We had a few failed attempts to visit caves during our last wonder. This time, success! We arrived at Wind Caves National Park 20 minutes prior to a tour that had availability 😊.
The word of the tour was 'Wow!' Every corner we turned or steps we climbed, there was another amazing site. Pictures do not do it justice but I will share some of the most striking
Wind Cave became a national park in 1903 and the cave covers 44 acres with 152 miles of known passages. They are still exploring about 4 new miles every year! The cave is 653 ft deep although the deepest we went was only 238 ft down. 450 total steps over the quarter mile tour. It is well lit as the guide gives us information about the early candle lit tours. As it turns out, it wasn't uncommon for the candles to burn out. Then the guide turned the lights out. So much darkness you could not see your hand in front of your face!
We stayed that night in Blue Bell campground in Custer State Park. Nice place with way more people than we have been use to. Glad we were nestled in the hills as a wind storm came through that night
As we left the park, we made a quick stop at The State Game Lodge where prior presidents took summer residence. The place was beautiful and the stone fireplace featuring rock formations that we had just found in the Wind Cave.
I loved our 2nd trip to the black hills and hope to return again in our next wanders. On towards Billings, MT!
See you on the road.
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