It seems as though we have an endless number of natural wonders here in South Dakota. Here's a little gem hidden up a canyon near Sturgis that you'll enjoy. Check it out!
Wonderland Cave is located in Sturgis, in Vanocker Canyon.
To find it, take exit 32 off I-90. The address is 12634 Alpine Road.
Stop in and sign up for a tour. Wonderland Cave offers tours every 15-20 minutes. You can also get a treat at the gift shop while you wait, or after you're done with your cave tour.
To get down into the cave, you'll descend several flights of stairs - 110 steps in all.
But once you reach the bottom, you'll be treated to views like this. This 60 million year old cave was hidden away for a long time, but the wait was worth it!
Though Native Americans certainly knew of the cave's existence, it wasn't discovered by white men until 1929. General Custer even passed right by it in 1879, without even knowing it was here.
Since the 1930s, explorers discovered many more rooms. Now, the cave has more than two dozen rooms to explore on your tour.
You'll see a huge variety of formations here, and the friendly, humorous tour guide will tell you all about them.
Pass by little pools of water.
You'll see crystal formations, too.
Wonderland Cave maintains a constant temperature of 47 degrees. You'll want to bring a jacket for your tour.
This cave truly is a wonderland and well worth the canyon drive. Make plans to visit this summer.
Wonderland Cave is open from May through October, seven days a week. In May, visit from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; From June through October, hours are 8:00 am to 7:00 pm.
If you've visited this cave, we'd love to hear your feedback in the comments!
Here's another cool roadside attraction in our state - take a look.
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