National Park

Wind Cave National Park

SD · US

Park map

Explore roads, trails, and places

Official park detail layered over an interactive road and trail map.

Places

Places in Wind Cave

Viewpoints, landmarks, trailheads, and useful stops.More places

Place

Fairgrounds (Wind Cave)

Strenuous cave tour packed with Wind Cave’s signature boxwork

Visitor Center · Restroom

Place

Wind Cave Visitor Center

Hub for exhibits and every cave tour, plus a solid intro film

Restroom · Exhibit

Place

Garden of Eden (Wind Cave)

Shortest cave tour with standout boxwork and an easy pace

Visitor Center · Restroom

Place

Rankin Ridge Fire Tower

Historic fire lookout on the highest ridge with far-reaching views

Trailhead · Parking

Trails

Trails in Wind Cave

Compare distance, typical time, difficulty, and trail details.More trails

Challenging

Highland Creek Trail

Long, diverse prairie-to-pine trek with real solitude and bison

13.3 mi · 5.3 hr · Challenging

Moderate

Lookout Point

Rolling prairie loop with big views, prairie dogs, and bison.

4.8 mi · 2 hr · Moderate

Moderate

Lookout Point Trail

Prairie-to-canyon loop with bison, prairie dogs, and a vanishing creek

4.8 mi · 2 hr · Moderate

Easy

Centennial Trail (Wind Cave section)

Sunlit prairie miles with bison and big-sky views.

6 mi · 2.5 hr · Easy

Wildlife

Wildlife in Wind Cave

Always follow park rules and local laws. Never approach wildlife, stay in your vehicle when required, and stay completely out of roadways.More wildlife

Sighting map

Where to look

Bison

Bison bisonReports peak in the early evening, around 6 PMOpen wildlife map

Sighting map

Where to look

Elk

Cervus canadensisReports peak in the early morning, around 6 AMOpen wildlife map

Sighting map

Where to look

Pronghorn

Antilocapra americanaReports peak in the early morning, around 7 AMOpen wildlife map

Bighorn Sheep in Wind Cave National Park

Sighting map

Where to look

Bighorn Sheep

Ovis canadensisReports peak in the early evening, around 6 PMOpen wildlife map

Before you go

Current park alerts

Road work, closures, safety notices, and updates from official park sources.More alerts

Information

Elk Bugling Programs Begin September 8, 2025

Elk bugling programs will be held at 7:00 pm on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday each week beginning September 8th and run through October 4th. Meet a park ranger outside the visitor center before caravanning in your own vehicle to the listening spot.Official details

Information

Centennial Trailhead Parking

Reminder: Overnight parking without a camping permit is prohibited. Permits are not issued specifically for parking. Shuttles are available in the Black Hills for through hikers on the Centennial Trail.

Information

Wind Cave moves to cashless fee collection

Payments for cave tours, campground fees, as well as Interagency Passes at Wind Cave National Park, will be by credit/ debit cards or digital payments only. Cash and check payments will no longer be accepted.

Wind Cave National Park

Fairgrounds (Wind Cave)

Wind Cave Visitor Center

Garden of Eden (Wind Cave)

Rankin Ridge Fire Tower

Highland Creek Trail

Lookout Point

Lookout Point Trail

Centennial Trail (Wind Cave section)

Bison

Elk

Pronghorn

Bighorn Sheep

Elk Bugling Programs Begin September 8, 2025

Centennial Trailhead Parking

Wind Cave moves to cashless fee collection

Like a tour guide in your car.