National Park Guide

Wind Cave National Park

South Dakota, US

One of the longest caves in the world hides beneath the rolling prairie where bison roam above ground.

33,971

Acres

Trails

1903

Established

710,000

Annual Visitors

Quick Info

Season

Year-round

Entrance Fee

Free (cave tour fees apply)

Nearest Airport

Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), 1 hour

Best Months

May, June, September

Highlights

Natural Entrance Cave Tour
Boxwork Formations
Rankin Ridge Trail
Prairie Dog Towns
Bison Herd Viewing

Park Map

Explore trailheads, hotels, and points of interest

Top Trails

Featured trailheads in Wind Cave National Park

Rankin Ridge Trail

Moderate

1.0 miles loop

200 ft gain

Cold Brook Canyon Trail

Moderate

2.8 miles round trip

400 ft gain

Elk Mountain Trail

Strenuous

3.6 miles round trip

650 ft gain

Prairie Vista Trail

Easy

0.25 miles round trip

30 ft gain

Lookout Point Trail

Easy

1.4 miles round trip

100 ft gain

About Wind Cave National Park

Wind Cave National Park in the southern Black Hills of South Dakota protects one of the world's longest and most complex caves, famous for its rare boxwork calcite formations. Above ground, the park preserves a mixed-grass prairie ecosystem where bison, elk, pronghorn, and prairie dogs thrive across 33,000 acres.

In-Depth Guide

Wind Cave Guide: Best Hikes, When to Visit & Where to Stay

Plan your trip to Wind Cave National Park. Top hikes, cave tours, best months to visit, where to stay, and essential tips for South Dakota's underground labyrinth.

12 min read

Weather Overview

Average monthly temperatures

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Hotels

3 options near Wind Cave National Park

Weather

Monthly climate data

Best Time to Visit

Month-by-month analysis

Hiking Gear

Expert-tested picks

Where to Stay

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Super 8 by Wyndham Hot Springs

Budget-friendly motel in Hot Springs with free breakfast, outdoor pool, and a convenient location just 11 miles from Wind Cave National Park.

15 min drive$80-140/night

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Hot Springs Hills Inn

Family-owned motel in Hot Springs featuring the only outdoor pool in town, free mini golf, continental breakfast, and in-room microwaves and fridges.

15 min drive$75-130/night

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Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hot Springs

Comfortable hotel in Hot Springs with a breakfast buffet, indoor pool, and modern amenities for visitors exploring Wind Cave and the southern Black Hills.

15 min drive$130-220/night

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Compare Wind Cave National Park

See how Wind Cave National Park stacks up against other national parks

Wind Cave National Park vs Mammoth Cave National Park

Choose Wind Cave for rare boxwork formations and surface wildlife on mixed-grass prairie. Choose Mammoth Cave for the sheer enormity of the world's longest cave and more extensive underground tours.

See full comparison