South Dakota is a haven for underground adventures, with more than 100 known caves and counting. Two standouts are Jewel Cave National Monument, the world’s third-longest cave, with miles of tunnels still unexplored, and Wind Cave National Park, famed for its labyrinthine chambers and cultural significance as a sacred site for the Lakota.
In this episode, host Brian Thacker journeys beneath the Black Hills for hands-on spelunking into the depths of Jewel Cave. Listen to the stories of pioneer explorer Chris Pelczarski as the team crawls through narrow passages where time stands still. Then, follow Brian to Wind Cave National Park, where park ranger Sina Bear Eagle shares the Lakota Emergence Story and its deep spiritual meaning.
You’ll hear from:
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Chris Pelczarski and Adam Weaver from Black Hills Cave and Nature Conservancy
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Sina Bear Eagle from Wind Cave National Park
These environments are particularly fun to explore because they are so undisturbed. In many cases, we are accessing places that human beings have never been ... there's mud without footprints.
”Featured Locations
Jewel Cave National Monument
Once thought to be about 2 miles long, Jewel Cave was eventually discovered to be one of the world's longest caves, with more than 220 miles of winding passages. Explore this geological wonder on a ranger-led tour, from scenic cave walks to the thrilling Wild Caving Tour, complete with headlamp and hardhat.
Wind Cave National Park
Located near Hot Springs, Wind Cave was the first cave designated as a national park and contains one of the longest and most complex subterranean systems in the world. Above ground, nearly 34,000 acres of rolling prairieland and forested hills shelter roaming wildlife like bison and elk. Experience it all on hiking trails and guided tours.
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