Wind Cave National Park is located in the southern Black Hills of South Dakota, just north of the town of Hot Springs. This unique national park is famous for its extensive cave system, which features rare boxwork formations and one of the largest concentrations of calcite in the world.
The history of Wind Cave dates back to the Lakota Sioux, who considered it a sacred site long before its discovery by European settlers. However, it was not until 1881 that brothers Jesse and Tom Bingham stumbled upon the cave's entrance. Recognizing its potential, they explored the cave and later sold it to the federal government, which designated it as a national park in 1903.
One of the main attractions in Wind Cave National Park is, of course, its cave tours. Visitors can join ranger-led tours to explore the intricate passages and marvel at the stunning geological formations found within. The cave's boxwork patterns, which resemble honeycombs, are particularly fascinating and unique. It is worth noting that due to the fragility of the cave, access is limited, and reservations for tours are recommended.
Outside of the cave, Wind Cave National Park offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. There are numerous hiking trails through the park's 28,000 acres of grassland, forests, and prairies, providing opportunities to experience the park's diverse wildlife and stunning natural beauty. Bison, elk, pronghorn, and prairie dogs can often be spotted roaming the park.
For those interested in the area's history, the park's visitor center houses exhibits detailing the cultural and natural history of the region. Additionally, nearby attractions include the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary, Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and Badlands National Park, making Wind Cave National Park an ideal stop on any South Dakota itinerary.
In conclusion, Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota offers a remarkable underground experience with its unique cave system and geological formations. The park's historical background, range of activities, and proximity to other attractions make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Wind Cave National Park is located in the southwestern region of the state of South Dakota, United States. Situated in the Black Hills, the park spans across an area of 33,970 acres. Nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of the Southern Hills, Wind Cave National Park is bordered by the Custer State Park to the west and the Mount Rushmore National Memorial to the northeast. The park's main attraction is its extensive cave system, boasting over 150 miles of explored passageways, making it one of the longest caves in the world. Above ground, the park is characterized by rolling grasslands, mixed with ponderosa pine and hardwood forests, providing a home to a diverse array of wildlife such as bison, elk, and prairie dogs. This exceptional geographical location offers visitors stunning natural beauty and an opportunity to explore the intricate underground wonders of Wind Cave.
26611 US Highway 385Hot Springs, SD 57747Driving DirectionsPhone: 6057454600Web: Link
The best time to visit Wind Cave National Park is during the months of April, May, and September. In April, the average maximum temperature is 58°F and the average minimum temperature is 31°F. The average monthly precipitation is 2.2 inches, allowing for a comfortable outdoor experience. May offers even more pleasant weather, with an average maximum temperature of 66°F and an average minimum temperature of 41°F. The average monthly precipitation is 4.3 inches, which may result in lush greenery and beautiful landscapes. September brings slightly cooler temperatures, with an average maximum of 76°F and an average minimum of 46°F. The average monthly precipitation is 1.5 inches, providing a great balance between comfortable temperatures and lower visitor numbers. These months offer ideal conditions for outdoor activities, while avoiding larger crowds typically seen during the summer months.
Some of the activities you can do in Wind Cave National Park are: Food Picnicking Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Biking Road Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Hiking Front-Country Hiking Backcountry Hiking Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Horse Trekking Self-Guided Tours - Auto Group Camping RV Camping Caving
Learn about these topics at Wind Cave National Park: Animals Birds Caves, Caverns and Karst Geology Groundwater Night Sky Native American Heritage Transportation Westward Expansion Cats (wild) Fire Fossils and Paleontology Trails Unique Species Forests and Woodlands Grasslands Astronomy Scenic Views Bison Elk Coniferous Forests Aquifers Endangered Prairies Ranches Bridges Homesteading Farming and Agriculture
The visitor center is open daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Days. All cave tours are ranger-led and leave from the visitor center.
The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Wind Cave Visitor Center.
This 64-site campground is open year round. Sites can be reserved at www.recreation.gov late May through September, and are first-come, first-served at all other times. Two sites are handicap-accessible. Flush toilets and drinking water are available late May through September. Fees are half-price when water is not available. Payment is by credit or debit card only. Two group campsites are also available through www.recreation.gov. Ranger programs are offered nightly in the amphitheater during the summer.
