By now, you know that there are a few national parks to visit in South Dakota. But did you know that we are also home to one of the OLDEST national parks in America? Can you guess which park is the oldest? Make your guess now and read on as we discover this terrific destination:
Nestled 10 miles away from the town of Hot Springs, Wind Cave National Park is a 33,847-acre paradise that is home to some of the best all-natural wonders in South Dakota!
Flickr/jb10okie
Established in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt, Wind Cave National Park is America’s seventh designated park (behind the likes of Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Mount Rainier) that is rich in Native American history…
Wikimedia Commons Though the area was not discovered/documented by white settlers until the early 1800s, it is believed that the native Lakota were once residents of the Park.
… wildlife …
Flickr/dconvertini Bison, elk, prairie dogs, and antelope? The gang is all here at Wind Cave!
…and the pièce de résistance: its namesake Wind Cave.
Flickr/South Dakota
Located below the never-ending prairie, Wind Cave is the 6th-longest cave in the world (at 140 miles) and is home to a whopping 95 percent of the world’s discovered boxwork formations!
Flickr/David Fulmer
What is a boxwork formation? It’s a type of rare mineral structure that is made up of thin blades of calcite, which results in the pictured honeycomb-looking pattern.
Flickr/Lodahln
In addition to being one of the world’s largest, Wind Cave is also the densest cave in the world, often being referred to as a 3-D maze cave.
TripAdvisor/diaq
Reservations to tour the famed Wind Cave (which vary from Historic Candlelight Tours to regular walk-throughs) can be made by calling the National Park Service at 605-745-4600.
TripAdvisor/Jennifer H
So, what are your favorite national parks to visit in South Dakota? Tell us in the comments below.
Flickr/jb10okie
Wikimedia Commons
Though the area was not discovered/documented by white settlers until the early 1800s, it is believed that the native Lakota were once residents of the Park.
Flickr/dconvertini
Bison, elk, prairie dogs, and antelope? The gang is all here at Wind Cave!
Flickr/South Dakota
Flickr/David Fulmer
Flickr/Lodahln
TripAdvisor/diaq
TripAdvisor/Jennifer H
And while visiting the area, make sure to also check out the seven best hikes in South Dakota’s Wind Cave National Park.
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Address: Wind Cave National Park Visitor Center, 26611 US-385, Hot Springs, SD 57747, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
National Parks to Visit In South Dakota August 12, 2022 Melanie J. What are the best parks in South Dakota? South Dakota boasts six national parks — a few of which are nationally recognized monuments and attractions. While these parks are great and attract millions of visitors each year, there are state parks in South Dakota that are worthy of a visit. One of the best parks in the state is Lake Herman State Park. It’s located on a peninsula with incredible views of the lake and visitors can enjoy all the fun recreational activities. This includes camping, fishing, boating, and more. Another great park that is worth a visit is Custer State Park. Home to the beautiful pristine Sylvan Lake, this state park is absolutely stunning. You can enjoy camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, and more. Additionally, you’ll love seeing the bison, deer, elk, and coyotes along the Wildlife Loop Road Trail. If you enjoy scenic vistas and chasing waterfalls, then you must visit Roughlock Falls Nature Area. This beautiful oasis is a playground for nature enthusiasts. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the beauty of this park. What are the best hiking trails in South Dakota? When it comes to hiking, South Dakota has many different landscapes that will suit all outdoor enthusiasts. And some of the best hiking trails are found within the park system. One of which is the Notch Trail which is located inside Badlands National Park. On this trail, you will trek through incredible cannons that lead to spectacular views of the White River Valley. This 1.5-mile out-and-back trail is somewhat challenging and will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. Another equally stunning trail is Black Elk Peak Loop. This 7-mile trail meanders through Custer State Park. You’ll love seeing the incredible vistas of the Black Hills from the highest point in the state. Here are some more hiking trails in South Dakota that you should trek.
The OIYS Visitor Center
National Parks to Visit In South Dakota
August 12, 2022
Melanie J.
What are the best parks in South Dakota? South Dakota boasts six national parks — a few of which are nationally recognized monuments and attractions. While these parks are great and attract millions of visitors each year, there are state parks in South Dakota that are worthy of a visit. One of the best parks in the state is Lake Herman State Park. It’s located on a peninsula with incredible views of the lake and visitors can enjoy all the fun recreational activities. This includes camping, fishing, boating, and more. Another great park that is worth a visit is Custer State Park. Home to the beautiful pristine Sylvan Lake, this state park is absolutely stunning. You can enjoy camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, and more. Additionally, you’ll love seeing the bison, deer, elk, and coyotes along the Wildlife Loop Road Trail. If you enjoy scenic vistas and chasing waterfalls, then you must visit Roughlock Falls Nature Area. This beautiful oasis is a playground for nature enthusiasts. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the beauty of this park. What are the best hiking trails in South Dakota? When it comes to hiking, South Dakota has many different landscapes that will suit all outdoor enthusiasts. And some of the best hiking trails are found within the park system. One of which is the Notch Trail which is located inside Badlands National Park. On this trail, you will trek through incredible cannons that lead to spectacular views of the White River Valley. This 1.5-mile out-and-back trail is somewhat challenging and will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. Another equally stunning trail is Black Elk Peak Loop. This 7-mile trail meanders through Custer State Park. You’ll love seeing the incredible vistas of the Black Hills from the highest point in the state. Here are some more hiking trails in South Dakota that you should trek.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
South Dakota boasts six national parks — a few of which are nationally recognized monuments and attractions. While these parks are great and attract millions of visitors each year, there are state parks in South Dakota that are worthy of a visit. One of the best parks in the state is Lake Herman State Park. It’s located on a peninsula with incredible views of the lake and visitors can enjoy all the fun recreational activities. This includes camping, fishing, boating, and more. Another great park that is worth a visit is Custer State Park. Home to the beautiful pristine Sylvan Lake, this state park is absolutely stunning. You can enjoy camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, and more. Additionally, you’ll love seeing the bison, deer, elk, and coyotes along the Wildlife Loop Road Trail. If you enjoy scenic vistas and chasing waterfalls, then you must visit Roughlock Falls Nature Area. This beautiful oasis is a playground for nature enthusiasts. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the beauty of this park.
What are the best hiking trails in South Dakota?
When it comes to hiking, South Dakota has many different landscapes that will suit all outdoor enthusiasts. And some of the best hiking trails are found within the park system. One of which is the Notch Trail which is located inside Badlands National Park. On this trail, you will trek through incredible cannons that lead to spectacular views of the White River Valley. This 1.5-mile out-and-back trail is somewhat challenging and will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. Another equally stunning trail is Black Elk Peak Loop. This 7-mile trail meanders through Custer State Park. You’ll love seeing the incredible vistas of the Black Hills from the highest point in the state. Here are some more hiking trails in South Dakota that you should trek.
