Wind Cave National Park
Guide

This hike is a fairly short loop that simply winds around the campground, so you won’t have to go very far to discover this trail. It’s the perfect solution if you just want to stretch your legs but still experience fantastic views. And, you won’t be out in the cold for very long.

Bundle up against the winter chill by dressing in layers. Bring along drinking water to quench your thirst and a thermos of hot coffee in case you get cold. Your dog may join you on your hiking adventure but must remain leashed.

Winter at Wind Cave National Park can be a beautiful sight to see. At the overlooks, you can see the rolling hills topped with glistening white snow. It’s the perfect time to take a few pictures. After all, what better way is there to preserve your best memories? Take a stroll throughout the property in search of picture-perfect opportunities; you will be spoiled for choice. Whether you snap a pic of the wildlife that makes this park their home, the abundance of trees covered with a thick blanket of snow, or even just a great family photo or two, you are sure to bring home some great shots.

Inside the Visitor Center, you’ll find exhibits on the Plains Indians, the park and prairie management, and all things having to do with the caves, including how they formed and how they were discovered. There is even a short movie you can watch. You’ll also find all the information you’ll need about local events and attractions to help you plan the remainder of your stay.

Enjoy your journey to the Visitor's Center on foot, giving you the opportunity to burn off a few extra calories while drinking in the crisp, refreshing winter air. Bring along a snack or two to help keep your energy levels primed for your day's adventure.

Every year, rangers at Wind Cave National Park enlist the help of volunteers to conduct their winter bird count. Bring your scope or binoculars to help spot and document the park’s feathered residents, and hang out with fellow birding enthusiasts. A naturalist's guide is a great way to identify the different birds that you discover along your journey. Bring a camera too to capture some photos of your finds.

The possibilities are endless when you let your creativity go wild in the snow. Make some snow angels, build a snowman or some other neat snow sculptures, or even wage war on your family and friends with a snowball fight. There are plenty of options and, most often, there is also plenty of snow. Since you can get awfully chilly when wet from snow play, be sure to dress in layers to help keep yourself warm and protected against the elements.

In the spring, the snow is finally beginning to melt and you can watch as the water in the creeks begins to finally rush forth again, coming back to life. At this park, you can check out Beaver Creek and Highland Creek, which can be accessed from moderate to strenuous hiking trails.

Choose appropriate footwear for hiking over various types of terrain. Bring your pooch along if you like but be prepared to clean up and properly dispose of their waste. In keeping with local laws, please keep your dog on a leash at all times.

Be sure to tote some drinking water to keep your hydration levels primed for performance. Springtime at the Creeks is an excellent time for enjoying a picnic lunch on the grounds. Bring along a packed meal from home to feast on when your day of exploration is done.

While off-road bicycling is not allowed within the park, those who choose to get around by bike can do so comfortably on the main roads. US HWY 385 is great for cyclists as it has wide shoulders. State Route 87, on the other hand, may prove to be a more difficult ride with all of its narrow twists and turns. For the utmost in safety precautions, consider wearing a helmet when cycling. To prevent dehydration, always carry drinking water with you and be sure to maintain easy access to a snack.

What was once a road now follows Wind Cave Canyon, and you can hike alongside it and see it for yourself. This trail is fairly easy, being only 1.8 total miles and giving you some unique views. The rocky cliffs that you’ll see here are perfect nesting spots for many different kinds of birds, so this is a good place to go bird watching. Bring along your camera to capture the interesting bird species you find along your journey.

There are many birds that are native to this area that reside within the park. Grab your binoculars and bird-identifying booklet, find a spot to sit quietly, and you just might spot some rare birds that you’ve never seen before. The park is home to species such as the Bald Eagle, American Kestrel, Mountain Bluebird, and Western Tanager.

When you visit Wind Cave National Park, you’ll likely be treated to the rare sight of elk, bison, deer, pronghorn, and so much more. Many of these animals can be seen grazing in the prairie fields in an area which sits atop the intricate cave system the park is named for. Inside the cave, you might be able to spot a few different species of bats.

