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Park is open year-round. Visitor center is open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Days. During the summer, the visitor center is open daily from 8:00 am – 7:00 pm. There are seasonal hours. The visitor center and the cave are accessible to people with limited mobility. Limited areas of the cave are accessible to wheelchairs. To schedule a special tour, call ahead: (605) 745-4600 or check at the information desk. There are fees charged for these services.

American Indians of the area have many stories about holes in the Black Hills that blow wind, but the first recorded discovery of Wind Cave was in 1881. Jesse and Tom Bingham were attracted to the cave by a whistling noise. As the story goes, wind was blowing out of the cave entrance with such force that it blew off Tom’s hat. A few days later when Jesse returned to show this phenomenon to some friends, he was surprised to find the wind had switched directions and his hat was sucked into the cave. Today, we understand that the direction of the wind is related to the difference in atmospheric pressure between the cave and the surface. The first person reported to have entered the cave was Charlie Crary in the fall of 1881. He claimed to have left twine to mark his trail, others entering the cave later found his twine. These early explorers were the first to see a rare cave formation called boxwork. J.D. McDonald was one of the first people to try to lay claim to the cave. One of J.D.’s sons, Alvin, spent much of his time exploring and mapping the cave, faithfully keeping a diary and making a map of his findings. He’s notes are still used in mapping and researching the cave. Calcite Lake, the first lake discovered in the cave, was found in 1963 as well as other larger cave rooms. Surveying a cave such as Wind Cave is a long and difficult task. The Wind Cave map is the result of tens of thousands of hours of work by cavers exploring and charting out the thousands of passages that we now know comprise Wind Cave. They maintain such colorful names for these cave areas as Confederate Crossing, Summer Avenue, Turtle Pass, Pop Corn Alley, Old Fellow’s Hall, and Giant’s Causeway.

On January 3, 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt signed the bill creating Wind Cave National Park. When first established as the country’s seventh national park, Wind Cave National Park’s main purpose was to protect the cave and assist visitors in enjoying it. Many changes had occurred to the environment prior to 1900. Native animals had been driven off by hunting and settlement and the land was plowed for farming and grazed by cattle. The cave had even been changed. Formations were removed by visitors, explorers, and guides during the 1890′s with many formations being sold as souvenirs. Names were written or carved into the cave and litter was left behind. Other harmful changes were made unintentionally, some in the early days and some much later, but many happened in the effort to provide ways for visitors to see the cave. Park managers are looking at ways to mitigate the damage done in the past. Artificial entrances to the cave caused the cave’s climate to change by allowing increased airflow through the passages. The most dramatic effect of climate change was a rock fall at the walk-in entrance caused by freezing and thawing. To help control these changes, airlocks were built at all artificial entrances to restore the cave to more natural conditions.

But by 1912, the protection and reestablishment of native wildlife within the park’s boundaries was recognized as an equally important goal. The Wind Cave National Game Preserve established August 10, 1912, was born. On July 1, 1935, control of the Game Preserve was transferred to the Department of the Interior. The Wind Cave National Game Preserve was abolished and Wind Cave National Park began a resource management program. Among the park’s foremost missions as wildlife sanctuary was the restoration of populations of bison, elk, and pronghorn to the Black Hills. By the late 1880s, these animals had been eliminated from this part of their range, largely because of uncontrolled hunting. The story of the bison’s return reflects the success of the park’s management programs. Starting with 14 bison donated by the Bronx Zoo in 1913, the herd now numbers about 350 today. The elk also were successfully reintroduced, but the pronghorns did not get as successfully established and today’s populations fluctuate at 40-125.

Other wildlife, including mule deer, cottontail rabbits, and many kinds of birds, lives in the prairies, forests, and hills of Wind Cave. Located near the middle of the country, the park embraces animal and plant species common to both the East and West. Don’t be surprised to see ponderosa pines and pinyon jays-both Western natives-alongside American elms and eastern bluebirds. You’ll also see grebes, pelicans, cormorants, herons, bitterns, red-tailed hawk, golden eagle, rails, coots and cranes. For mammals, you find myotis, bats, weasels, coyotes, mountain lions, elk, and pronghorn to name a few.

