Tour Wind Cave
Hot Springs, South Dakota
Details
Distance
0.67 miles
Elevation Gain
6 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Jason Hatfield
The 6th largest and densest cave system in the world.
Established in 1903, Wind Cave National Park is home to over 140 miles of mapped cave passages. The cave features 95% of the world's known boxwork calcite formations and got its name from the sound of rushing wind created at its few small openings.
A guided tour is the only way to see the cave system unless you are in the park's limited volunteer cave exploring group. Depending on the time of year, up to 5 different tours are offered: nps.gov/wica/planyourvisit/schedule.htm. Tickets are only available the same day on a first-come-first-serve basis.
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Tour Wind Cave Reviews
It’s a dry cave so do not expect stalagmite formations. Instead the cave is filled with boxwork and other magnificent formations. Can be a lot of walking but definitely worth the time!!
5.0
I went mid-summer in July, so the crowds should have been expected (pre-pandemic). While I liked the cave, I think I was underwhelmed because I visited Carlsbad Caverns less than a year before. The history of it is still fascinating. I actually found the rolling green hills outside of it on the drive in full of wildflowers and trees just as exciting. It was a strange juxtaposition because you're basically walking above the cave system you had no idea was there.
4.0
I explored with the wild cave trip under candlelight. Pretty awesome, but a few tight squeezes and you will get dirty and it takes most of the day. All worth it.
5.0
It's the 6th longest cave in the world and they are still discovering more passage ways every year... about 3 miles a year. I highly recommend taking a tour. I'd like to go back and try the wild cave tour where crawling is required.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Camp at Elk Mountain Campground in Wind Cave National Park
Hike the Lookout Point Loop at Wind Cave National Park
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Fly Fish French Creek
Hike the Stockade Lake Trail
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Go Great Places in South Dakota
In the Mount Rushmore state, travels to South Dakota are full of one-of-a-kind adventure with wide-open spaces as endless as the horizons. Between legendary landscapes and scenic drives, you can always find space that shifts life into park. When you’re ready, go great places.
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