Wind Cave National Park
One of the world's longest caves and a sacred Lakota site
Updated: January 15, 2026 | 1 hour from Rapid City | 10 min from Custer State Park
Located an hour's drive southwest of Rapid City and just 10 minutes from Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park protects one of the longest and most complex caves in the world. Known as Maka Oniye ("the Earth is breathing") to the Lakota people, this sacred site showcases beauty both above and below the surface. Above ground, explore 28,000 acres of mixed-grass prairie and 30+ miles of hiking trails. Below the surface, ranger-guided tours wind through passages filled with rare boxwork formations found almost nowhere else on Earth.
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Maka Oniye: The Sacred Significance
A Sacred Place
Wind Cave holds deep spiritual significance for many Native American tribes, particularly the Lakota, Cheyenne, and other Plains nations. Known as Maka Oniye, meaning "the Earth is breathing," this name describes the cave's most distinctive feature: a natural entrance where air rushes in and out due to changes in atmospheric pressure, as if the Earth itself were breathing.
Wind Cave is considered one of their most sacred places. During your visit and tour of the cave, you'll hear the full story of the Lakota Emergence Story, a powerful oral tradition that tells how Wind Cave is the place where the Lakota people emerged from the spirit lodge in the spirit world into the physical world. It's a story that continues to inspire awe, connection, and reverence for this remarkable land.
The cave's "breathing" creates winds that can reach up to 70 mph at the small natural entrance. This phenomenon, caused by air pressure equalization between the cave system and the outside atmosphere, was what first drew attention to the cave's existence. For the Lakota people, this breathing Earth represents the living connection between the physical and spiritual worlds.
When visiting Wind Cave, we encourage all visitors to approach this site with respect and awareness of its cultural significance. The rangers provide excellent interpretation of both the geological wonders and the cultural heritage during cave tours.
Wind Cave Visitor Center Hours
The park grounds are open year-round, but visitor center and cave tour hours vary by season. Plan accordingly:
| Season | Hours |
|---|---|
| Early April - Late May | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Memorial Day - Late September | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| September | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Early October - Late April | 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
Note: The visitor center may close for holidays. Cave tours have their own schedules and may end earlier than visitor center closing. Check Recreation.gov for current tour availability.
Wind Cave Tours & Prices (2026)
The only way to experience Wind Cave's underground wonders is through a ranger-guided tour. Several options are available for different abilities and interests. All tours depart from the visitor center and reservations are strongly recommended.
Book Your Cave Tour
Cave tours sell out quickly, especially during summer. Reserve through Recreation.gov up to 30 days in advance.
Reserve on Recreation.govGarden of Eden Cave Tour
EasiestThe least strenuous tour gives participants views of beautiful cave formations including boxwork, cave popcorn, and flowstone. Uses elevator for access.
Natural Entrance Cave Tour
ModerateSee where the cave was discovered and learn how Wind Cave got its name. Enter through the historic natural entrance and descend into the middle level of the cave. Exits via elevator.
Fairgrounds Cave Tour
Most Strenuous WalkingWind Cave's most strenuous walking tour offers discovery of larger rooms throughout the upper and middle levels of the cave. Uses elevator for entry and exit.
Candlelight Cave Tour
Summer OnlyExperience the cave as early explorers did. This historic tour allows exploration of less developed, unlit parts of the cave by candlelight. Each participant carries a candle bucket lantern.
Wild Cave Tour
AdventureUndeveloped cave exploration involving crawling on uneven surfaces and low-ceiling encounters. Explore areas few visitors ever see. Equipment provided. Requires good physical fitness.
Accessibility Tour
AccessibleDesigned for visitors with mobility limitations. Sign-language interpreters are available for the hearing impaired with two weeks advance notice.
Cave Tour Tips
- Book in advance: Reserve through Recreation.gov up to 30 days ahead.
- Arrive 15 minutes early: Check in at the visitor center before your tour.
- Dress warmly: The cave maintains a constant 54F (12C) year-round.
- Wear closed-toe shoes: Required for all tours. No sandals or flip-flops.
- No flash photography: Flash can damage formations and disturb others.