There are over 28,000 acres of prairie lands and ponderosa pine forests available for you and your horse to roam within Wind Cave National Park, making it a great place for a bit of riding. Just be sure that you get a permit first and check the rules and regulations.

Though fall conditions in South Dakota are typically quite favorable, you may still catch a chill, so dress in layers to remain warm. Picnicking is a popular activity along the trails, so pack a lunch to enjoy when you find the perfect spot. Be sure to include lots of drinking water for you and your equine friend.

Wind Cave National Park is very kid-friendly. The park offers a free program that allows your child to become a Wind Cave Junior Ranger. You can get program booklets at the visitor center, and even check out their online program, called WebRangers.

The journey to becoming Junior Ranger includes all kinds of interesting tests of skill and knowledge. The activities are grand fun for both children and adults alike and will quickly become something you and your kids look forward to each day. You will be amazed by the interesting facts you learn!

The Natural Entrance Cave Tour is available from late April to early October and is one of the most popular cave tours in the region. When you go, you’ll get to learn where the cave got its name and how it was originally discovered. You’ll also get to see an abundance of neat boxwork cave formations. Most of the tour is through the middle section of the cave, with steps leading downward, then exiting through an elevator.

This tour is considered to be somewhat challenging and is best reserved for those with excellent mobility. You will want to wear footwear that is appropriate for more strenuous hiking endeavors.

This trail is one of the most popular hikes within Wind Cave National Park, and for good reason. Rankin Ridge is only a one-mile path, and it’ll take you to the highest peak in the park, treating visitors to awe-inspiring views that make for wonderful photo ops. This is one hike that is sure to make the whole family smile.

Pack a lunch and be sure to grab some drinking water, so you can feast like kings at the summit. Bring along your dog if you like but take care to keep them leashed at all times.

This hour-long tour is great for children and folks who aren’t up for a strenuous hike to get a taste of the caves. The tour begins when you step out of an elevator that takes you where you need to be. During the tour, you’ll get to see all kinds of unique cave formations, including boxwork, flowstone, and cave popcorn.

There are so many trails to choose from when you visit Wind Cave National Park--you’ll be sure to find something that is just right for any family member, as many of the trails are easy little hikes. You’ll also be able to find more moderate to strenuous trails for those who are up for a challenge. Whatever kind of hike that you enjoy, you won't be disappointed!

The terrain found on the grounds is quite varied with sections that are marked by steep inclines and vast hills. There are also densely forested areas that are alive with various species of plant and animal life.

Backcountry camping is an excellent way to experience the park and all it has to offer. Lose yourself in the beauty of nature and find peace and quiet once again. Be sure to get a permit before you go, and make sure the area that you choose to set up camp at is an acceptable spot.

You will need to remain alert for the presence of wildlife that could be dangerous and take care to store all of your food properly to avoid attracting animals. Backcountry camping offers families the opportunity to experience a whole new level of rest and relaxation in a unique and serene setting.

By taking the candlelight cave tour, you can get a feel for what it must’ve been like for the earlier travelers that discovered the cave systems. This is one of the most unique ways to experience a cave system and is definitely worth your while. The minimum age is eight, and the tour is labeled to be strenuous. The tour is only available during the summer months.
Since this tour is considered extremely challenging, you will need to come dressed for a hike that travels over diverse terrain and through unusual conditions such as cold, damp, and fog.

If you want to feel like a true adventurer and be faced with challenges and difficulties, this tour is for you. This is a very strenuous tour where you’ll be expected to wear long sleeves, lace-up boots, hardhats, and more to keep you safe during the cave trip. All participants must be at least 16 years old and are expected to sign a waiver.

This cave tour, lasting an hour and a half and including both upper and middle levels of the cave, is only available during the summer season. Be aware that this is a fairly strenuous tour with lots of steps. If you’re willing to put in the effort, you’ll be rewarded with views of magnificent cave formations including boxwork, cave popcorn, and frostwork.