R`ID CITY, SD (KEVN) – Tourism is South Dakota’s second-largest industry, generating approximately $361 million in revenue in 2022. Wind Cave National Park generates a significant portion of that revenue at approximately $53 million.
The National Park Service determined that more than 600,000 visitors came to Wind Cave National Park in 2022. The money these visitors spent is enough to support 741 jobs in the area. Wind Cave’s head of interpretation says revenue from visitor spending exceeds revenue the park receives.
“For every dollar that Congress invests in national parks, it adds ten dollars to the economy of the country.” So we’re a great place to visit to learn more about the history of the United States, but we’re also a strong one economic engine for Gateway communities and the country as a whole,” said Tom Farrel.
Don Frankfort has seen the impact during his 55 years at the park and believes the best part about being a ranger is educating people.
“I think the most important thing about providing this service is that people leave feeling that places like this matter… that these places have meaning, whether it’s here or in a national park unit that should be close to their hearts.” That it’s the kind of place that maybe their own kids or even grandkids visit because they have fond memories of it,” Frankfort said.
It’s the memories, the reminiscence of past visits and sharing with families that keeps people coming back.
“Well they like to see the cave, it’s a unique area, it’s the sixth largest cave in the world and has a formation called the boxwork, which is a honeycomb formation hanging from the walls and ceilings and this is where it was discovered. We have the best example of boxwork in the world.”
Tours of the cave are currently on hold while the elevator is repaired, but Farrel says the repairs should be complete by this fall.
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