The boxwork on the ceiling of the Elk's Room is a popular photography subject and has been featured on many postcards and other souvenirs.
Wind Cave National Park
National Park · SD
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.
Park report
Alert: Information
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesNatural Entrance Tour Route Closes For Season October 1, 2026
Alert: Information
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesCentennial Trailhead Parking
Alert: Information
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesWind Cave moves to cashless fee collection
Entrance Fee
How this is rated
Good: free entryFree — no entrance fee
Campgrounds Available
How this is rated
Good: campgrounds available in this park1 campground
Visitor Centers
Good1 visitor center
Activities Available
How this is rated
Good: many activities available25 activities
Park Name
InfoWind Cave National Park
Designation
InfoNational Park
State(s)
InfoSD
Phone
Info6057454600
WICA_interpretation@nps.gov
Operating Hours
InfoThe park is open all day, every day. Snow or severe weather can limit access to some areas of the park, especially in winter. Visitor Center hours and cave tour schedules vary throughout the year. Visit the park website or call 605.745.4600 for current conditions.
Visitor Center: Wind Cave Visitor Center
InfoSee park for hours
Themes & Topics
InfoFarming and Agriculture, Ranches, Native American Heritage + 25 more
Weather Info
InfoSpring: 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 thun
Getting There
InfoWind Cave National Park is located in South Dakota about 11 miles north of Hot Springs, or about 22 miles south of Custer, on US Highway 385. The park Visitor Center, where all cave tours begin, is ap
Location
Info43.5801° N, -103.4395° W
Data from official federal recreation records. Updated periodically. Park conditions change — always verify with the park before visiting. Verify on official park website