Wind Cave or Jewel Cave in SD?
 

We're staying in Custer, SD in the Black Hills for two days. We have two boys age 12 and 15. Which is more interesting - Wind or Jewel cave? Any suggestions for good places to eat in Custer? Thanks!

We did Wind Cave with an 8 year old (a little easier to impress than teenagers), and we all liked it. However, I was a little disappointed in the garbage cans and paved path, having visited more "rustic" caves before without such touches of civilization. The highlight of my visit to Wind Cave NP was seeing all the prairie dogs in a field near the cave. We didn't make Jewel Cave, so I can't comment.

Wind Cave is one of the country's least visited national parks. Besides the cave tour, it has great rolling prairie grassland area for hiking, and a bison herd. The cave has unique features only found in that area of country: I think it's honeycombing boxwork formations? History of cave is interesting. Also around the area is the Wild Horse Sanctuary and the Mammoth Site.<BR><BR>However, I enjoyed Jewel Cave a little more: I thought it was less confining, and you follow a vein/ribbon of dogtooth spar crystals throughout the tour. (And I think I remember that it is larger than Wind Cave -- second only to Mammoth Cave?) There is also an interesting hike around the hill outcropping area.<BR><BR>And don't bypass Custer State Park... if you have to bypass either of the caves to do this park, you must! It should have been a national park, but while congress was disputing it, the state snatched it up, and wisely so. Bison herd, rock formations, lakes, mountains, views of Rushmore in distance, Needles Highway, lodges, etc.<BR><BR>In Custer downtown you will also be a few miles from the Crazy Horse Mountain sculpture-in-progress and Native American Museum. If your kids like art, they will appreciate the sculptor's studio and other works he did.<BR><BR>Eating in Custer, hmmmm. I think it's mostly dining fare along the lines of motel restaurants. But we didn't hit any of the other smaller pubs on main street.<BR><BR>Best travels!

Marcy:<BR><BR>We too visited Wind Cave when we took a trip in 1995. Just as Jenny said, the paved path and trash cans detracted from the overall cave "expirence" but (as did the yellow tape of the edge of the stairways down/up), probably necessary evils if they walk thousands through each year. It was just my husband and I, so I cannot comment on how interesting it would be for a 15 yr old. Driving through Custer State Park was fun...seeing the wild burros and all the prarie dogs...definately a Kodak moment.<BR><BR>We did not go to Jewel Cave so I cannot comment on that.<BR><BR>Have a great trip!<BR><BR>Sheli

I like Wind Cave, and my kids did too. sometimes it is messy just like others, but that in my opinion is from tourists. Sometimes the public is messy!<BR><BR>about 7 miles from Wind Cave is Hot Springs, SD. They have a wonderful plunge/pool called Evans Plunge. Kids love this place. On the other side of town is the Mammoth Site and it's very interesting for kids. Adults too. <BR><BR>I'm not saying don't go to Jewel, as I have been to both, but use your own judgement and be sure to go to Mount Rushmore!!! <BR><BR>If you want a fancy place to eat, I would drive up to Deadwood and go to the Midnight Star, upstairs it's a great place. I'm not sure if they let kids in there or not. There are a lot of steakhouses in the area, and some great hamburger places too. I prefer the little mom and pop places as we get good meals!!<BR><BR>Enjoy your trip!