Wind Cave Formations
Wind Cave is renowned for its extraordinary cave formations, many of which are rare or unique to this location. The cave contains approximately 95% of the world's known boxwork formations.
Boxwork
Wind Cave's signature formation. Thin calcite fins protrude from cave walls in honeycomb-like patterns. Formed when calcite filled cracks in the rock before the surrounding limestone dissolved. 95% of the world's boxwork is here.
Cave Popcorn
Small, knobby growths of calcite resembling popcorn kernels. Found throughout the cave on walls, ceilings, and other formations. Formed by mineral-rich water evaporating on cave surfaces.
Flowstone
Smooth, sheet-like calcite deposits formed when water flows over cave surfaces. Creates cascading, frozen-waterfall-like formations in various colors.
Frostwork
Delicate, needle-like aragonite crystals resembling frost or tiny flowers. Found in specific areas where conditions are just right. Extremely fragile and beautiful.
Cave Facts
- Total mapped length: Over 150 miles (241 km) of explored passages
- Estimated total: Scientists believe only 5-10% has been discovered
- Depth: Over 650 feet (198 m) below the surface
- Temperature: Constant 54F (12C) year-round
- World ranking: Among the 10 longest caves on Earth
- Established: 1903 (7th U.S. National Park, first to protect a cave)
Wind Cave Hiking Trails
There are more than 30 miles of hiking trails in Wind Cave National Park. These trails vary from easy to strenuous, winding through mixed grass prairie and pine forests, revealing natural wonders and abundant wildlife including bison, elk, and mountain lions. Trail maps are available at the Visitor Center.
Trail Facts
- Shorter nature trails include Elk Mountain, Prairie Vista, and Rankin Ridge.
- Rankin Ridge leads to the highest point in the park with a fire lookout tower.
- Centennial Trail is a 6-mile segment of the longest trail in the Black Hills (111 miles total).
- Highland Creek winds along creeks and Wind Cave Canyon, the most diverse trail in the park.
- Boland Ridge offers scenic views of the Black Hills in one direction and the Great Plains in the other.
Rankin Ridge Nature Trail
ModerateThe most popular trail. Climb to a historic fire lookout tower for panoramic views of the Black Hills, prairies, and Badlands. Highest point in the park.
Elk Mountain Nature Trail
EasyEasy loop near Elk Mountain Campground. Great for families and evening walks. Interpretive signs highlight prairie plants and wildlife.
Prairie Vista Trail
EasyShort trail near the visitor center. Perfect before or after a cave tour. Views of the prairie and occasional wildlife.
Highland Creek Trail
Moderate-StrenuousWinds along creeks and Wind Cave Canyon. The most ecologically diverse trail in the park, passing through multiple habitats.
Boland Ridge Trail
ModerateOffers scenic views of the Black Hills in one direction and the Great Plains in the other. Excellent for photography.
Centennial Trail (Section)
Moderate-StrenuousPart of the longest trail in the Black Hills. The section through Wind Cave offers backcountry hiking through prairie and forest.
Wildlife at Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave National Park preserves one of the largest remaining mixed-grass prairies in the United States. The 28,000 acres above the cave support thriving wildlife populations, including species that once roamed the Great Plains in vast numbers.
American Bison
Approximately 400 bison roam the park's prairies. Descendants of animals reintroduced in 1913, helping save the species from extinction.
Elk
A herd inhabits the park. Best seen at dawn and dusk in meadow areas, especially during fall rutting season.
Pronghorn Antelope
North America's fastest land animal. Look for them in open prairie areas throughout the park.
Prairie Dogs
Black-tailed prairie dog colonies are scattered throughout. Watch for their barking alarm calls and social behaviors.
Mule & White-tailed Deer
Both species are common throughout the park, especially in forest edges and meadows.
Mountain Lions
Present in the park but rarely seen. These elusive predators help maintain healthy prey populations.
Wildlife Safety
- Keep your distance: Stay at least 100 yards from bison and elk.
- Never approach wildlife: Use binoculars or telephoto lenses for close views.
- Stay in your vehicle: When wildlife is near the road, view from inside your car.
- Do not feed wildlife: It's illegal and dangerous for both you and the animals.
