This Underrated U.S. National Park Has One of the Longest and Most Complex Caves in the World

"Frequently billed as “two parks in one,” this South Dakota gem pairs wildlife viewing and prairie hikes above ground with one of the longest, most extensive cave systems below. The cave is a geological wonder with formations specific to Wind Cave—including rare boxwork—and more than 150 miles have been mapped, with exploration ongoing. It’s also considered the creation spot for the Lakota, with interpretive signs that share the Emergence Story. To see the cave you must join a guided tour (no general park entrance fee, but tour tickets start at $15 online); a few walk-up tickets are held back, so I suggest arriving early to try for the first tour—“You do not want to miss the tour.” The cave sits about 500 feet underground and stays a brisk 54°F year-round, so wear sturdy, non-slip shoes and bring a light jacket. Shorter options include the one-hour Garden of Eden tour (about a quarter-mile with close-up looks at boxwork, flowstone, and cave popcorn) and the Natural Entrance tour, which visits the largest opening—about 10 inches wide—where you may feel the cave “breathe”; Candlelight and Wild Cave tours run seasonally. I like spring and fall here: fall brings gold-and-yellow colors with wild sunflowers and changing aspen and birch, while spring is lush and green with newborn buffalo and blooming purple pasque. Plan ahead and pack lunch, as food service in nearby Hot Springs and Custer is limited and seasonal (they’re about 16 and 25 minutes from the visitor center), and if you’re combining the park with other area highlights, expect to spend three to four hours here. Above ground, keep an eye out for bison, prairie dogs, pronghorn, and—at sunrise or sunset—elk bugling near the eastern side of the park by Boland Ridge during the fall rut." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com.  Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines