Back in the 1800’s there is no physical evidence to indicate that Indians used the cavern, but they undoubtedly knew about its existence from artifacts found. In 1874 General Custer on his first expedition through the Black Hills passed below the cavern unaware of its location in the Limestone cliffs above. Not until 1929 when a search for a lost dog led two loggers to the upper room of the cavern
was Wonderland Cave brought to light. That same year the two men tried to mine in the cave for Gold, the search lasted for a year before they began work on the cavern taking the first commercial tours during the summer of 1930. Over the years extensive exploration and development took place to open more than two dozen rooms that are featured in Beautiful Wonderland Cave. Formations found in Wonderland Cave are Stalactites, Stalagmites, Dogtooth Spar Crystals, Column Formations, Helictites, Lobulites, better known as Popcorn Crystal and frost Crystals. Calcite Lily Pads, Ribbon Stalactites, Boxwork Crystals, Flowstone and many more. Stop in for a nice cool underground tour for a break from the hot pavement of Sturgis!
