About Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave National Park protects two very different worlds - one deep within the earth, the other a sunlit world of many resources. Bison, elk, and other wildlife roam the rolling prairie grasslands and forested hillsides of one of America's oldest national parks. Below the remnant island of intact prairie sits Wind Cave, one of the longest and most complex caves in the world.
Plan a Visit
Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.
Weather & Conditions
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…
NPS Reference Location
Park state / territory membership: South Dakota. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.
Operating Hours
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.
Activities
Current Alerts
The Natural Entrance Tour Route will be closed for the season beginning October 1st, 2026. The Garden of Eden, Fairgrounds, and Accessibility Tour Routes remain available. This annual closure will last through the winter season.
Reminder: Overnight parking without a camping permit is prohibited. Permits are not issued specifically for parking. Shuttles are available in the Black Hills for through hikers on the Centennial Trail.
Payments for cave tours, campground fees, as well as Interagency Passes at Wind Cave National Park, will be by credit/ debit cards or digital payments only. Cash and check payments will no longer be accepted.
Getting There
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.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.
Topics & Themes
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…
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…
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…
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…
Take a Cave Tour
Visit one of the world's longest and most complex caves.
See Prairie Dogs in Their Prairie Dog Towns
Information about the Prairie Dog of Wind Cave National Park.
More Things to Do
Additional activities and experiences from the National Park Service.
Pet Friendly Hikes
If you are traveling with a furry friend, Wind Cave has two pet friendly trails. Both are close to the visitor center…
Listen For Bugling Elk
In September and October, male elk can be heard as they bugle to challenge each other and attract females. This haunting sound…
Horseback Riding in Wind Cave
The sprawling prairies and open ponderosa woodlands of Wind Cave give horseback riders thousands of acres to explore. Though there are no…
Hiking at Wind Cave
View rolling prairie vistas, ponderosa forests, and see wildlife in its natural environment. Wind Cave National Park has over 30 miles of…
Bike Wind Cave
Explore Wind Cave by bike. Although bikes are limited to established roads, this is a great activity for those who want to…
Become a Wind Cave Junior Ranger
Kids of all ages can become a Wind Cave Junior Ranger. Complete the activity book, learn about the park, and take the…
Backcountry Camping at Wind Cave
Experienced hikers may enjoy camping in Wind Cave's scenic backcountry. Thousands of acres of undeveloped forest and prairie provide countless sites for…
Bird Watching in Wind Cave
Wind Cave has many opportunities to view birds throughout the year. Although you can bird watch anywhere in the park, the Elk…
Visitor Centers
Wind Cave Visitor Center
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.
Campgrounds
Elk Mountain Campground
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 are available late…
Nearby National Park Service Sites
These sites are ordered by straight-line distance between NPS reference coordinates. This is useful for comparison, but it is not road mileage. Trails, parkways, rivers, and distributed units may extend far from their reference point.
Nearby Cities for Trip Planning
These cities are ordered by straight-line distance from the NPS reference coordinate. They are comparison starting points, not official park gateways or road-distance estimates. Trails and other distributed units may extend far beyond this reference point.
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