Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Wind Cave National Park preserves one of the world’s largest and most remarkable caves, as well as intact mixed-grass prairie, Native American heritage and abundant wildlife.
Established in 1903 by the conservationist President Theodore Roosevelt, Wind Cave National Park is one of the oldest national parks in America. It is also the very first national park in the world that was created to protect subterranean landscapes.
With more than 150 miles, and counting, of explored passageways, Wind Cave is one of the longest known caves on Earth. It’s the third longest in the United States after Mammoth Cave and nearby Jewel Cave.
Wind Cave is home to intricate cave formations, such as delicate frostwork, cave “popcorn” and, its main claim to fame, huge collections of boxwork. No fewer than 95% of boxwork in the world is found in Wind Cave.
Besides its exceptional length and rare boxwork, Wind Cave is also notable for its namesake feature. Due to barometric pressure changes in the cave, it “breathes.” As the air pressure changes, gusts of wind blow in and out of the cave.
The Lakota consider this to be a sacred place, Wind Cave being the site where they first emerged from the underworld. You can visit this site, known as the Natural Entrance, near the park’s visitor center.
As fascinating as the underground world of Wind Cave is, the national park’s aboveground landscapes are quite remarkable as well. Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, it sits at the meeting point of the mixed-grass prairie of the Great Plains and the ponderosa pine forests of the West, a confluence of habitats that harbors an abundance of fauna.
Wildlife thrives here, including prairie dogs, pronghorn, elk, mule deer, coyotes, rattlesnakes, burrowing owls, American bison and rare black-footed ferrets.
Although many people limit their visit to Wind Cave to a cave tour, there are many other amazing things to do in Wind Cave National Park. While the cave tours are an unmissable activity, you shouldn’t skip the beautiful woods, ridges and intact prairie landscapes above this massive cave.
This Wind Cave National Park information page contains affiliate links. You can read more about our Terms of Use / Disclosure here.
Highlights of Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave is the undisputable star attraction of its namesake national park. Yet, there are numerous highlights aboveground as well. A cave tour is a mandatory thing to do when visiting Wind Cave National Park, but don’t skip driving the park’s scenic backcountry roads and exploring a couple of hiking trails.
Also allow some time to watch Wind Cave’s abundant wildlife, from the industrious and ubiquitous prairie dogs to cunning coyotes, prancing pronghorn, soaring eagles, bugling elk and bulky bison.
- Join one of the fascinating ranger-guided Wind Cave tours
- Visit the Natural Entrance
- Enjoy Great Plains scenery on a number of excellent hiking trails
- Camp at Elk Mountain Campground
- Drive the scenic NPS 5 and 6 backcountry roads
- Watch wildlife at Bison Flats
- Go bird watching in Wind Cave Canyon
- Listen to bugling elk in the fall at Elk Mountain or Boland Ridge
Useful Info
Location: Southwestern South Dakota
Nearest Towns: Custer and Hot Springs, South Dakota
Area: 53 square miles (33,970 acres)
Annual Visitors (2022): 607,418
Features: One of America’s longest known caves, 95% of boxwork formations in the world, Native American heritage, intact mixed-grass prairie landscapes, and abundant wildlife such as bison, prairie dogs, rattlesnakes, burrowing owls, pronghorn, mule deer and elk
Top Attractions: Wind Cave and its frostwork and boxwork formations, the Natural Entrance, Elk Mountain, Bison Flats, Ranking Ridge, Boland Ridge, Wind Cave Canyon
Popular Activities: Cave tours, scenic drives, hiking, bird watching, wildlife watching, camping, cycling
Suggested Stay: 2 days
Campgrounds:
- Elk Mountain Campground (62 sites)
More Information: National Park Service
Nearby National Parks:
- Badlands National Park
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Yellowstone National Park
- Grand Teton National Park
Wind Cave National Park Blog Posts
