Wind Cave NP & Custer SP
Wind Cave NP and Custer State Park border each other and although they are very different with a different offering I chose to combine them. We visited them at the same time and as far as Im concerned…… they should both be the same park.
NP Signs- There are a few call outs I’d like to address here. My wife is the greatest travel partner and she always takes my picture at the entrance signs. She also wants this over as quickly as possible and displays the enthusiasm of a child at bath time. This is a perfect example; my hair looks terrible, my mouth is hanging open and my arm is resting in what looks like pterodactyl dung. After much exploring we discovered no pterodactyl’s at the park, perhaps we missed them or they had flown south for the winter?
The Needles- All shades of granite formations sprout up from the earth and glisten as the sun hits off of them. They put on a show of sparkling luminous as you move. The hiking paths are not made from gravel but that same granite from those formations only crushed down and spread around evenly. It takes a great hike from great to better.
Interesting formation- Yes I know Im a child for this picture but what was I supposed to do?
Wildlife- Give me a home where the buffalo roam. The symbolic image of a Buffalo is as American as a bald eagle in my eyes. It is a reminder of our past both good and bad and hold a heavy load in my heart. They tell the story of the west and the dream of opportunity, the innocence of our once pure land. They also tell about the introduction of the repeating rifle and our endless quest for expansion. They say all of this without so much as muttering one word. When I see these magnificent animals I am drawn to the them, they are gentle and beautiful but they can sometimes be unpredictable and are capable of mauling or killing you with so little effort. They are just like us, they are America and I love them.
Changing Seasons- The most popular time of year to visit all the national parks is obviously the summer. With schools out and bored children needing something to occupy their time besides sitting inside and playing video games it makes sense to go then. If given the opportunity I suggest the other 3 seasons, you get less people and a different perspective. We came here at the beginning of fall when the sun begins to set earlier and you can feel the chill at night. Magnificent!
Custer State Park Map- This is the official park map given in the brochure at the entrance to the park.
Wind Cave National Park Map- This is the official park map in the brochure from the NPS.
