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:

Available on Spotify, Apple and Amazon