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May)
- Baby bison and other wildlife young
- Wildflowers blooming on prairie
- Fewer crowds than summer
- Some tours may have limited schedules
Summer (June-August)
- All tour options available
- Best weather for hiking
- Longest visitor center hours
- Most crowded - book tours early
Fall (September-October)
- Elk rutting season (September)
- Fall colors in the hills
- Fewer crowds after Labor Day
- Pleasant hiking temperatures
Winter (November-March)
- Very few visitors, peaceful
- Limited tour options
- Wildlife easier to spot on snow
- Cave temperature same year-round
How Long to Spend
- Half Day (2-3 hours): One cave tour plus visitor center.
- Full Day (5-6 hours): Cave tour, hiking, and wildlife watching. Recommended.
- Multi-Day: Multiple tours, all trails, combined with Custer State Park.
What to Bring
- Jacket or sweater (cave is 54F year-round)
- Closed-toe shoes with good grip (required)
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Camera (no flash in cave)
- Water and snacks (limited food services)
- Sunscreen and hat for above-ground activities
How to Get to Wind Cave
Wind Cave National Park is located in the southern Black Hills of South Dakota, just north of Hot Springs.
- From Rapid City: 55 miles south via US-79 and US-385. About 1 hour.
- From Custer State Park: Adjacent. About 10 minutes from the southern entrance.
- From Mount Rushmore: 35 miles south. About 50 minutes.
- From Custer: 10 miles south via US-385. About 15 minutes.
Where to Stay
- Custer: 10 miles north. Closest town with hotels and restaurants. Best base for Wind Cave and Custer State Park.
- Hot Springs: 10 miles south. Small town with motels and Evans Plunge warm water pool.
- Rapid City: 55 miles north. Largest selection of hotels. Good base for all Black Hills attractions.
- Elk Mountain Campground: Within the park. 75 sites, first-come first-served. Tent and RV camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Maka Oniye mean?
Maka Oniye is the Lakota name for Wind Cave, meaning "the Earth is breathing." The name describes the cave's natural entrance where air rushes in and out due to atmospheric pressure changes. Wind Cave is a sacred site where the Lakota people believe they emerged from the spirit world into the physical world.
How much do Wind Cave tours cost?
Wind Cave tour prices for 2026: Garden of Eden Tour $15 adults ($8 children/seniors), Natural Entrance and Fairgrounds Tours $17 adults ($9 children/seniors), Candlelight Tour $17 (ages 16+, minimum age 8), Wild Cave Tour $45 (ages 16+), and Accessibility Tour $7 adults ($4 children/seniors). Children 5 and under are $1 on most tours.
Do you need reservations for Wind Cave?
Yes, reservations are strongly recommended, especially during summer. Tours frequently sell out. Reserve through Recreation.gov up to 30 days in advance. The Wild Cave Tour requires phone reservations 30 days ahead.
Is Wind Cave free to enter?
Yes, entrance to Wind Cave National Park is free. You can explore the hiking trails, view wildlife, and visit the visitor center at no cost. However, cave tours require a fee ($7-$45 depending on tour type).
What is special about Wind Cave?
Wind Cave contains 95% of the world's known boxwork formations and is one of the longest caves on Earth (150+ miles mapped). It was the first cave designated as a national park (1903) and holds deep spiritual significance for Native American tribes as the site of the Lakota Emergence Story.
Can you explore Wind Cave without a tour?
No, the cave can only be explored on ranger-guided tours for safety and conservation. However, the park's 28,000 acres above ground are free to explore, including 30+ miles of hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.
What wildlife can you see at Wind Cave?
Wind Cave is home to approximately 400 bison, elk, pronghorn antelope, prairie dogs, mule deer, white-tailed deer, and mountain lions. The mixed-grass prairie provides excellent wildlife viewing, especially at dawn and dusk.
How cold is Wind Cave?
The cave maintains a constant temperature of 54F (12C) year-round. Bring a jacket or sweater even in summer. The cool temperature makes cave tours a refreshing escape from summer heat.
Plan Your Wind Cave Adventure
From the sacred significance of Maka Oniye to the world's largest collection of boxwork formations, Wind Cave offers a truly unique experience. Book your tour in advance and discover this remarkable intersection of geology, ecology, and cultural heritage.