Description
What it is
This is a vinyl reproduction of the 1939 Wind Cave National Park admission window sticker. From 1918 to 1940 the National Park Service issued small adhesive stickers as proof of paid admission, and visitors stuck them on car windshields. Twenty-two parks had their own design, each featuring an animal found in the park, the reason collectors later called them the “Zoo Stickers.” Ranger Doug Enterprises reproduces the Wind Cave design on modern vinyl.
About the design
The orange octagonal sticker reads “Wind Cave National Park” around the rim with the year 1939 across the bottom and one of the park’s prairie animals illustrated in the center. The artwork matches the original 1939 admission sticker for the park.
About the park
Wind Cave became the seventh national park in the United States in 1903 and was the first national park established to protect a cave. Above ground the park protects mixed-grass prairie and a free-roaming bison herd that traces back to 14 animals transferred from the Bronx Zoo in 1913, one of the earliest bison restoration efforts in North America.
About Ranger Doug Enterprises
Ranger Doug Enterprises was founded by former National Park Service ranger Doug Leen in Seattle, Washington. Leen restored the full set of 22 surviving 1918-1940 admission-sticker designs, of which Wind Cave is one, and is also known for reproducing the WPA-era national park posters.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 3″ x 3″
- Weight: 0.1 oz
- Material: durable vinyl with fade-resistant UV ink
- Indoor or outdoor use
- Manufacturer: Ranger Doug Enterprises, Seattle, WA
- Country of origin: USA
Who picks this up
Visitors who just finished Wind Cave’s Scenic or Candlelight tour and want a $2.99 takeaway, sticker collectors working through Ranger Doug’s 1918-1940 series, and anyone who likes the period graphic style. The 3 inch size fits a laptop, water bottle, or car window without dominating it.
Frequently asked questions
Is this an original 1939 sticker or a reproduction?
A reproduction, printed by Ranger Doug Enterprises. Original 1918-1940 NPS window stickers are extremely rare. The reproduction matches the original artwork and color on modern vinyl with UV-resistant ink.
Can I get my Passport book stamped at Wind Cave?
Yes. Wind Cave National Park has a Passport cancellation stamp at the visitor center. The Passport to Your National Parks book is sold here as well.
What surface does it stick to?
Most smooth surfaces: glass, painted metal, plastic, and powder-coated finishes. Textured surfaces like rough wood or fabric hold less reliably.
Does buying this support the park?
BHPFA is the official nonprofit partner of Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Scotts Bluff National Monument, and Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, as well as the Black Hills National Forest and Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands. Proceeds from every purchase support education programs, conservation projects, and visitor services at these sites.
