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SCOUTING YESTERDAY | Spearfish Canyon 'ice mine' sparked hopes of next Wind Cave

SCOUTING YESTERDAY | Spearfish Canyon 'ice mine' sparked hopes of next Wind Cave

This week in South Dakota history: Aug. 1-7

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Dan Gehlsen
Aug 06, 2025
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The Dakota Scout
The Dakota Scout
SCOUTING YESTERDAY | Spearfish Canyon 'ice mine' sparked hopes of next Wind Cave
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The first Wind Cave visitor center. US National Park Service

In the summer of 1925, a road crew carving through Spearfish Canyon struck something unexpected: a blast of freezing air and a slab of ice buried deep beneath the stone, according to the Aug. 7, 1925, edition of the Lead Daily Call.

Locals soon buzzed with excitement. Could this mysterious “ice mine” be the Black Hills’ next Wind Cave? As work paused and crowds gathered, hope swelled that this chilly curiosity might become South Dakota’s newest natural wonder.

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