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Elevator Problems Halt Cave Tours At Wind Cave National Park

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By NPT Staff - July 3rd, 2019
Elevator problems have halted underground tours at Wind Cave National Park/NPS file

Elevator problems have halted underground tours at Wind Cave National Park/NPS file

Mechanical problems with the elevator at Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota have forced its shutdown pending repairs, and underground tours could be halted for more than a month, park staff say.

A park release didn't specify the problems, other than to say they were safety-related. How soon cave tours resume depends on how long it takes to order, manufacture, and install the necessary parts, the release said.

Wind Cave's visitor center remains open with rangers offering a variety of free interpretive programs. Exploration talks will be held on the half-hour from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. in the visitor center. These 20-minute programs tell the story of Wind Cave’s exploration and how it was surveyed. There will also be talks at the Natural Opening, located near the visitor center, on the hour from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. about the significance of Wind Cave to the Lakota people.

“There are still many things to see and do here,” said Superintendent Vidal Dávila. “We have rangers giving a variety of programs, including a children’s program at 8 p.m. and our 9 p.m. campfire program, both held nightly at the Elk Mountain Campground. Or visitors can spend some time wildlife watching.”

In addition, beginning Monday, July 8, there will be bird walks offered at 8:30 a.m. from the visitor center. Come with binoculars and a bird book if you have them. Be prepared for a 90-minute hike over level ground. Participants will learn some basic birding skills including keeping a checklist of birds seen while learning about the birds of the area. This walk is offered Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Rangers will be offering tours of the Sanson Ranch and Buffalo Jump on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, beginning Saturday, July 6. These three-hour tours of the Sanson Ranch and Buffalo Jump are approximately one-mile long, moderately strenuous, and will explore a historic bison jump and homestead. Participants should meet at the park visitor center at 8:30 a.m. dressed for the weather with water, sunscreen, hiking shoes, and insect repellant. Participants will then car caravan out to the Sanson Ranch. These programs may be canceled or modified to due poor weather or road conditions. Call the park at 605-745-4600 to confirm program availability.

Traveler postscript: Some additional stories for planning a Wind Cave or Jewel Cave National Monument visit in the future.

A Tale Of Two Caves: Going Underground at Wind Cave and Jewel Cave

Wind Cave, In the National Park, Is 150 Miles Long...And Counting

A Good Drive Through The Badlands

There's Plenty to See Above Ground at Wind Cave National Park

It Is The (Almost) Perfect Campground

Trails I've Hiked: Canyons Trail At Jewel Cave National Monument

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