Wind Cave National Park

East Custer, SD

Underground
4 (5 reviews)

Where are we going?

Address: Wind Cave National Park, East Custer, SD 57730, USA How do we get there? Number: 605 745-4600
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About this activity

Did you know that underneath the rolling grasslands and plains of South Dakota, with roaming bison and elk, lies one of the LONGEST and most complex caves in the world?

Welcome to Wind Cave National Park!

Wind Cave was named for barometric winds that can be found at it's entrance, and is actually a maze of passages how to box work - a unique formation which isn't really found anywhere else in the world. Now THAT is impressive!

The Visitor Center is a great place to start your experience. There are three exhibit rooms, which feature information about the cave exploration, the formations, and the early cave history. There is also an 18 minute movie that is shown throughout the day which gives you a great insight into what you are about to witness!

To explore the caves themselves, you need to take a cave tour, which are offered daily. The caves are always 53 degrees, so make sure you take a jacket!

It's amazing to see how the Wind Cave National Park is really two different worlds. One is deep under your feet within the earth, and the other is 30 miles of hiking trails, nature trails, and exploration of those amazing prairies.

Wind Cave National Park is also perfect for horse-riding and back-country camping!

Wildlife is abundant in the area, and great for wildlife spotting. You can see bison, pronghorn, prairie dogs and a host of different birds. 

An amazing adventure above AND below ground in South Dakota!

Activity location

Directions

Wind Cave National Park is located 6 miles north of Hot Springs, SD. The Visitor Center is 11 miles north of Hot Springs on U.S. Route 385.

For visitors traveling 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 385. 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.

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How much does it cost?

Hilton

Adults

Tours from $10

Hilton

Children

Tours from $5 (ages 6 to 16)

Hilton

Discount

Senior discounts

Hilton

Free Under

5 years

Hilton

Last Updates

2022

Wind Cave National Park FAQ’s

The environmental education programs at Wind Cave National Park help students discover relationships between the mixed grass prairie, the ponderosa pine forest, water, the cave, the plants and animals that live in these environments and themselves.

There aren't any lodging or restaurants in the park, so bring some food to enjoy your own picnic!

A jacket and sweater are a good idea for the caves, and make sure you have great walking shoes!

The Visitor Center has books, maps and other items you can take home!

They have junior ranger programs, as well as on-line educational fun.

There are tours just for those with special needs, at a discounted rate.

There are no fees for those wanting to hike or drive through the park

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