WIND CAVE
NATIONAL PARK

AREA - 10,522 ACRES

EST. 01 09 1903

SOUTH DAKOTA

Planning a Trip to
Wind Cave National Park

Wind Cave National Park is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota and is one of the longest and most complex caves in the world. It was established in 1903 as the 7th national park in the United States and is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, pronghorn, elk, and prairie dogs. The park is a great spot for outdoor recreation, with scenic drives, hiking trails, and camping options available. Inside the cave itself, visitors can explore its unique passageways and discover its unique boxwork formations.

Wind Cave is also home to some of the rarest animals in the world, including the threatened black-footed ferret. With its unique geology, wildlife, and recreational opportunities, Wind Cave National Park is a must-see destination.

"The wind from the cave was so strong it seemed to be alive."
- Edgar Allan Poe

"The Wind Cave is a place of mystery and beauty, a subterranean web of wonders."
John Muir

BEST TIME TO GO

The best time to visit Wind Cave National Park is during the summer months, from late May to late August. During this time, the park is bustling with activities and events, including guided tours, campfire programs and hikes. The weather is also perfect for exploring the park, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s and low humidity. However, if you're looking to avoid crowds, the spring and fall seasons are ideal for a peaceful visit to Wind Cave National Park.

Wind Cave National Park is a popular destination year-round. To beat the crowds, the best times to visit are in the spring and fall months. During the summer, the park is busiest with visitors looking to take advantage of the warm weather and outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and biking. In the winter, the park is less crowded and offers unique opportunities to view snow-covered landscapes and wildlife. For the best experience, the best times to go for activities such as camping and hiking is from late spring to early fall. This is when the weather is warmest and the trails are least likely to be muddy. For those looking for a more unique experience, the winter months provide a unique opportunity to view snow-covered landscapes and wildlife.

OVERVIEW

Wind Cave National Park is a unique and beautiful park located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It is known for its underground wonders and wildlife. The park is home to the world’s third longest cave, Wind Cave, which has over 140 miles of explored passages. Above ground, the park is full of bison, prairie dogs, elk, pronghorn, and mule deer. Interesting features include the Natural Entrance, a boxwork formation, and a variety of cave tours. Visitors can also explore the surrounding area and enjoy camping, hiking, and horseback riding. Wind Cave National Park is the perfect destination to explore nature and discover the beauty of the Black Hills.

WEATHER

Wind Cave National Park is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, and is known for its underground cave system. The weather at Wind Cave National Park is generally mild throughout the year, with average highs in the summer months reaching around 80°F and average lows in the winter months dipping to around 16°F. During the spring and fall months, temperatures remain comfortable and mild, with average highs in the mid-60s and average lows in the mid-30s. While precipitation is fairly consistent year-round, the park receives the most rainfall during the summer months. Visitors should be sure to bring appropriate clothing for any season they plan to visit.

Wind Cave National Park has experienced a wide range of weather conditions over the years, from extreme cold and snow in the winter to hot, dry summers. The park is also known for its strong winds, which can reach up to 60 mph and cause significant damage to trees and other plants. As a result, the park has experienced a number of wildfires, including a massive blaze in 2018 that consumed nearly 10,000 acres of the park. The weather has also caused flooding in certain areas of the park, leading to the closure of some trails and roads. It is important to be aware of the park's current weather conditions before planning a visit.

GEAR

Visiting Wind Cave National Park is an exciting adventure! To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, it is important to come prepared. Here are the essential things you should bring and gear to get to go to the park: 1. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes - hiking boots are a great option! 2. Water and snacks to keep you hydrated and energized while exploring. 3. Sunscreen and a hat to protect your skin from the sun. 4. Layers of clothing to stay warm and dry. 5. Flashlight or headlamp for exploring the cave. 6. Camera to capture the beauty of the park.

Visiting Wind Cave National Park is a great way to explore nature and see some amazing sights. To make the most of your experience, here is a list of gear to bring along: 1. Hiking boots - A good pair of hiking boots will protect your feet while exploring the park. 2. Binoculars - A great way to get a closer look at nature, binoculars are essential for spotting wildlife. 3. Camera - Capture the memories of your trip and share them with family and friends. 4. Flashlight - The park is full of dark caves, so bring a flashlight to light your way. 5. Picnic supplies - Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a meal while taking in the spectacular views. 6. Fishing gear - If you’re feeling adventurous, bring along a fishing rod and tackle to try your luck at the park’s many fishing spots.

