Best things to do in Wind Cave National Park

Updated April 26th, 2022
Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota, USA - 10.2021: Entrance sign to park

Wind Cave is one of the world’s longest and most complex caves. It is also one of the few caves with a natural entrance and exit. The cave is famous for its winding passages, unique rock formations, and rare wildlife.

Wind Cave National Park offers a variety of activities for visitors. The most popular activity is the cave tour. The cave tour takes visitors through some of the most beautiful and unique passages in the cave. The tour also includes a stop at the Wind Cave Visitor Center where visitors can learn about the history and geology of the cave.

In addition to the cave tour, Wind Cave National Park offers hiking, camping, picnicking, and wildlife watching. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, and pronghorn. Visitors can also see the rare and endangered black-footed ferret.

1. Take a tour of the cave itself

When someone takes a tour of the cave, they would enter through the main entrance and walk down a long, dark tunnel. Once they reach the end, they would be in a large room with stalactites and stalagmites all around them. The cave tour guide would then lead them on a tour of the cave, pointing out the different formations and telling the stories behind them.

2. Visit the Wind Cave National Park

Visitors to the Wind Cave National Park experience a unique natural experience. The cave is huge and the formations inside are amazing. The visitor is able to walk through the cave and see the different formations. It's a great place to visit if you're looking for a unique national park experience.

3. Hike one of the many trails in the area

A visitor's experience when hiking in Wind Cave National Park would be a sense of awe as they walk through the beautiful and rugged landscape. The trails are well-maintained and provide a variety of activities, such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The visitor would likely feel a sense of accomplishment after completing a challenging hike, or after spending a leisurely day exploring the area.

4. Go spelunking in one of the nearby caves

A visitor's experience when they go spelunking in one of the nearby caves in Wind Cave is excitement as they make their way down into the darkness. The caves are full of tight, twisting passages that lead to beautiful, underground lakes and rivers. The caves are also home to a variety of interesting creatures, including bats, spiders, and cave salamanders.

5. Visit the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary

When visitors visit the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary in Wind Cave, they will be able to experience the vastness of the plains and the soaring mountains that surround the sanctuary. The visitors will be able to see the thousands of wild horses that call the sanctuary home, and they will be able to learn about the history of the horses and the refuge.

6. See the bison at Custer State Park

When a visitor sees the bison at Custer State Park in Wind Cave, they may feel awestruck by the majestic creatures. The visitors may feel a sense of pride when witnessing the bison at Custer State Park in Wind Cave, knowing that the animals are preserved in the park.

7. Take a scenic drive on the Wildlife Loop Road

A visitor's experience when they take a scenic drive on the Wildlife Loop Road in Wind Cave is one of awe and wonder. The drive winds its way through the vast and rugged landscape of the park, passing by towering cliffs and placid lakes. The road is lined with natural bridges, fascinating rock formations, and abundant wildlife. The views are spectacular, and the drive is a perfect way to explore the park's many attractions.

8. Visit Mount Rushmore National Monument

When a visitor visits Mount Rushmore National Monument in Wind Cave, they will be awestruck by the enormity of the monument. The granite monoliths that make up Mount Rushmore are a testament to the incredible work and engineering that was put into creating this landmark. The visitor will also be impressed by the intricate carvings on the faces of the monument.

9. See the Crazy Horse Memorial

When someone sees the Crazy Horse Memorial in Wind Cave, they are likely to be surprised and impressed by the scale and beauty of the monument. Visitors will feel a sense of awe as they walk around the memorial and learn about the history and significance of the horse.

10. Go skiing or snowboarding at Terry Peak Ski Area

A visitor's experience when skiing or snowboarding at Terry Peak Ski Area would be exhilarating. The slopes are well-maintained and provide a great experience for beginner and experienced skiers and snowboarders. The staff is friendly and accommodating, and the slopes are well-lit for nighttime skiing or snowboarding.