You are here

Home » Record Number Toured Wind Cave National Park's Underground In 2015
Share

Record Number Toured Wind Cave National Park's Underground In 2015

Published Date

January 18, 2016

A modern-day record number of visitors went underground at Wind Cave National Park in 2015/NPS

A number of National Park System units saw record visitation last year, and among them was Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota, where more than 109,000 visitors went underground.

That number, 109,335, reflects a nearly 10 percent increase in cave tours over 2014, according to park staff. It also marks the most people through the cave since 1971, before tours were limited to 40 people.

“This year the National Park Service is celebrating its centennial, and we’re encouraging everyone to Find Your Park. Many people found their park here last year, and we’re looking forward to the possibility of breaking this record again this year,” said Wind Cave Superintendent Vidal Dávila.

Rangers, park guides, and interns led 3,769 tours through Wind Cave last year for visitors from throughout the world. Just more than 70 percent of the visitation occurred between June 1 and September 1. The busiest days were Tuesdays and Wednesdays and any day that it rained.

In an era when tour sizes were not limited, 1968 saw the highest annual cave tour visitation with 138,348 people through the cave, according to park records. The park’s largest tour on record, 210 people, occurred in 1966 on a tour that nowadays would have been limited to 40 people. Because of limiting tour sizes and rerouting Highway 385 to by-pass the park visitor center, park staff believe the historic 1968 figure will never be exceeded.

Related Stories:

Where To Go Caving In The National Park System
A Day In The Park: Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave Tours To Resume With Upgraded Elevator

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Donate Popup

The National Parks Traveler keeps you informed on how politics impact national parks and protected areas.

Become a sustaining member.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.