Wind Cave

Why visit

The Lakota tell of people emerging into the world from Wind Cave, and the cave’s natural entrance still breathes: air rushes in or out as the weather changes. Inside, the cave holds one of the largest collections of boxwork in the world, thin blades of calcite that cross each other like the cells of a honeycomb.

Cave tours

Ranger-led tours explore different parts of the cave. In recent years, work on the elevators has limited which tours run, so check the National Park Service website for the current situation before you go.

Above ground

• Wildlife: bison, elk, pronghorn and large prairie dog towns, easily seen from the roads.
• Rankin Ridge: a short nature trail to a fire lookout with views across the park.
• Hiking trails: more than 30 miles of trails through prairie and pine forest.

Tips

• The drive south from Custer through Custer State Park, or on US 385, is part of the fun.
• Keep your distance from bison, even when they look calm.
• Continue south to Hot Springs and the Mammoth Site to make a full day.