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 tours to listen for elk bugling in September and October.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: August 30, 2025

Contact: Tom Farrell, 605-745-1130

HOT SPRINGS, SD – Rangers at Wind Cave National Park will be leading programs throughout September and early October to listen for the bugle of the Rocky Mountain elk. The elk’s high-pitched whistle heralds the arrival of fall and the elk’s mating season. 
 
Beginning Monday, September 8, rangers are giving brief interpretive programs about elk before leading a caravan to a nearby pullout to listen for them. These one-hour programs are offered Monday, Wednesday and Saturday evenings through Saturday, October 4. Participants meet at the Wind Cave Visitor Center front lawn at 7 p.m. and are encouraged to bring a flashlight, a camp chair or blanket to sit on, and to dress warmly. The program will be cancelled due to inclement weather.  
 
To listen to an elk’s bugling call, visit the park’s website at https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/elk-bugling-wica.htm. 
 
Fall ranger programs also include Natural Entrance and Garden of Eden Tours of Wind Cave throughout the day. 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. The Garden of Eden Tour lasts one hour and involves 150 stairs. Tours will be offered every thirty minutes throughout the day between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. through September 20, with reduced tours offered into the fall and winter. 
 
Reservations for cave tours can be made up until 2 days before the tour at https://www.recreation.gov/. 
 
The park visitor center will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through September 20 with winter hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., beginning September 21. 
 
For more information, visit www.nps.gov/wica or call the park at [phone].