Plan your visit
Plan Your Day
Prepare for two different environments. You need layers for the 54°F cave and sun protection for the open prairie.
Wind Cave National Park
26611 US Highway 385, Hot Springs, SD 57747
GPS 43.5565, -103.4783
Open directionsGetting there
Driving is the primary way to reach and explore the park.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car: Driving is the primary way to reach and explore the park, located off US Highway 385 north of Hot Springs. | 15 minutes from Hot Springs | Free to park and drive | Watch for bison and other wildlife crossing the roads. |
| Tour: Guided cave tours are the ONLY way to enter Wind Cave. Tickets are available at the Visitor Center and Recreation.gov. | 60-90 minutes per standard tour | see recreation.gov | Tours often sell out 1-2 hours in advance during summer; advance booking is highly recommended. |
When to go
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QuietModerateBusyPeak
The park is open year-round. May through September is the best time to visit. You get warm surface weather and full tour schedules.
What to bring
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The cave maintains a constant temperature of 54°F (12°C) year-round.
Always pack a light jacket or sweater.
How the day runs
Suggested ways to spend your time at the park.
A quick visit combining an easy cave tour with a surface hike.
- Visitor Center
Arrive early to check in for your tour and view the exhibits.
- Garden of Eden Tour
Take the 60-minute tour. It features 150 stairs and representative boxwork.
- Natural Entrance
Walk the short trail to see the 10-inch hole where the cave was discovered.
- Rankin Ridge Trail
Drive to the trailhead and hike the 1-mile loop for panoramic views.
An extended visit with a longer cave tour and extensive surface exploration.
- Fairgrounds Tour
Take the 90-minute tour. Be prepared for 450 stairs.
- Surface Drive
Start the GPS audio driving tour through the mixed-grass prairie.
- Picnic Lunch
Eat near the Elk Mountain Campground area.
- Wind Cave Canyon Trail
Hike the easy 3.6-mile trail to watch for birds and wildlife.
Practical advice
Wind Cave is completely cashless. Bring a credit or debit card for all on-site fees. There is no water available inside the cave or on most trails, so bring a reusable water bottle.
To prevent White-Nose Syndrome, all cave visitors must walk across a decontamination mat upon exiting. Footwear or gear worn in other caves is strictly prohibited on certain tours.
Easiest way to do it
Wind Cave National Park GPS Audio Tour — Cave Tour Not Included
6 h to 7 h 5.0 (2)
- Tours NEVER expire
- Freedom to explore at your own pace
- Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
- Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
From$9per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
What should I pack?
Bring a light jacket for the 54°F cave. Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes for stairs and wet surfaces. Read our Wind Cave Packing List guide for details.
Are dogs allowed?
Pets are not allowed in the cave or the visitor center. Leashed pets are allowed on certain designated trails.
Are there food facilities?
No food is sold inside the park. Bring your own meals and refreshments.