The Black Hills of South Dakota houses numerous underground caves that are fun to explore. You’ll find some of the longest caves in the world here, with miles of passageways and large rooms. Whether you are an adventurous spelunker or a beginner, you can enjoy accessing them through tight spaces, stairways, or steep trails. The cave interiors will leave you utterly stunned once you enter them. Besides stalagmites and stalactites, they also feature unique boxwork formations. Various guided tours will enlighten you with the knowledge of the history and geology of the place. In addition to spelunking, you can keep yourself busy with other pleasurable activities like hiking, wildlife watching, and gemstone mining to complete a day full of adventure.
Jewel Cave, beneath the Black Hills, is the third-longest cave in the world, with more than 200 miles of mapped passageways. It is truly a jewel comprising colorful geological rocks like glistening calcite crystals, parallel strands of gypsum, and other jaw-dropping formations. Guided tours like Historic Lantern Tour, Scenic Tour, or Discovery Tours will give you access to each section of the cave through tight crawlways, steep stairways, and dark fissures. If possible, arrive early to purchase the tickets as these tours sell out by mid-day. It is pretty cool inside as the temperature remains below 50° F year-round.
Other activities: You can enjoy hiking the surrounding trails that provide opportunities to view blooming wildflowers and wildlife species. Kids can also learn more about the cave in a fun way by participating in the Junior Ranger Program.
Hours of operation: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
On the state’s southwestern side, Wind Cave National Park features a large underground cave. A ranger-guided tour from the visitor center provides opportunities to explore the deep passages. It leads to some attractive chambers, including Post Office and the Elks Room. Here you will be able to witness unique honeycombed-pattern calcite formations called boxwork, beautifying the cave walls. The cave remains cool throughout the year with a temperature of about 53° F. Wearing layered clothes is highly recommended. Make sure to visit here early to purchase the tickets beforehand as the tours sell out quickly.
Other activities: As the cave is a part of Black Hills near Hot Springs, it is common to see bison and elks on the surrounding prairie lands. Other than wildlife watching, you can spend time hiking and backcountry camping. Kids, too, can enjoy by being involved in Junior Ranger Programs.
Hours of operation: 24 hours
Located in the Black Hills, Wonderland Cave is home to some of the most stunning geological wonders including stalactites, stalagmites, boxwork, flowstones and frost crystals. A guided tour will take you down the passages to well-lit rooms. However, there are steep stairs that many might find difficult to climb. It is advisable to put on a pair of comfortable shoes and also a jacket as the cave maintains a temperature of around 47° F all year round. Also, do keep in mind that it remains open only seasonally from May through October every year.
Other activities: You can visit the gift shop that sells pretty items of gems and other mineral rocks. Just outside it, there are picnic tables where you can enjoy a meal.
Hours of operation: 9 am to 5 pm
These Community Caves, also known as WildCat Caverns, are within Spearfish Canyon, requiring a short, steep but rewarding hike to access them. Do wear sturdy hiking shoes to traverse along the loose rocks and steep inclines. Once you make your way to the site, you will be greeted with a seasonal waterfall trickling down near the cave openings. In winter, it is a frozen beauty to admire. The limestone caverns are beautiful formations, and you can also enjoy the sweeping vistas of the surroundings from here. If you enjoy rock climbing, don’t miss scrambling up the cave to get more impressive views.
Other activities: There are many trails around the canyon area that you can enjoy hiking.
Hours of operation: 24 hours
Rushmore Cave is a 3600-foot long limestone cave near Rushmore National Memorial in Rush Mountain Adventure Park. You can enjoy taking the Scenic Walking Tour, which is approximately one hour in length. With the help of a guide, you will get an insight into the cave history and geology while exploring the interiors. Many narrow passageways lead to larger rooms filled with spectacular stalactite formations.
Adventure-seekers can opt for the Spelunking Adventure Tours, where you will have to belly crawl your way through tight spaces. However, this is not for the faint hearts and be prepared to go through 10″ x 22″ space to qualify for it. It’ll take about 2 ½ hours to complete the trip, and expect to be covered in dirt. These tours are available only in June and July.
Putting on a pair of rubber-soled shoes would help you walk over the uneven and damp cave floors. Also, wearing a sweater or a light jacket is advisable as the temperature inside remains a constant 58° F.
Other activities: There are many fun-filled rides to enjoy in the adventure park like zip rides, roller coaster rides, and many more. You can also indulge in gemstone mining or enjoy your meals at Sparky’s Snackitorium.
Hours of operation: 9 am to 5 pm
Sitting Bull Crystal Caverns is a magnificent limestone cave near Mount Rushmore, well-known for the giant dogtooth calcite formations. There are steep, narrow metal staircases leading to the cave floor. Though it was initially open to the public for a long time, it is now closed with the change of ownership.
Ludlow Cave is a well-known site in the rugged fields of Cave Hills (North) within Custer-Gallatin National Forest. They are famous especially for the petroglyphs, carved by the Native Americans a long time ago. It held sacred meanings to them. Unfortunately, over the years, it has been vandalized by graffiti.
Other activities: You can enjoy wildlife watching, nature gazing, and picnicking in the neighboring areas. Camping options are also available in the North Cave Hills in Picnic Spring Campground.
Hours of operation: 24 hours
Bethlehem Cave is a little old cave in the Black Hills. It was earlier open to the public. However, with the change of ownership, the cave is permanently closed now. It has an impressive collection of stunning speleothems adorning the walls and ceilings. Some of them worth mentioning are stalagmites, stalactites, onyx, dogtooth spar, and geodic crystals. When it was open, it was well-lit consisting of seven rooms and several passages.
TOP PICKS
Best Caves with Waterfalls: Spearfish Community Caves
Best Underground Caves: Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Wonderland Cave
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