The Black Hills are sometimes described as an island rising within a sea of grass. This sudden rise in elevation and the resulting slopes and exposures produce a much different climate than the surrounding plains. Wind Cave National Park lies on the southern tip of the “island” and, like the rest of the southern hills, has weather patterns that are greatly influenced by the Rocky Mountains to the west and the higher peaks of the northern Black Hills. Generally, the climate is semi-arid with mild winters and warm summers. The park and the rest of the southern Black Hills are much warmer and drier than the northern hills.

Much of the information concerning the composition of the rising Great Plains plant community is from the last glacial episode. The last continental glacier reached it maximum 12,000-14,000 years ago. The Black Hills region was never glaciated, but the continental ice sheet came within 150 miles, reaching what is now the Missouri River. Spruce forests were present in park-like stands across South Dakota. When the last continental ice sheet retreated, the Northern spruce gradually followed northward. Some remained as relict stands in suitable habitat in the canyons and the valleys of the Black Hills. Pines slowly migrated to the Black Hills from the west. Early Holocene shortgrass prairie can be found just southwest of the Black Hills and contains grass species that are also located in the high altitude in the Black Hills. During the Holocene Epoch, a period of extreme arid conditions known as the Altithermal contributed to the rise of more drought tolerant plants, like blue grama and buffalo grass. The vast grassland plains expanded during this period. As the spruce declined, the more xeric ponderosa pine became dominant. Today the Black Hills is a place of great biodiversity because of this past.

A botanist working on contract for the U.S. Forest Service has discovered a rare form of Moonwort Fern, Botrychium campestre, in Wind Cave National Park. Dr. Donald Farrar, from Iowa State University, was hired by the U.S. Forest Service to determine if this moonwort fern, Botrychium campestre, a plant that only grows a few inches high, was to be found anywhere on the Black Hills National Forest. When he was unable to locate the plant on Forest Service land, he began looking on National Park Service land and quickly found it. Dr. Farrar said, “What is significant about this find is what it tells us about the prairie in the park. There is a very high diversity of native plants here and the discovery of this plant tells us this is a very healthy environment. This is the best native mixed-grass prairie we’ve seen in the Black Hills.” Wind Cave National Park’s biological science technician Marie Curtin said, “The Park strives to preserve mixed-grass prairie plant diversity that has disappeared from vast areas of the Great Plains. Discovery of a relatively large population of Botrychium campestre indicates that our Vegetation Management Program is on the right track.”

The backcountry of Wind Cave National Park offers visitors a great opportunity to experience and enjoy the abundant resources of the park. Within this area are several different habitats – prairie, forest, and riparian – with a variety of plants and animals living there. There are maintained and marked trails within that section and throughout the park; however, the entire park is open to hiking. Imagine walking across a prairie and viewing scenery similar to that seen by Black Hills pioneers in the 1890s. Such landscapes can be seen from the 30 miles of hiking trails in Wind Cave National Park. From these trails you can view one of the best examples of mixed-grass prairie in the United States. Seventy-five percent of the park is mixed-grass prairie and the balance is ponderosa pine forest and riparian habitat.

There are eleven maintained trails in the park. They run from 1 mile loops to 8.6 miles one way and can range from easy to very strenuous in effort rating. They traverse across a former prairie dog town; through Cold Brook Canyon; through Wind Cave Canyon, one of the best places in the park for bird watching of cliff swallows and great horned owls, among others; places to see panoramic views of Wind Cave National Park, Buffalo Gap and the Black Hills; and mixed-grass prairies, ponderosa pine forests and riparian habitats of Highland Creek, Beaver Creek and Wind Cave Canyon. Two trails, the Rankin Ridge Trail and the Elk Mountain Trail are self-guiding nature trails with trail booklets.

