Hi there! Are you ready to plan an exhilarating trip to Wind Cave National Park?! It’s time to discover this beautiful area in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Whether above ground or underneath, you are sure to find something here that everyone in your group will LOVE.
Wind Cave is a place where memories are made — and somewhere you will talk about for years to come. The native Lakota spoke of a small hole that blows air, and the natural entrance to Wind Cave is a sacred area for their people. Over time, the cave has also become a special place for many people around the world!
There is so much to do. You may have already looked at a map and been a little overwhelmed — and eager — to make sure that you don’t miss the best sights.
I’m a former park ranger, and I’ll help you plan your vacation down to the details. I’ve extensively explored Wind Cave National Park and am here to help! Whether this is your first time to Wind Cave, or if you are returning after many years and would like to be reintroduced to the park, this list of 5 things is for you.
What You Need to Know About Wind Cave National Park
- Wind Cave National Park was established in 1903 (13 years before the National Park Service was established). It was the first national park set aside to protect a cave. The cave has almost 150 discovered miles of passages, making it one of the longest in the world!
- Entrance fees are not collected at this park, but you do need to buy a ticket if you want to tour Wind Cave.
- There are no services or amenities within the park boundaries. For food, lodging, or gasoline, you’ll need to drive into the nearest towns of Hot Springs or Custer.
- Wind Cave has one developed campground. You can make reservations from mid-May through late September. It is first-come, first-served the rest of the year. No other lodging is available within the park.
- Besides the impressive cave, this park also encompasses peaceful prairies and hills. If you plan to explore above ground, be aware that large, slow-moving thunderstorms are common during summer afternoons.
I’ll make sure that you don’t miss the most popular sights, but I also want to provide a few treasures that are off the beaten path as well. Let the adventure begin!
Traffic and crowding in the South Dakota Parks can be terrible.
Did you know that it’s common for parking lots to be full and sights to be packed with people, especially during the busy summer season?
Are you hoping to see the best sights without getting stuck in traffic, circling parking lots, or being surrounded by people?
Stay ahead of the crowds with this South Dakota National Parks Itinerary. You will see all the can’t-miss spots, plus get lodging and dining guides, driving directions, and insider tips!
Click NEXT to see this list of 5 things you can’t miss on your first visit to Wind Cave National Park.
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The natural entrace tour of the cave says that it is moderately stenuous. One person in our group as knee flexibility issues. Would this tour be too difficult?
The Natural Entrance tour involves about 300 stairs (up and down) and the path can be slippery in spots. I would talk that over with the member of your group. Only they know their own capabilities. Good luck with your planning!
Is the Wind Cave Tour a problem for visitors with Claustrophobia?
It’s a cave with small spaces and a small elevator is usually required to take a tour. But I can’t speak into how it would affect each person with claustrophobia…that is a decision you’ll need to make for yourself.
Is Prairie Vista Trail a “can’t miss” mainly due to the natural entrance, or do you feel the views further up the trail are particularly nice and unlike other views in the park? Wondering whether to just turn around after seeing the natural entrance given that the gravestone further on in the trail doesn’t interest me.
The natural entrance is the most interesting part of that trail. The views are nice, but if you plan on doing any other hikes in the park, you could skip the rest of the Prairie Vista.