We loved this adventure! I was skeptical at how the kids would handle it and was the one attraction that I was aprehensive about but it was AMAZING!! You HAVE to call ahead for tickets, that was recommended by people on this site and I did do that and it was definitely needed. When I went up to the window to get my tickets most of the people there were realizing that most of the tours were already sold out:( We took the Historic Lantern Tour and it was a memory for a lifetime for those kids. We had four children with us; 7 y/o girl, 10 y/o boy, and two 12 y/o girls. I was worried about the difficulty for the 7 y/o and wether she would freak out or not but she did great and led the charge through the whole thing, we were amazed!. Once you get into the Cave for the Lantern Tour they will give you the option of an easier tour or a more difficult challenging one. Dont be scared the difficult tour is very easy and manageable. They take it slow and I had no claustrophobic breakdowns. The tour before us voted on the easy path and the adults said it was dissapointing so make sure you push for the "Purgatory Path" Like most have already said, not everyone needs to hold a Lantern, the young kids have battery operated ones but the younger kids can suffice with parents holding it, so they can use they're hands to help pull them around. Our tour guide was very funny and a great experience.

I keep trying to like the caves in the black hills. I think, unless you are really into caves, stay on the surface. the areas around the caves can be spectacular however, especially wind cave. And of course if you need to keep the 5, 7, and 10 year olds entertained this should definately be on the itenerary. sorry about the spelling.

We took Scenic Tour: 1 hr 20 min; $8/adult; 723 steps; 1/2 mile; "moderately strenuous". We even took turns carrying my 30+ pound granddaughter, and it wasn't that bad. You must make this a part of your Black Hills experience!

Great cave tour. Took almost 2-hours lots of stairs. Guide was super. Small tour group of 8 people made it really nice.