News Release

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

Rangers at Wind Cave National Park will be offering programs to listen for elk bugling in September and October.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: September 2, 2026

HOT SPRINGS, SD – Wind Cave National Park will offer ranger-led elk bugling programs on select evenings in September and October in addition to daily cave tours.

The Rocky Mountain elk’s high-pitched whistle heralds the arrival of fall and the elk’s mating season. On Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday evenings from September 14 through October 10, meet on the front lawn of the Wind Cave Visitor Center at 7 p.m. for a ranger presentation about elk, followed by a drive to a pullout within the park to listen to elk bulging. Participants should bring a flashlight, a camp chair or blanket to sit on, and dress warmly.

Fall Cave Tour ScheduleCave tours along different tour routes are offered daily throughout the fall. Fall routes include the Natural Entrance, Fairgrounds, and Garden of Eden. For all tours, participants are encouraged to bring a light coat or sweater and good walking shoes.

• The Natural Entrance tour lasts approximately 75 minutes and involves 300 stairs and is offered through September.
• The Fairgrounds tour lasts 1.5 hours and involves 450 stairs and will be offered starting October 1.
• The Garden of Eden tour lasts one hour and involves 150 stairs and is offered year-around.

Learn more about guided cave tours at www.nps.gov/wica/planyourvisit/guidedtours. Reservations for cave tours can be made up until two days before the tour at www.recreation.gov.

Fall Visitor Center HoursThe park visitor center will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through September. Beginning October 1, winter hours will be 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/wica or call the park at [phone].

Tags: wind cave national park, ranger program, elk bugling

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