GEAR UP

HISTORY

Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota was established as a national park in 1903 and is the first cave to ever be designated as a national park in the world. It is one of the longest and most complex caves in the world, and it is home to a rare formation of boxwork, a unique formation of thin calcite fins resembling honeycomb. The cave is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, pronghorn, elk, and the endangered black-footed ferret. The park is also known for the largest remaining natural mixed-grass prairie in the United States. The area around the cave has been inhabited for thousands of years, and evidence of this can be found in the artifacts and pictographs left behind by the Native Americans who once lived there.

Wind Cave National Park is known for its legendary story of the Native American tribes. According to the legend, a strong wind blew out of a small hole in the side of a hill, creating the entrance to the cave. The natives believed that the wind was the breath of a powerful spirit, and the cave was sacred. Today, the park is home to one of the longest and most complex cave systems in the world, with over 140 miles of explored passageways. Visitors can explore the cave's winding passages and discover its vast array of formations, including boxwork, frostwork, and popcorn.

RECOMMENDED

1. Take the Natural Entrance Tour to explore the fascinating underground formations and learn about the park's history.

2. Hike the six miles of trails to discover the unique ecosystem of Wind Cave National Park.

3. Visit the Visitor Center to learn about the park's wildlife, geology, and history.

4. Take a scenic drive through the park's prairie and ponderosa pine forest.

5. Go Geocaching: With over 200 geocaches scattered throughout the park

6. Participate in a ranger-led program to discover the secrets of Wind Cave.

7. Visit the Elk Mountain Campground to stay overnight and explore the park. Or with four campgrounds and one backcountry campground, there are plenty of places to pitch a tent and spend the night in the park.

8. Search for wildlife such as elk, bison, and prairie dogs.

9. Go stargazing on a clear night and take in the beauty of the night sky.

10. Take a horseback ride through the park and experience the beauty of the area.

Visiting Wind Cave National Park is a must for any nature enthusiast. Here are the top recommendations for things to do and observe while at the park: 1. Head underground and explore the intricate cave system - the fourth longest in the world. 2. Take a guided tour and learn about the history and geology of the area. 3. Enjoy the wildlife in the park, including bison, elk, pronghorn, and prairie dogs. 4. Take a hike on one of the many trails in the park. 5. Enjoy the picturesque views from the lookout points. 6. Visit the Visitor Center to learn more about the park and pick up souvenirs.

GET HERE

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Wind Cave National Park is an incredible place to visit for a week. With its breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and unique geological formations, a week at Wind Cave National Park will be a truly unforgettable experience. The best things to do while visiting include exploring the park's amazing cave system, hiking the trails, and taking in the stunning views of the surrounding prairie. When visiting, make sure to bring a map, plenty of water, and a camera to capture all the amazing sights. Additionally, be sure to bring plenty of snacks and sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. With all of these items in tow, you'll be sure to have a great week at Wind Cave National Park.

Wind Cave National Park offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages. Here are the top 10 things to do when visiting the park: 1. Explore the cave - take a tour to witness the remarkable natural formations of the cave system. 2. Hiking - take a hike around the park and see the beauty of the prairie and forest habitats. 3. Wildlife Viewing - keep your eyes open to spot a variety of wildlife including bison, elk, pronghorn, and prairie dogs. 4. Horseback Riding - explore the park on horseback and take in the breathtaking views. 5. Camping - set up camp and stay the night surrounded by nature. 6. Fishing - try your luck at catching some of the native fish in the streams. 7. Ranger Programs - take part in one of the park's educational programs for a more in-depth experience. 8. Picnicking - bring a picnic lunch and enjoy eating in the great outdoors. 9. Scenic Drives - take a drive through the park and witness the beautiful landscape. 10. Visitor Center - learn more about the park at the visitor center and check out the exhibits

FIND A CAMPSITE

# OF VISITORS/MONTH

Wind Cave National Park welcomes more than 500,000 visitors each year. In the summer months of June, July and August, the park typically sees more than 70,000 visitors. During the winter months of December, January and February, the park sees fewer visitors, with an average of around 10,000 visitors each month. Visitors come from all over the world to experience the wonders of this incredible national park.