Wind Cave National Park Active and Adventure Travel Guide

Wind Cave National Park Active and Adventure Travel Guide

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Active and Adventure Destinations Near Wind Cave National Park

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 Travel Expert: 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

Distance: 8.4 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
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4.0
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from: $91

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites HOT SPRINGS

1401 HWY. 18 BYPASS
Hot Springs, SD 57747

Distance: 9.1 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 3 class stars

Traveler Rating
4.5 out of 5
4.5 out of 5
8 reviews
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2.0
3.0
from: $47

Super 8 Motel Hot Springs

800 Mammoth Street
Hot Springs, SD 57747-0612

Distance: 9.2 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 1 class stars

Traveler Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
5 reviews
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Attractions

Angostura Recreation Area

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Not Yet Rated
10 miles SE of Hot Springs off US Hwy. 385/18
13157 N. Angostura Rd.
Hot Springs, South Dakota 57747 Map

Distance: 0.0 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Angostura Reservoir is a recreation area offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming.... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
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Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary

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

Distance: 0.0 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
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Evans Plunge

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1145 North River St.
Hot Springs, South Dakota Map

Distance: 0.0 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Evans Plunge is the world's largest warm-water indoor swimming pool. Vistors can enjoy three Waterslides, Tarzan Rings, Fun Tubes, Kids Pools, and a full service Health Club.... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
3_0
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Airports

Major Airports near Wind Cave National Park

Distance (mi.)
Denver International Airport 264.5 map Flight Deals to DEN

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

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