Visitor and Resource Protection

Through law enforcement, search and rescue, wildland firefighting, and emergency medical services, we protect the visitors and resources of Wind Cave National Park.

 

Park staff participating in cave rescue training.

NPS Photo

Search and Rescue

From time to time a visitor may get lost in the cave or in the backcountry. When this occurs it is our duty to find them. Wind Cave is the only cave in the park open to the public and is a complex system of passageways. The cave is closed to visitors without a guide.

Backcountry travel on the prairie may be confusing at times. Be sure to take a map and compass/GPS with you. Be aware that you GPS does not locate the park's visitor center in the correct spot. The visitor center is located about 1 mile off US Hwy 385.

 

Prescribed burn in 2010.

NPS Photo

Wildland Firefighting

Prescribed burns are an integral part of the park's management plan.Sometimes, however, a wildfire starts from a lightning strike or other means, and park staff may have to intervene. Check with a ranger to learn about local fire restrictions during your visit.

 

Life flight helicopter for medical emergency.

NPS Photo

Emergency Medical Services

Every member of park staff is trained in CPR and first aid, including the use of AEDs.Many of our Visitor and Resource Protection staff also are certified as EMTs. To ensure the safety of all our visitors and staff, we invite folks with special needs to arrange special cave tours either ahead of time or at the front desk.

 

Bison walking along South Dakota Highway 87.

NPS Photo

Law Enforcement

Visitor and resource protection staff enforce all federal rules and regulations from United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 36, Parks, Forests, and Public Property, United States Code Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, and all applicable South Dakota state laws. You are responsible for knowing the rules and regulations of each national park you visit. Failure to comply with such rules and regulations may result in a citation and applicable fine and/or time served. Click following links for 36CFR regulations, USC 18, Superintendent's Compendium, and South Dakota State Codified Laws.

Traffic Laws

All state traffic laws are strictly enforced. In addition, federal law mandates that you are required to wear a seat belt at all times while in a moving vehicle within a national park.

While U.S. 385 is a major highway, remember there are large wildlife on the roadway. South Dakota Highway 87 is also home to many large wildlife. Please observe all speed limits. Wind Cave has lost more than 90 bison to motor vehicle accidents in the last twenty years.

Stopping or standing in the roadway and obstructing traffic can be a dangerous practice. If you decide to take a photo of the beautiful scenery and wildlife at Wind Cave, please pull off the road before you do so. Be sure to look for traffic before you exit your vehicle for any reason. There have been many close calls for people who just had to have that great shot.

Slow down and enjoy the scenery!

 

Road sign along U.S. Highway 385.

NPS Photo

Hunting

Hunting is not allowed within Wind Cave National Park. Transporting lawfully taken wildlife directly through the park (without stopping) on paved highways is permitted.

Retrieving or transporting wounded or dead wildlife from the park is prohibited. If you have lawfully taken an animal that crossed into the park before its death, contact the visitor center (during normal business hours) at 605-745-4600 or call the Custer County Dispatch Center at 605-673-8176 and ask for the ranger on duty.

Access to adjacent lands by foot for the purpose of hunting is permitted in some cases. Contact the visitor center for more information.

The use of artificial light (including vehicle headlights) causes stress on wildlife, and may cause them to change their behavior patterns. Spotlighting is strictly prohibited.

Recent changes in laws and policies regarding weapons in national parks can be found here.

 

Antlers, bones and rocks collected illegally.

NPS Photo by O. Murnane

Collecting

Taking rocks, fossils, antler sheds and other park resources is prohibited and strictly enforced. These resources are protected for the enjoyment of current and future generations. The antlers and rocks in this photo were collected illegally by visitors over the course of two days.