Information:Centennial Trailhead Parking
Information:Wind Cave moves to cashless fee collection
Wind Cave National Park

Wind Cave

Family Friendly South Dakota

Prescribed Fire Planned This Fall at Wind Cave National Park

Planning is underway to burn 1,094 acres of land east of the park’s headquarters this fall.

Sep 23, 2025
Map of Wind Cave National Park with a green background showing area of the proposed fire outlined in red.

Elk Bugling Programs and Cave Tours Offered this Fall at Wind Cave National Park

Rangers at Wind Cave National Park will be leading programs throughout September and early October t...

Aug 30, 2025
Large brown bull elk with tall antlers walks to the left in the photo.

Overview

Wind Cave National Park is located in South Dakota and welcomes millions of visitors each year.

a brown wood and stone sign reading "elk mountain campground"

Elk Mountain Campground

Sites available

RestroomsWater
$24 Reserve
a gravel road winds across the prairie with rolling forested hills in the distance
Self-Guided Tours - Auto

Wind Cave Geology Driving Tour

The geology driving tour is a great way to see the park while learning about the rich geologic histo...

60-90 MinutesWinter, Spring
a picnic area with tables and several parking spots
Picnicking

Picnic at Wind Cave

Looking for a quiet place to enjoy a picnic? Whether you're looking for a good picnic spot or just a...

Spring, Summer
three bison walk down the highway next to a sign reading: large wildlife on road next 13 miles
Wildlife Watching

Watch Wind Cave Wildlife

View some of North America's most iconic wildlife while enjoying Black Hills scenery. Wind Cave's co...

Winter, Spring
a small hole in a stone depression next to a large sign and short rock wall
Hiking

Visit Wind Cave's Natural Entrance

You can still see the largest natural opening into Wind Cave without going on a tour. This small hol...

10-20 MinutesWinter, Spring
A young male visitor on a stairway stops to look at boxwork on the ceiling above him.
Guided Tours

Take a Cave Tour

Visit one of the world's longest and most complex caves.

60-90 MinutesWinter, SpringReservation Required
Prairie dog standing up outside of its burrow with the edges of the photo darkened.
Wildlife Watching

See Prairie Dogs in Their Prairie Dog Towns

Information about the Prairie Dog of Wind Cave National Park.

Winter, Spring
View All 14 Activities
A hiking trail looks out onto the prairie and rolling hills beyond.

Boland Ridge Trail

Hike Wind Cave
A trail winds through prairie grasses with tree covered cliffs in the distance.

Centennial Trail

Day hikes
The thin path of the trail can be seen in the distance winding through the grass.

Cold Brook Canyon Trail

Day hike
A narrow trail runs through prairie grasses with views of the surrounding hills in the distance.

East Bison Flats Trail

Day hikes
The prairie grasses meet the edge of a pine forest.

Elk Mountain Nature Trail

Day hikes
View All 30 Places