Wind Cave of Jewel Cave South Dakota

[Roy_Lynne]

Grandma, Great Grandma and two boys traveling cross country. Boys are 8 and 11. Has anyone been to both and have a favorite? Thanks in advance.

[dieseltruckdriv]

Since you asked.....
Wind Cave is a NP. Jewel Cave is a National Monument, and has as good if not a better tour, but Wind Cave has some unique features. You have the opportunity to see much more wildlife in Wind Cave than the wildlife loop in Custer SP, but it also depends on the day. In my opinion, it nearly ranks with Yellowstone for wildlife viewing opportunities, but get off the paved road, and take some gravel in the park.
Wind Cave has turned in to my favorite NP, and I haven't done a cave tour for several years. While you are there, you owe it to yourself and the kids to see the Mammoth Site in nearby Hot Springs. Also the kids would love Evans Plunge, also in Hot Springs, a natural warm spring fed indoor pool.

[donkeydew]

Roy&Lynne wrote:
Thanks all. We have time for both, but Great isn't up for 'strenuous' so maybe we will see how interested the grand kids are in the Wind Cave tour and then if fascinated, go to Jewel. Thanks for the Wildlife loop suggestion. We will certainly do that.

on the wildlife loop be sure to take a bag of carrots with you as you will be "held-up" by a herd of wild donkeys that demand a toll to get by.

[Roy_Lynne]

Thanks all. We have time for both, but Great isn't up for 'strenuous' so maybe we will see how interested the grand kids are in the Wind Cave tour and then if fascinated, go to Jewel. Thanks for the Wildlife loop suggestion. We will certainly do that.

[chuckbear]

Been to both and loved them both. Chuck

[Corky12]

The NPS website for each cave explains the different tours available. I've been to both. Each has something to recommend it. Jewel Cave tours are much more strenuous and require a bit of physical fitness.

[Skyberg01]

Wind Cave

[Rangerman40]

Wind Cave.... and while you are there hit Custer State Park and do the Wildlife loop and drive the Needles Highway. It butts up to Wind Cave.

[donkeydew]

we also preferred wind cave.

[Crowe]

Been to both and prefer Wind Cave.

[GeoBoy]

We have only been to Wind Cave NP and it is a nice cave tour.