National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS Photo · Public domain
Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave National Park protects two very different worlds - one deep within the earth, the other a sunlit world of many resources. Bison, elk, and other wildlife roam the rolling prairie grasslands and forested hillsides of one of America's oldest national parks. Below the remnant island of intact prairie sits Wind Cave, one of the longest and most complex caves in the world.
Entrance Fees
No entrance fee. Other fees may apply for tours, camping, or transportation.
Getting There
Roads and entrances can close temporarily. Check current conditions on nps.gov (opens in a new tab) before you go.
Entrances
- Directions to Wind Cave Visitor Center (opens in a new tab)
Wind Cave Visitor CenterMain
Hot Springs, SD · Park open 24 hours; visitor center and cave tour hours vary
Airports
- RAP
Rapid City Regional Airport · Rapid City, SD
ClosestMid-size airport
Distances are approximate road distances; tap a distance for live driving directions.
Activities
Top Hikes
1 mi · 239 ft gain · loop
Spectacular views from the park's highest point, with the Badlands visible on clear days near a historic fire tower.
Starts at: Highway 87
3.6 mi · 100 ft gain · out & back
Former road following Wind Cave Canyon with limestone cliffs providing nesting areas for cliff swallows and canyon wrens.
Starts at: US Highway 385
1 mi · 50 ft gain · loop
Easy stroll through prairie grasslands with interpretive waysides about the mixed-grass prairie ecosystem.
Starts at: Wind Cave Visitor Center
2.8 mi · 200 ft gain · out & back
Through a canyon where ponderosa pine meets open prairie, crossing a prairie dog town.
Starts at: US Highway 385
Upcoming Events
No upcoming events scheduled for Wind Cave National Park. Events are updated daily — check back soon or visit nps.gov for the latest.
Best Time to Visit Wind Cave
Best time to visit: May–June, September
The best time to visit Wind Cave National Park is May–June and September. The weather is mild for prairie hikes and bison viewing; cave tours run year-round, and the cave stays around 54°F.
In those months, average highs are 65–77°F at Wind Cave Visitor Center. Visitor numbers peak in July, so these months are usually less crowded.
Monthly averages at Wind Cave Visitor Center (4,090 ft). Climate normals (1991–2020): PRISM Group, Oregon State University.
Weather & Climate
Spring: Highs range from 50-70°F with highly variable weather. Spring is the park's wettest season. Summer: Hot and generally dry with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 80°F (27°C). Strong thunderstorms are common and can produce large hail and lightning. Fall: Generally dry with warm days and cool nights. Highs 50-60°F. Lows below freezing are common. Winter: Highs are in the high 30s with lows around 10°F. Snowfall averages 30 inches annually, periodically closing park roads.
