In short
- Wind Cave features rare boxwork formations and complex maze-like passages.
- Jewel Cave is known for massive cave rooms and calcite crystals.
- Wind Cave National Park includes 33,924 acres of prairie wildlife.
In this article
Both caves sit in the Black Hills of South Dakota and offer very different underground environments. Wind Cave National Park protects prairie wildlife above ground and a complex cave below. Jewel Cave features different rock formations entirely. Knowing the differences helps you book the right tour.
What is the difference between Wind Cave and Jewel Cave?
Wind Cave has rare boxwork and a large surface park with wildlife, while Jewel Cave has large rooms and calcite crystals.
Wind Cave is one of the longest and most complex caves in the world. It is heavily decorated with rare and intricate boxwork formations. Above ground, the park has free-roaming bison, elk, and prairie dogs. Jewel Cave is known for its massive open rooms coated in calcite crystals.
| Feature | Wind Cave | Jewel Cave |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Formations | Rare boxwork | Calcite crystals |
| Above Ground | 33,924 acres, bison, elk | Forest trails |
| Cave Temperature | 54°F (12°C) | Varies |
Can I visit both caves in one trip?
You can visit both, but you must follow strict clothing and gear rules.
Footwear, clothing, or gear worn in nearby Jewel Cave or any other cave is strictly prohibited on Wind Cave's Wild Cave and Candlelight tours. To prevent the spread of White-Nose Syndrome among the park's 9 bat species, all Wind Cave visitors must walk across a decontamination mat upon exiting.
What kind of tours does Wind Cave offer?
Wind Cave offers ranger-guided tours ranging from 60 to 90 minutes.
The Garden of Eden tour is the shortest, lasting 60 minutes with 150 stairs. The Natural Entrance and Fairgrounds tours take 90 minutes and involve 300 to 450 stairs. Cave tour tickets are sold on recreation.gov; check there for current prices.
Do I need to book Wind Cave tours in advance?
Yes, advance booking is highly recommended for all cave tours.
Guided cave tours are the only way to enter Wind Cave. Tours often sell out one to two hours in advance during the summer peak season. You can purchase tickets at the visitor center or online via Recreation.gov.
What is there to do above ground at Wind Cave?
The surface offers hiking and wildlife viewing across 33,924 acres of protected ecosystems.
Entry and driving through the park are free. You can drive the roads to spot bison, elk, and prairie dogs. Trails like the 1-mile Rankin Ridge loop and the 3.6-mile Wind Cave Canyon Trail provide excellent views of the prairie and pine forests.
What should I wear for my cave tour?
Wear a light jacket and sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes.
Wind Cave stays at a constant 54°F (12°C) year-round. You need sturdy, low-heeled shoes to safely navigate the stairs and wet surfaces. The park is cashless, so bring a credit or debit card for tour fees.
Questions travellers ask
How much does it cost to get into Wind Cave National Park?
Park entry and driving through the park are completely free. Cave tour tickets are sold on recreation.gov; check there for current prices. The park only accepts credit or debit cards.
Are dogs allowed in Wind Cave National Park?
Pets are not allowed inside the cave or the visitor center, except for service animals. Leashed pets are permitted on certain above-ground trails.
What is the temperature inside Wind Cave?
The cave maintains a constant temperature of 54°F (12°C) year-round. A light jacket, sweater, or fleece is recommended for all tours.
