News Release

Free tours at Wind Cave National Park September 25 in celebration of National Public Lands Day

Wind Cave will be offering free tours on Saturday, September 25, as part of National Public Lands Day.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: September 16, 2021

Contact: Tom Farrell, 605-745-1130

WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK, SD – Wind Cave National Park will be offering free tours on Saturday, September 25, as part of National Public Lands Day.      

"This is a great opportunity for people in the area to experience one of the world’s largest caves or to just go for a hike,” said Park Superintendent Leigh Welling. “Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. Visiting natural areas lowers cortisol and blood pressure and is linked with lowering levels of stress, depression, and anxiety.”

Anyone interested in free tours of Wind Cave are encouraged to arrive early. All tours begin at the visitor center, and cave tour tickets will be issued on a first come, first served basis. This event can be extremely popular resulting in long wait times and possible “sold out” tours. 

Natural Entrance and Garden of Eden Tours will be offered throughout the day. The first tour begins at 9 a.m. with the last starting at 4 p.m. These tours are 75 and 60 minutes in length with 300 stairs on the Natural Entrance Tour and 150 on the Garden of Eden Tour. The cave’s temperature is 54 ºF. A light coat or sweater and sturdy walking shoes are recommended.

National Public Lands Day is a time to celebrate the heritage sites of the United States. All visitors are encouraged to explore these natural and cultural treasures and take the time to learn the significance behind each location. For more information, contact Wind Cave at 605-745-4600.