South Dakota Vacation Guide 2011 - (Page 190)
black hills, badlands & lakes region
Magical World
(Continued from Page 189)
passages and their mazelike
interconnections. Formations
range from massive
to small and delicate. Some
of the common formations
are stalagmites, columns,
spiraling helectites, flowstone,
ribbon-like draperies,
frostwork, boxwork and
cave popcorn.
Prevalent are translu-
cent calcite crystals that
line the walls, floors and
ceilings. Most of these
features were created by
mineral-laden water seeping
through cave channels.
They are found in rooms,
which are connected by
underground canyons.
Both Jewel Cave and
Wind Cave offer their own
distinct cave formations.
There are some rare and
unusual formations at
Jewel Cave—hydromagnesite
balloons—fragile silvery
bubbles only an inch or so
in diameter—and moonmilk,
a powdery substance
resembling cottage cheese.
Each cave offers its own
unique formations and a
different perspective on the
underground cavern system,
so visit as many as you
can while you’re here!
Enjoy nature’s artistry,
but please don’t touch —
the formations are fragile
and irreplaceable! Nature
began her handiwork in the
Black Hills’ caves 60 million
years ago, and the process
continues today. What took
millions of years to create
will take millions of years to
reproduce.
Temperatures down in
the caves average about 50
degrees. A light jacket and
low-heeled, rubber-soled
shoes are recommended. n
190
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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
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com