Basic Information

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

NPS Photo

 

Physical Address

Directions

The Visitor Center is located 11 miles north of Hot Springs off U.S. Highway 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 South Dakota Highway 87. The coordinates for the Visitor Center are N43 33' 22" W103 28' 38".

From Rapid City direct:

• Follow South Dakota Highway 79 south approximately 50 miles to U.S. Highway 385.
• Turn right onto U.S. Highway 385 north, then continue through Hot Springs.
• Follow U.S. Highway 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. Highway 16 south and west to U.S. Highway 385.

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

From western Nebraska:

• Follow U.S. Highway 385 north through Hot Springs, South Dakota, 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 South Dakota Highway 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

Visitor Centers

Internet & Cellular Access

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 (20 miles / 32 km) and Hot Springs (12 miles / 19 km). A picnic area 1/4 mile north of the visitor center offers easy access to the visitor center and the start of cave tours.