One of America's oldest national parks, bison, elk, and other wildlife roam the prairie grasslands and forested hillsides here. Below the intact island here sits Wind Cave - one of the world's most complex caves. It's named for barometric winds at the entrance, and is home to boxwork, which is a unique formation found in few other places.
Current Park Alerts
Live from the National Park Service · Official park site →
Plan Your Visit
Hours & Season
The park is open all day, every day. Snow or severe weather can limit access to some areas of the park, especially in winter. Visitor Center hours and cave tour schedules vary throughout the year. Visit the park website or call 605.745.4600 for current conditions.
Weather
Spring: Highs range from 50-70°F with highly variable weather. Spring is the park's wettest season. Summer: Hot and generally dry with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 80°F (27°C). Strong thunderstorms are common and can produce large hail and lightning. Fall: Generally dry with warm days and cool nights. Highs 50-60°F. Lows below freezing are common. Winter: Highs are in the high 30s with lows around 10°F. Snowfall averages 30 inches annually, periodically closing park roads.
Things to Do
Wind Cave Geology Driving Tour
The geology driving tour is a great way to see the park while learning about the rich geologic history of the Black Hills. On this 20 mile long tour, you will travel back in time and view Wind Cave's rock record to get a glimpse into its past.
Picnic at Wind Cave
Looking for a quiet place to enjoy a picnic? Whether you're looking for a good picnic spot or just a place to eat lunch while waiting for a tour, the picnic area is open year-round from sunrise to sunset.
Watch Wind Cave Wildlife
View some of North America's most iconic wildlife while enjoying Black Hills scenery. Wind Cave's combination of prairie and forest ecosystems allows visitors to view a number of animals in their natural environment.
Visit Wind Cave's Natural Entrance
You can still see the largest natural opening into Wind Cave without going on a tour. This small hole is one of the only known natural entrances into the cave. Lakota oral tradition speaks of how the first bison and humans emerged from this deeply spiritual place.
See Prairie Dogs in Their Prairie Dog Towns
Information about the Prairie Dog of Wind Cave National Park.
Getting There
Address: 26611 US Highway 385 Hot Springs SD 57747
Wind Cave National Park is located in South Dakota about 11 miles north of Hot Springs, or about 22 miles south of Custer, on US Highway 385. The park Visitor Center, where all cave tours begin, is approximately 1/2 mile west of the highway.
Get driving directions → Official NPS directions →Where to Stay – Campgrounds
Elk Mountain Campground
64 sites · $24/night
This 64-site campground is open year round. Sites can be reserved at www.recreation.gov. Two sites are handicap-accessible. Flush toilets and drinking water ar…
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation or permit to visit Wind Cave National Park?
Some entry windows or activities at Wind Cave National Park require a reservation or permit. Check the Current Park Alerts and Things to Do sections above, and confirm on the official NPS site before you go.
When is Wind Cave National Park open?
The park is open all day, every day. Snow or severe weather can limit access to some areas of the park, especially in winter. Visitor Center hours and cave tour schedules vary throughout the year. Visit the park website or call 605.745.4600 for current conditions.
What are the best things to do in Wind Cave National Park?
Popular things to do in Wind Cave National Park include Wind Cave Geology Driving Tour, Picnic at Wind Cave, Watch Wind Cave Wildlife, Visit Wind Cave's Natural Entrance. See Things to Do above for photos and details.
Are there campgrounds in Wind Cave National Park?
Yes — Wind Cave National Park has 1 campground, including Elk Mountain Campground. See Campgrounds above for site counts, fees, and booking links.