Wind Cave National Park Active and Adventure Travel Guide

Wind Cave National Park Active and Adventure Travel Guide

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Travel Guides Near Wind Cave National Park

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Spelunkers in Snowdrift Avenue in Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
Snowdrift Avenue in Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota (courtesy, National Park Service)
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Wind Cave National Park Active and Adventure Travel Tips

By Brian Kevin

  • While Wind Cave, one of the world's longest and most complex caves, certainly steals the show, there's more to the park, including 28,295 acres of mixed-grass prairie, ponderosa pine forest, and associated wildlife.
  • Guided tours are the only way to explore the caves here, as the vast majority of the Wind Cave is off-limits to cavers unless they are under the Park Service's direct supervision.
  • The park offers a tour through undeveloped portions of the cave, which requires a tutorial on basic caving skills and gear. This four-hour tour is the only way to get off the beaten path at Wind Cave. Reserve a spot for these trips a month in advance.

Wind Cave National Park Overview

Don't be deceived by the park's name. Oh sure, there's plenty of wind at Wind Cave, but there's also more to see and do than visit the world-class, namesake cave. Above ground you'll find rolling prairie, interesting rock formations, and beautiful pine forests open to exploration. The park is also home to native wildlife such as bison, elk, pronghorn, mule deer, coyotes, and prairie dogs. Read More

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Hotels

Sojourner Inn

1729 Minnekahta Ave.
Hot Springs, SD 57747 Map

Distance: 8.4 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
4.0

Custer State Park Resort—Legion Lake Lodge

12967 US Hwy. 16A
Custer, SD 57730 Map

Distance: 15.2 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
3.0

Rock Crest Lodge & Cabins

15 W. Mt. Rushmore Rd.
Custer, SD 57730 Map

Distance: 15.8 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
4.0
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Attractions

Angostura Recreation Area

expert favorite attraction
10 miles SE of Hot Springs off US Hwy. 385/18
13157 N. Angostura Rd.
Hot Springs, South Dakota 57747

Distance: 8.5 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Angostura Reservoir is a recreation area offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming.... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0
5_0

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

expert favorite attraction
southwestern South Dakota, 100 miles from Badlands National Park
Keystone, South Dakota 57751

Distance: 22.2 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Four presidential faces carved from a mountain, considered one of the wonders of the world -- go for the nightly lighting ceremony.... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0
5_0
5_0

Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary

expert favorite attraction
14 miles south of Hot Springs off Hwy. 71
P.O. Box 998
Hot Springs, South Dakota 57747

Distance: 8.5 mi. (from destination center)

Description: The Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary spans 11,000 acres and is home to more than 500 wild horses... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
4_0
4_0
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Airports

Major Airports near Wind Cave National Park

Distance (mi.)
Denver International Airport 264.5 map

Other Smaller Airports near Wind Cave National Park

Distance (mi.)
Rapid City Regional Airport 39.3 map
Gillette Campbell County Airport 116.1 map
Scottsbluff Scotts Bluff County Airport 117.0 map

Feature Articles

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Wind Cave National Park Active and Adventure Travel Guides

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