South Dakota Vacation Guide 2011 - (Page 189)

black hills, badlands & lakes region It’s a magical world underground has vanished have only to look beneath their feet! Circling the Black Hills like a racetrack, a belt of Paha Sapa limestone laced with underground caverns comprises the second-longest cave system in the world. Of the 72 known calcite crystal caves on the planet, 68 of them are right here. Two of the world’s longest caves are found right here in the Black Hills. Jewel Cave, with more than 150 miles of mapped passageways, is listed by spelunking explorers as the second longest in the world. Wind Cave, at 132 miles, is ranked fourth longest in the world. T Cave tours offer a visitor experience unlike almost anything else in nature. Within the short span of an hour, you are taken into a cool, exotic world where dripping water, sparkling hose who believe that the frontier crystals and decorated corridors reveal the unseen wonders of this Underground Wilderness. Seven “show caves” in the region have been developed with lighting, easy routes and guided interpretation. In addition to Jewel Cave National Monument and Wind Cave National Park, tours are available at fi ve private Black Hills caves: Rushmore Cave near Keystone; Beautiful Wonderland Cave near Nemo; Black Hills Caverns and Black Hills Caves are known for their rare formations, ranging from massive to small and delicate. Crystal Cave, both on Highway 44 at Rapid City; and Sitting Bull Crystal Cave on Mount Rushmore Road. Most tours are around one half mile in length and take about one hour. Some caves offer candlelight and spelunking tours. Black Hills caves are renowned for their abundance of rare formations, exquisitely decorated rooms and (Continues on Page 190) 189 http://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/bcl http://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/bcl http://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/holex http://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/holex

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of South Dakota Vacation Guide 2011

South Dakota Vacation Guide 2011
Contents
Overview
Getting Here, Getting Around
Information Centers
State Facts
Tourism Regions
Places of Interest
Public Campgrounds and Recreation Areas
Vacation Ideas
Southeast Region: A slice of South Dakota charm
Glacial Lakes & Prairies Region: Stories from the frontier
Great Lakes Region: Land of the mighty Missouri
Black Hills, Badlands & Lakes Region: Enchanting mountain getaway
Black Hills map
Index

South Dakota Vacation Guide 2011

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