Wind Cave Programs, Facilities and Services

Surface Activities
Wind Cave National Park doesn’t consist of only cave tours. It is a world of many resources. You can experience the amazing prairie and forest worlds of this park by exploring any of the 30 miles of hiking trails, one of the tree nature trails or by hiking cross-country.

Living within the park are many different types of wildlife. You can experience wildlife by driving the scenic park roads or by hiking the trails. Some of the park’s wildlife include bison, elk, deer, prairie dogs, pronghorn and birds.

Ranger Programs
Rangers conduct Discovery Programs twice daily at the visitor center. These short programs examine many aspects of the park including wildlife, plants, geology, history, Lakota culture and cave surveying. A two-hour prairie hike is offered each day. Water and hiking boots or sturdy shoes are advised. You can also become better acquainted with Wind Cave National Park by attending evening campfire talks, which are presented nightly during the summer at the Elk Mountain Campground amphitheater. Topics include wildlife, plants, geology, park management and history. Campfire talks last about 45 minutes. A Junior Ranger program is offered as well.

Facilities
The Visitor Center is open daily 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and hours are extended during the summer months. The Visitor Center contains three exhibit rooms featuring cave exploration, cave formations, early cave history, the Civilian Conservation Corps, park wildlife and resource management. An 18-minute movie is shown throughout the day.

Services
The Visitor Center has limited food, beverage and vending services.

Camping is available within Wind Cave National Park at the Elk Mountain Campground. The campground is open all year, although flush toilets and water are only available during the summer. Camping costs $12 per night when water and toilet facilities are available and $6 per night when they are turned off. Occupancy is on a first-come, first-served basis. Back country camping is available in a designated area in the northwest part of the park. All back country campers must obtain a free Back country Use Permit at the visitor center or at the Centennial Trail access point.

Food, gas, lodging and camping are available in the gateway communities of Hot Springs, Custer and Custer State Park.

Directions
Wind Cave National Park is located 6 miles north of Hot Springs, SD. The Visitor Center is 11 miles north of Hot Springs on U.S. Hwy 385.





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