Fees (US$): 24.00 (Campsite Fee), 12.00 (Campsite Fee - Off-season)
Total Campsites: 64
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal
Located in Hot Springs, Baymont by Wyndham Hot Springs is in a state park, within a 5-minute drive of Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa and Evans Plunge Mineral Springs. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 737 S 6th Street, Hot Springs, South Dakota 57747
Web: Link
When you stay at Super 8 by Wyndham Hot Springs in Hot Springs, you'll be in the historical district, within a 5-minute drive of Mammoth Site of Hot Springs and Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 800 Mammoth St, Hot Springs, South Dakota 57747
Web: Link
Located in Hot Springs, Americas Best Value Inn by the River Hot Springs is in a rural location, within a 15-minute walk of Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa and Evans Plunge Mineral Springs. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 602 Sulphur Springs Street, Hot Springs, South Dakota 57747
Web: Link
A stay at Dollar Inn Hot Springs places you in the heart of Hot Springs, within a 10-minute walk of Evans Plunge Mineral Springs and VA Black Hills Health Care System. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 402 Battle Mountain Avenue, Hot Springs, South Dakota 57747
Web: Link
Located in Hot Springs, Econo Lodge is within a 5-minute drive of Mammoth Site of Hot Springs and Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa. Featured amenities include laundry facilities and coffee/tea in a common area. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 541 Indianapolis Avenue, Hot Springs, South Dakota 57747
Web: Link
Located in Hot Springs, this cabin is in the mountains, within a 5-minute drive of Wind Cave National Park and Evans Plunge Mineral Springs. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 13006 Ridgeview Springs Road, Hot Springs, South Dakota 57747
Web: Link
Located in Hot Springs, this cabin is within a 10-minute drive of Wind Cave National Park and Evans Plunge Mineral Springs. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 12974 Windmill Road, Hot Springs, South Dakota 57747
Web: Link
When you stay at this cabin in Hot Springs, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Wind Cave National Park and Evans Plunge Mineral Springs. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 12978 Windmill Rd, Hot Springs, South Dakota 57747
Web: Link
With a stay at this cottage in Hot Springs, you'll be a 3-minute walk from Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa and 10 minutes by foot from Evans Plunge Mineral Springs. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1736 Minnekahta Ave, Hot Springs, South Dakota 57747
Web: Link
With a stay at Red Rock River Resort and Spa in Hot Springs, you'll be a 5-minute walk from Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa and 8 minutes by foot from Evans Plunge Mineral Springs. Featured amenities include express check-out and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 603 North River Street, Hot Springs, South Dakota 57747
Web: Link
| Date issued | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026-03-26 | Temporary Emergency Fire Restrictions Due to dry conditions and high fire danger, open fires are prohibited in Wind Cave National Park until further notice. Gas stoves used in or on fire resistant containers are permitted only in the Elk Mountain Campground and the Picnic Area. No smoking is allowed except in vehicles or on paved or concrete areas next to the visitor center. Fires of any kind on trails or in backcountry areas are prohibited. This includes smoking, gas stoves and open fires. |
| 2025-09-23 | Prescribed Fire Planned This Fall at Wind Cave National Park Planning is underway to burn 1,094 acres of land east of the park’s headquarters this fall. More |
| 2025-08-30 | Elk Bugling Programs and Cave Tours Offered this Fall at Wind Cave National Park Rangers at Wind Cave National Park will be leading programs throughout September and early October to listen for the bugle of the Rocky Mountain elk. More |
| 2025-06-20 | Teddy Roosevelt Visits Wind Cave National Park Teddy Roosevelt impersonator Gib Young will bring the country’s 26th president to life at a performance at Wind Cave National Park on July 5. This free program begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Elk Mountain Campground amphitheater. More |
| 2025-05-08 | Cave tours resume at Wind Cave National Park Cave tours through Wind Cave resumed Wednesday afternoon, May 7, after being suspended last week due to an issue with an elevator’s transformer. More |
| 2025-04-29 | Transformer Malfunction Shuts Down Tours At Wind Cave Cave tours through Wind Cave are suspended until an elevator transformer can be replaced. More |