Description
What is this hiking medallion?
A round enameled metal medallion for Wind Cave National Park, made by L.W. Bristol Classics. The design shows two bison on mixed-grass prairie in the upper half and a hiker walking through a cave passage in the lower half. “Wind Cave National Park” arcs across the top, “Hot Springs, SD” along the bottom, with small stars on each side. Gold-tone raised lettering and a dark brown border give it some depth against the colored enamel. The reverse has a brushed metal finish.
Wind Cave National Park approved the design. At 1 3/4″ diameter with three mounting holes, it fits the standard size for hiking stick medallions and matches the other park medallions in the L.W. Bristol Classics line.
What’s in the box
- One enameled metal hiking medallion, 1 3/4″ diameter
- Three metal nails for attaching to a wooden hiking stick, staff, or paddle
- Mounted on a display card
How to attach it
Pre-drill three small holes in your walking stick first, then press the nails through the medallion and into the holes. The medallion can be gently bent to follow the curve of a round staff. For flat surfaces like a bike frame, RV panel, or display board, flatten it out and use a strong adhesive instead.
Specifications
- Diameter: 1 3/4″ (round)
- Weight: 0.2 oz
- Construction: Enameled metal with gold-tone raised details
- Reverse: Brushed metal finish
- Attachment: Three metal nails included
- Manufacturer: L.W. Bristol Classics (Bristol, TN)
About Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave is in the southern Black Hills of South Dakota, about 11 miles north of Hot Springs. Established in 1903, it was the seventh national park in the country and the first created to protect a cave.
Tom and Jesse Bingham heard wind whistling from a small hole in 1881, and the cave has been drawing visitors ever since. Surveyors have mapped about 161 miles of passages so far, making it the seventh-longest cave in the world and fourth-longest in the US. The defining geological feature is boxwork, honeycomb-patterned calcite fins that form on the cave walls and ceilings. Wind Cave holds an estimated 95% of the world’s known boxwork.
Above ground, the park protects mixed-grass prairie and ponderosa pine forest. A free-roaming bison herd of around 350 to 400 head descends from 14 animals transferred from the Bronx Zoo in 1913, one of the earliest bison restoration efforts in North America. The medallion captures both halves of the park: bison on the surface, a hiker below.
Who is this for?
Hikers and walking stick collectors. If you make a trip to Wind Cave and want a permanent record of it on your staff, this is the obvious choice. The round format is the same used for parks across the country in the L.W. Bristol Classics line, so it sits right alongside medallions from other places you’ve been.
People who just want a small Wind Cave memento. And 0.2 oz, it’s easy to pack in. Glue it flat, display it on the card, or stick it in a collection. Doesn’t take up much space or cost much.
Gift buyers. Works as a small add-on to any order. Pairs well with the Wind Cave Classic Pin (same artwork, 7/8″ diameter) if you want to send a matching set.
About the hiking medallion tradition
The hobby started in alpine Europe, where hikers hammered metal markers onto their walking staffs at mountain huts and summits. The US version is built around national parks and landmarks instead of mountain tops. The idea is the same: collect one wherever you go, nail it to your stick, and end up with a physical record of where you’ve been.
L.W. Bristol Classics has been making these for parks, trails, and historic sites around the country since the 1980s. They produce matching pins in the same artwork for most of their medallion designs. BHPFA carries several L.W. Bristol Classics medallions for partner parks. Browse the Collectibles section to see what’s in stock for Jewel Cave, Agate Fossil Beds, and other sites.
Frequently asked questions
What does the design show?
The top half shows two bison standing on mixed-grass prairie with a blue sky and green hills behind them. The bottom half shows a hiker walking through a cave passage. “Wind Cave National Park” runs along the top border and “Hot Springs, SD” along the bottom. Gold-tone raised lettering, stars on each side, and colored enamel fill in the details.
How big is this medallion?
1 3/4 inches in diameter. About the size of a half-dollar coin. The three mounting holes sit just outside the main circular face.
Does it come with what I need to mount it?
Yes. Three metal nails are included. Pre-drill small holes in your wooden hiking stick before pressing the nails in. For flat surfaces, use your own adhesive instead of the nails.
Can I put it somewhere other than a hiking stick?
Yes. L.W. Bristol Classics notes that their medallions attach to paddles, canes, and flat surfaces like RV panels and bike frames. You can also just leave it mounted on the card it comes on as a display piece.
Is there a matching pin?
Yes. The Wind Cave Classic Pin (SKU 1015) uses the same design at 7/8″ diameter, with a tack pin back. Both are $4.99.
What other Wind Cave medallions does BHPFA carry?
BHPFA also has the Wind Cave Bison Hiking Medallion. Browse the full collectibles section for all available hiking medallions.
Does buying this support national parks?
Yes. Your purchase supports Black Hills Parks & Forests Association, the official nonprofit partner of Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Scotts Bluff National Monument, Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, and the Black Hills National Forest. Proceeds fund education programs, conservation projects, and visitor services at these sites.
Where can I get my Passport to Your National Parks stamped?
The medallion is not part of the Passport stamp program, but if you have a Passport book, you can get stamps at BHPFA partner park stores: Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Scotts Bluff National Monument, and Agate Fossil Beds National Monument.