Beaver Creek Bridge lies 2 miles (3.2 km) north of Wind Cave visitor center on S.D. Highway 87. Built in 1929, the Beaver Creek Bridge spans one of three perennial streams that flow into Wind Cave National Park. The bridge is a deck arch built of concrete and steel. It is 225 feet (69 m) long and sits 115 feet (35 m) above the canyon floor. The bridge was constructed to provide a scenic access to newly developing Custer State Park, north of Wind Cave National Park. The Beaver Creek Bridge is historically significant. It is the only bridge of its particular arch type in South Dakota. Architects of the bridge made a significant accomplishment by creating the illusion that both concrete arches rise naturally from rock walls on opposite sides of the canyon. Construction of the bridge was made possible through the efforts of Peter Norbeck, U.S. Senator from South Dakota. Senator Norbeck was also involved with the development of Custer State Park and scenic highways within Black Hills.

Spring and fall weather are the most variable with cool, damp days alternating with dry, warm ones. Summers are generally sunny, hot, and dry. Winters are generally mild with little snow, but occasional sub-zero temperatures can be expected. Persons touring the cave should wear a lightweight jacket or sweater. The cave is 53° Fahrenheit (12° Celsius). Snowfall averages 30 inches annually. January is usually the coldest month, but March often brings the most snow. Occasional high winds can make for extra chilly weather in the spring. Like May, June can be a rainy month. Severe thunderstorms are common in June and July and occasional in August.

For the cave tours, here are some tips. Wear old clothes and gloves, as much of the trip will be crawling. Long pants, long sleeved shirts and sturdy, lace up boots or shoes with non-slip soles are required. Clothing worn on the Jewel Cave Wild Cave Tour is not permitted in Wind Cave. The park provides hard hats, lights and kneepads. They require a signed consent form for those 17 and under. (Release Form) Please do not bring jewelry, watches and other valuables on the tour. Ages 6-15 are not permitted on the Wild Cave Tour. Children under 8 are not allowed on the Historic Candlelight Cave Tour. For the protection of the cave, please do not touch the cave, remove cave rocks or formations, or step off the trail. Photography is not recommended on this tour. Stay with the tour group. There are no restrooms in the cave. Pets are not permitted in the cave. There is no eating, drinking, smoking, or chewing gum or tobacco while on tour. Persons with heart conditions or other physical ailments should reconsider taking the tours.

These tips help with back country camping and hiking. Do not disturb or remove plants, wildlife, antlers or bones, or any other cultural or natural feature. These features are all part of the ecosystem and are important to the park history or for the survival of other animals and plants. They are protected by federal law. It’s recommend that you carry all the drinking water you will need. There are only a few water sources within the park. Any water obtained in the backcountry should be boiled or filtered. No open fires are allowed in the backcountry. All cooking must be done on self-contained fuel stoves. Campfires leave permanent scars on the land and are frequently the cause of wildfires. The threat of wildfire is moderate to extreme most of the year. All backcountry campsites must be at least 1/4 mile from, and out of sight of any paved or improved dirt road. Campsites also must be 100 feet away from any trail or any water source. All litter must be packed out of the backcountry and disposed of properly. Ticks, mosquitoes, and deer flies can be plentiful in the park. They are generally found in the wetter areas of the park.

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While in the backcountry, be alert for the presence of bison (buffalo). These animals may appear tame, but they are extremely unpredictable! During the summer mating season they are particularly dangerous and may charge without warning. The rutting, or mating, season lasts from June through September with peak activity in July and August. At this time, the older bulls rejoin the herd and fights often take place between bulls. The herd exhibits much restlessness during breeding season where the animals are belligerent, unpredictable and most dangerous. Campsites should be located away from wallows or mineral licks since bison tend to frequent these areas. Always give bison plenty of room. Do not approach these animals! To a casual observer, a grazing bison appears slow and clumsy, but he can outrun, out turn, and traverse rougher terrain than all but the fleetest horse. They can move at speeds of up to thirty-five miles per hour and cover long distances at a lumbering gallop. Their most obvious weapon is the horns that both male and female have. But their head, with its massive skull, can be used as a battering ram, effectively using the momentum produced by two thousand pounds moving at thirty miles per hour! The hind legs can also be used to kill or maim with devastating effect.

Prairie rattlesnakes, like any wild animal, can be dangerous if surprised or provoked. Rattlesnakes can be found anywhere in the park, but be particularly alert when near cliffs, rocky areas and prairie dog towns. See the Wildlife Precautions page for further animal safety tips.

