Miles: 3,500ish
Locations: Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument, Black Hills, South Dakota
Boxwork in Wind Cave |
The day began with a cave tour of Jewel Cave. I use the term "caving" very loosely; its a guided tour on stairs and trails that have been constructed inside the cave. Nevertheless it was fascinating to find out that Jewel Cave is the 2nd longest cave in the world at 150 miles AND COUNTING! Jewel Cave is STILL being explored and they theorize that 5%-10% has been explored. To me, this is unfathomable. The length of the cave is somewhat misleading because the cave is not one straight tube. In fact, its a complex network of chambers stacked on top of each other like a building. So in reality, the 150 miles of the cave are all within 3 square miles. The cave tour is interesting and informative, but doesn't even scrape the surface of whats really there (no pun intended)
Strange Formations |
Wind Cave is the 4th longest cave in the world at 130 miles and counting. Both caves are very similar but Wind Cave has different formations. Also, it is more compact; the entire cave is within 1 square mile. I did think it a little funny that you take an elevator down into the cave for the tours. Unfortunately I did not get many good pictures from either cave.
Hailstorms! |
A word about wildlife viewing. The key word is WILD-life. People think bison and elk are like farm animals: docile and easy to pet. A bison is a 2-ton animal that can run twice as fast as you. When I came across the bison herd, I was at least 1,000 yards away and I felt like I was too close. Bison and elk can be very territorial and can be every bit as dangerous as bears. Do not run towards nor approach a bison!!!
Appropriate Distance |
1 Comment
South Dakota Office of Tourism
May 11, 2011 @ 16:47
So glad to hear that you were enjoying your time in South Dakota. Aren't the caves amazing? I am always blown away about the amount of the cave that actually has been explored as well.
Hope that you enjoyed your time in South Dakota. Did you make it up to Harney Peak?
Best,
Katlyn Richter
South Dakota Department of Tourism
http://www.travelsd.com
@travelsd
Facebook – South Dakota Tourism