Wind Cave National Park is one of the oldest protected areas in the United States, and one of only six World Heritage Site in the country. Located near the Black Hills of South Dakota, the park features a spectacular mix of prairie, hills, and burrowing limestone labyrinths underground. The park is also home to a wide variety of animal and plant life, including mule deer, bison, prairie dogs, and over 30 species of birds. There are over 140 mapped miles of cave passageways deep below the park, full of intricate calcite formations, making it the fourth longest cave in the world.
Highlights of Wind Cave National Park
Cave Tours
Wind Cave National Park offers excellent cave exploration opportunities for adventure seekers. Traditional ranger-led cave tours offer a unique look into the geological forces that shape the subterranean world. There are various levels of cave tours available, so whether you're a novice or experienced caver, you are sure to find a tour that fits your experience level.
Scenic Drive
Popular routes take visitors through ponderosa pine forests and meadows of wildflowers, with grassy hills on one side, and sweeping views of Ponderosa canyons and prairies on the other.
Wildlife Viewing
Wind Cave National Park is a great place to get up close and personal with wildlife. It offers visitors the opportunity to spot animals such as elk, bison, pronghorn antelope, mule deer, swift fox, wild turkeys and prairie dogs in their natural habitat. The park also boasts more than 400 species of birds, which makes it perfect for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
