The Wind Cave Visitor Center is open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Extended hours may apply during summer.
There is no entrance fee to Wind Cave National Park. You can enter and explore the surface areas for free. Fees apply only for guided cave tours.
By Car: From Hot Springs via US-385 north; from Rapid City via SD-79 to US-385; follow park signs to Visitor Center. By Air: Fly Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) and rent a car. Tours: Some operators offer guided shuttles.
Parking is available near the visitor center, trailheads, and picnic areas. Lots accommodate cars, RVs of all sizes, and motorcycles. Overnight parking is allowed in designated campgrounds like Elk Mountain Campground. No parking fees mentioned.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Partial
Nestled in South Dakota’s Black Hills, Wind Cave National Park invites exploration of over 150 miles of mapped subterranean passageways famed for rare boxwork and popcorn formations, along with above-ground prairies and ponderosa pine forests inhabited by bison, elk, and prairie dogs. Guided cave tours depart from the Visitor Center, while surface trails like Rankin Ridge offer panoramic views.
- Area (mi²)
- 44
- Annual visitors
- 607 000
- Established year
- 1903
Top 3 Facts about Wind Cave National Park
The cave has 167 miles of known passageways, all situated under just 1.25 square miles of land, making it one of the most densely packed cave systems in the world.
Contains over 95% of the world’s known boxwork formations—unique calcite “honeycomb” structures.
Home to about 300 American bison, one of the largest publicly owned herds.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Ranger-led Tours
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Family Camping & Overnight
- Volunteer & Stewardship
- Youth Conservation
- Scouting Partnerships
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Check cave tour schedules, make reservations in advance, and review seasonal access and road conditions.
Pack Appropriately
Wear layers; sturdy, non-slip shoes for cave floors; bring a light jacket for the 54 °F cave interior; carry water and flashlight for surface trails.
Respect Wildlife
Observe wildlife from a distance; never feed or approach bison or other animals; store food securely at campsites.
Stay Informed
Consult the NPS website or Visitor Center for current alerts on weather, trail closures, and cave tour availability.
Seasons
Spring offers warming days, wildflowers, and awakening wildlife—ideal for surface hikes and early cave tours.
Summer provides long daylight, warm temperatures, perfect for hiking, camping, and cooling off underground.
Fall brings cooler air, autumn foliage in the Black Hills, quieter trails, and continued cave exploration.
Winter offers snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, serene snowy landscapes, and indoor exhibits; cave tours run year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Wind Cave National Park has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Consider staying in Hot Springs, which is about 20 minutes from the park and offers various hotels and local attractions. Alternatively, you can stay in Custer, which is approximately 30 minutes away and provides easy access to other nearby attractions like Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore. Rapid City is another option, though it is a bit farther, about an hour’s drive away.
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The Rankin Ridge Trail is the most family-friendly hike, as it is a 1-mile easy loop with minimal elevation change and offers expansive views, including the possibility of seeing the Badlands 40 miles away on a clear day. It is also kid-friendly and suitable for a short, enjoyable outing.
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Dogs are allowed on two specific trails: the Elk Mountain Campground Trail and the Prairie Vista Trail, both of which are one-mile loops. They are also permitted on a short gravel path between the picnic area and the Natural Entrance. All other trails are off-limits to pets.
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Yes, parking is free. You can drive and park without any fees, but there are fees for cave tours and camping.
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Take a cave tour to see unique boxwork and other cave formations. Hike the Rankin Ridge Trail for panoramic views of the prairie. Drive through the park on Highway 87 to enjoy scenic vistas and possibly spot wildlife like bison and elk. Visit the visitor’s center for helpful information and guides.