Garden of Eden Cave Tour is $7.00. $3.50 for youth ages 6 to 16. Children 5 and under are free.

Natural Entrance Cave Tour and Fairgrounds Cave Tour are each $9.00. $4.50 for youth ages 6-16. Children 5 and under are free.

Historic Candlelight Cave Tour is $9.00. Wild Cave Tour is $23.00.

Elk Mountain Campground fee is $12.00 a night per site from mid-May through mid-September. From mid-September to mid-May the water is turned off and facilities at the campground are reduced. The fee is $6.00 per night during these times. Visitors holding a Golden Age or Golden Access Passport pay a half price fee. After selecting a site, return to the fee station to register and pay for the site. Drop fees into the designated box.

Elk Mountain Campground, with almost 100 campsites, is located one mile from the visitor center. The campground has flush toilets and running water during the summer months. There are no showers, dump stations, or electrical hookups. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site accommodates up to eight people and two vehicles. This limit reduces impacts on the soil and vegetation. Altering the terrain by ditching or leveling the ground is prohibited. Campers with recreational vehicles must park at established campsites within the designated parking area. In past years the campground has been fairly quiet compared to other campgrounds in the Black Hills and finding a campsite has not been a problem. In the campground there are 25 pull through campsites. On B Loop there are no length limits for RVs. There is a limit of 14 days occupancy for the campground. Sites 24 and 69 are for campers with a handicapped license or a disabled permit. Evening programs are at the amphitheatre every night during the summer. It’s opened all year and offers campers a unique opportunity to view the plants and animals of the southern Black Hills. Campers, whether in a tent or a motor home, are responsible for maintaining the natural state of these habitats. After camping, leave a site you would like to visit again. Group camping is available by reservation. Contact the park for information and reservations.

Firewood is available for a small fee at the bin located at the entrance to the campground. Deposit the fee envelope in the same box as camping fees. Help preserve the park resources by using this wood and by not removing wood from the forest. The threat of fire is moderate to high most of the year. Build fires only in the designated fire grates provided. Never leave fires unattended and make sure wood and charcoal fires are completely extinguished before leaving.

Please do not dump waste water on the ground. Trailer dump stations are located in Hot Springs and Custer. Camper service sinks are available in each comfort station. Remember, a very delicate cave lies beneath the campground and our actions may have a negative impact on it.

Help preserve the environment at Wind Cave National Park by keeping all dogs, cats and other pets on a leash at all times. Pets running loose disrupt the native wildlife, can disturb other park visitors and are sometimes the targets of larger wild animals. Leaving pets unattended or tied to any object within the Park is prohibited, including the exterior of motor vehicles parked within Park boundaries. Pets may be left unattended within motor vehicles with proper ventilation and water and in weather that is not hazardous to the immediate welfare of the animal.

Backcountry Camping is free. All backcountry campers must have a backcountry use permit in their possession. These can be obtained at the Wind Cave visitor center information desk or at the Centennial trailheads. Backcountry camping is limited to the northwest area of the park. Please practice low impact camping and hiking techniques. Leave no trace of your visit, make no changes.

The nearest commercial airport is in Rapid City, SD.

Visitors traveling by car on I-90: At Rapid City, SD, exit onto U.S. Route 79 south. Follow Route 79 south approximately 50 miles to U.S. Route 18. Turn right onto U.S. Route 385 North, which will take you through Hot Springs and into Wind Cave National Park. Follow signs to the visitor center for cave tours and general park information. Visitors can also reach the park by following U.S. Route 16 west out of Rapid City onto U.S. Route 385 south. Visitors traveling from Nebraska can follow U.S. Route 385 north to the park.

There are 30 miles of hiking trails in the park. U.S. Route 385, S.D. Route 87 and two backcountry roads make much of the park accessible to motor vehicles.

Approximate Mileage from the following major cities to Wind Cave National Park:

By Car:

Rapid City, SD – 56.27 miles

Provo, SD – 42.08 miles

Castle Rock, SD – 127.55 miles

Scotts Bluff, NE – 168.12 miles

Hampshire, WY – 92.52 miles

Wind Cave National Park, RR 1 Box 190, Hot Springs, SD 57747-9430

Visitor Information (605) 745-4600

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