
  • What to expect on your tour (temperature, what you can and cannot bring, and tips if you have kids)
  • Easy, high reward things to do above ground, including wildlife drives, a short scenic hike, and a quick trip to Hot Springs

    • Your task for today: Have you been to Wind Cave National Park? Tell us what you loved, and share your best photos (because this park is famously hard to photograph!). Head over to our post on the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram page and share with us!

    Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/exploring-wind-cave-national-park-best-tips-activities/ 

    Planning your own Wind Cave National Park adventure?

    • Dirt in My Shoes South Dakota Itinerary: https://shop.dirtinmyshoes.com/products/south-dakota-itinerary 
    • Dirt In My Shoes Wind Cave National Park Planning Resources: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/wind-cave-national-park/ 
    • Episode 29: The Black Hills (Wind Cave, Custer State Park, Wind Cave, and more!): https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/29-the-black-hills-wind-cave-custer-state-park-jewel-cave-and-more/ 
    • Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/
    • National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/ 
    • Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/
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