While in the Black Hills, we went to Jewel Cave for Tigger’s first underground experience. I was excited to learn it’s the 2nd longest cave in the world, and it’s still being explored. There are several tours varying by your levels of adventurous spirit and claustrophobia. There are plenty of options for people who aren’t into crawling on their bellies under tons of rock. I’ve been in caverns before, but this was the first time I heard that they can estimate cave lengths by how it breathes.
From there we headed up to Bear Country USA. It’s mostly a drive-through park with everything from caribou, wolves, big horn sheep, bison, and of course tons of bears. If my car windows had been cleaner, I would’ve got better shots. I did cheat a couple of times when the only bears around were napping. After dodging big horns & caribou reacting to potential mates in heat, you can park and then walk around to get fairly close to all the park’s more recent arrivals. The mountain lion cubs were our favorite.
On our way back we took a bit of the longer way around to go through Custer State Park. My primary reason for going here was to see the wild bison herd that roams freely through the park. It doesn’t take long before you see them, and they are extremely unimpressed by vehicles. There are plenty of other wildlife as well, but the most fun are the famous begging burros.
As you approach a cattle guard, you’ll notice a pack of about a dozen burros standing nearby. As your car approaches, they quickly organize to block the path and surround your vehicle. It’s obvious they’ve been fed before. They stand at your windows patiently, although one began licking Tigger’s window which kind of unnerved him. I guess he didn’t know they’re vegetarian. It was funny to watch. Once you’re ready to go, just honk your horn. They’re very polite and move out of the way readily.
There is a lot more to discover in South Dakota. What would you advise visitors check out?
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Jade
18/01/2011 at 9:37 am (UTC 7) Link to this comment
Beautiful pictures and the caves look like something out of a sci-fi movie! – I can’t believe you took them in South Dakota!
Anonymous
18/01/2011 at 2:04 pm (UTC 7) Link to this comment
Thank you! Caverns look so other-worldly. The ones from Carlsbad Caverns look even freakier.
Francesca Folinazzo
18/01/2011 at 10:10 pm (UTC 7) Link to this comment
First of all, I love love love the path picture of Custer State Park! Secondly, I am quite fond of South Dakota. I drove through several times, stopping briefly here and there, but it’s one place – the Black Hills, especially – that I really want to see more of. Nice piece!
Anonymous
18/01/2011 at 11:43 pm (UTC 7) Link to this comment
Thanks! It has such rustic beauty, and the area is so varied. Definitely prime for exploring!
Anonymous
24/01/2011 at 5:04 pm (UTC 7) Link to this comment
When we traveled to Casper, Wyoming, we almost detoured to the Black Hills but chose Yellowstone instead. After seeing these pictures, I know we will have to add it to the itinerary next time we go back. I love that landscape photo!
Anonymous
24/01/2011 at 11:05 pm (UTC 7) Link to this comment
Thanks! When I spotted the way the light was hitting it, I had to pull over and get out of my car, bison or no. LOL It definitely is a beautiful place.
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16/01/2011 at 10:45 am (UTC 7) Link to this comment
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Talon Windwalker. Talon Windwalker said: **New post** Caverns, Custer, & Bears http://me.lt/7Mus #fb [...]
Travel Blogger Tuesday | Two Kids and a Map
25/01/2011 at 7:36 am (UTC 7) Link to this comment
[...] Caverns, Custer and Bears by 1 Dad 1 Kid – I love the story about the burros surrounding his car. After seeing the pictures and reading this post, I wish we hadn’t skipped a trip to the Black Hills while we were in Wyoming. We will definitely have to go back and explore! [...]