Cold Springs School was built in 1887 and is one of the oldest log school buildings in South Dakota. Not only did it serve as a school, but provided a place for a community church, area meeting house, and a dance hall. Classes were held in the building until 1920, then closed until 1937. School was again held from 1937 to 1943, then for a final year from 1948 - 1949. In 1949 the building was abandoned after a major blizzard in the area.
In the mid 1960's the building was scheduled for demolition by the Forest Service. Shortly thereafter the building was restored by the newly formed Cold Springs historical society, and in 1973 was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The renovation included replacing the entire roof and floor, re-chinking the logs, rebuilding the steps and porch, replacing the windows and other interior furnishings. Picnic tables were also added on the grounds in front of the building. It now appears as it did in originally in 1887. It is very primitive, no electricity and no water. The building continues to be maintained by the historical society with a special use permit from the Forest Service.
The historical society continues to meet and hold potlucks here every month from May to October, and the building is open at noon the second Sunday of those months welcoming visitors.
The Cold Springs cemetery grounds were also renovated during this time. The historical society undertook the project of re-setting and leveling the headstones that needed work. There are currently 87 internments here, the earliest from 1884. Surrounding the cemetery grounds are 30 birdhouses that are sponsored by the historical society members for an annual rental fee, and help provide partial funding for the organization and upkeep of the site.
The school and cemetery are located just west of Wind Cave National Park. From SD Hwy 87, turn west on Rankin Ridge Rd and drive approximately 1 mile until you intersect with Flynn Creek Rd. You can also turn north traveling on US385 onto Rifle Pit Rd and drive north on the gravel road until you get to the Flynn Creek Rd intersection. The entrance to the cemetery and school grounds are about a 500 feet north west of that intersection.
Please park at the gate and walk to the cache from there. You do not have to enter the historic school / cemetery grounds to find the cache. The cache is located in the Black Hills National Forest and is not on private property. If a service is in progress, or if there is someone here maintaining a grave site, please come back at a later time. If you do chose to visit the school and cemetery, please pay due respect and do not disturb any of the markers or headstones. Follow any and all posted regulations. Most importantly, do NOT look for this cache after dark. Please be sure all gates surrounding the school and cemetery are closed before you leave
You are looking for a small lockable container not far from the grounds. Bring your own writing stick as there may or may not be one in the cache. Please return the cache exactly as found, making sure it remains well-hidden.
As with all of our caches, enjoy the area, be safe and have fun.