A Night at Wind Cave National Park

It was still the last days of September, before the National Parks shutdown, when we left Rapid City and made our way to Wind Cave National Park near Hot Springs, SD. As we entered the park, we were surprised there were no checkpoints, and, indeed, there don't seem to be any entry points. We saw trucks using the roads to travel through the park area. I read on another blog that one can still drive through, that the government hasn't gone out of its way to barricade the entrance, as they have some other NPS sites. Perhaps it's because of the traffic that uses the park to get from point A to B.

We made our way to the campground, where we found a spot for the night. We enjoyed a nice fire while we listened to the elk bugling just over the ridge, so near we thought we could see them if only it weren't dark. It sure is starting to get dark early, and we are conscious of the need to get further south before we find ourselves caught in the approaching winter weather.

The next morning, Jan and Damien went on one of the cave tours. There was a fee for that; Jan was half-price with his Senior pass, and Damien was charged the reduced youth fee. I stayed with the dogs and readied the trailer to go, perfectly happy to do so. My going would have doubled the fees, and I don't need to go to every cave.

The caves are remarkable for their size and also for their multiple levels. Several tours through the extensive system are offered, but at this time of year, only one tour was available. Above ground, there are thriving bison and prairie dog communities.

Some people just don't heed the wildlife warnings.