We visited this park during the pandemic, and for this reason we were unable to enter the cave. It is sad, but it is for the best for now. To make up for the lack of cave exploration, we found something else to do. If you find yourself near this park while the cave is closed, you can still get a unique experience.
1. Walk to the Natural Entrance of the Cave
The natural entrance to the cave is near the visitor center, and it is all that humanity had seen of the cave until it was explored in the recent years (recent in the grand scheme of humanity). The natural entrance itself is small, roughly the size of a basketball, but the winds that blow out from the entrance is impressive. It feels similar to a box fan in your bedroom window on a cool night. The native Lakota tribe has an emergence story that explains how humanity ultimately came to be on the surface of the earth, and this natural entrance served as a spiritual place for them.
2. Take a Walk on the Prairie Vista Nature Trail
This trail is a 1 mile loop that starts at the picnic area near the visitor center. The trail passes by the natural entrance to the cave, so you are already partly done with the loop once you reach the cave. The trail ascends steeply to a prairie with some beautiful views of the surrounding hills. There are a number of interpretive signs along the trail that explain the biodiversity of the prairie landscape that goes unnoticed by the average visitor, as well as the history of the native tribes. While walking this trail and taking in the views, it is easy to let your mind wander to imagine the experience of the native Americans that once roamed the lands, following the bison herds.
3. Eat Lunch at the Picnic Area
If you only have time for lunch, the picnic area is a great place to do it. There is a pit toilet on site, complete with toilet paper and sanitizer. There is also a place to refill water, making it an ideal lunch spot for travelers. Before lunch take some time to visit the natural cave entrance and walk the mile loop that starts and ends at the picnic area.