Basic Information

Bison, elk, and other wildlife roam at will throughout most of the park.

NPS Photo

 

Due to COVID-19, the visitor center is closed until further notice. The park store remains open and a ranger is stationed out front daily to answer questions. Please check the Alerts for updated information. Due to the closure, the park cannot issue Interagency Annual, Senior, Access, or 4th Grade Passes at this time.

 

Physical Address

Directions

The Visitor Center is located 11 miles north of Hot Springs off U.S. Hwy 385, about 1/2 mile west from the highway. Do not use your GPS to find the visitor center -- you will get lost. Many GPS units locate the park visitor center north on State Road 87. The coordinates for the Visitor Center are N43 33' 22" W103 28' 38".

From Rapid City direct:

• Follow Route 79 south approximately 50 miles to U.S. Route 385.
• Turn right onto U.S. Route 385 North, then continue through Hot Springs.
• Follow U.S. Hwy 385 another 6 miles north and into Wind Cave National Park.
• Once in the park follow signs to the visitor center for cave tours and general park information.

From Rapid City via the Black Hills:

• Follow U.S. Hwy. 16 south and west to U.S. Hwy. 385.

• Turn left on US Hwy. 385 south to Hill City and continue south through Custer City. The park is about 20 miles south of Custer, SD off U.S. Hwy 385.
• Once in the park follow signs to the visitor center for cave tours and general park information.

From western Nebraska:

• Follow U.S. Hwy 385 north through Hot Springs, SD to the park.
• Once in the park follow signs to the visitor center for cave tours and general park information.

From Custer State Park:

• Follow State Road 87 south into Wind Cave National Park.
• Once in the park follow signs to the visitor center for cave tours and general park information.

Public Transportation
No public transportation serves the park.

Plane
Nearest commercial airport is in Rapid City, SD.

Operating Hours & Seasons

Weather

Fees & Passes

Entrance Fees:

Visitor Centers

Internet & Cellular Access

Public WiFi is available.

Internet & Cellular Access Details

 

Wind Cave Weather

The weather at Wind Cave National Park is variable and can be unpredictable, especially in the summer, with temperatures regularly exceeding 80° F (27° C). Severe thunderstorms are common in June and July and can produce large hail and severe lightning. Be sure to check the local forecast before heading out on a hike or other outdoor activity. Winters bring snow and temperatures regularly below freezing. Park roads may be closed during times of heavy snowfall so it is recommended to check current road conditions before driving to the park. Checking the weather page can give you an idea of what your visit to Wind Cave might be like.

The cave is 54° F (12° C) year round.

Food Services

The park has limited food and beverage vending services in the visitor center. Nearest grocery or restaurant services are available in the nearby towns of Custer and Hot Springs. A picnic area 1/4 mile north of the visitor center offers easy access to the visitor center and the start of cave tours.