Start Planning! 

You’re about to go on an epic adventure with the Wind Cave National Park Tour! Here’s what you need to know before you go. 

• Wind Cave tour lasts 6–8 hours with 7 stops and 36 audio stories.
• The route includes a linear drive and a walking loop on Prairie Vista Trail.
• Start from Custer or Hot Springs using the provided GPS coordinates.
• Dress in layers; the cave is 54°F and requires closed-toe, low-heeled shoes.
• Cave tours need tickets; reservations recommended at Recreation.gov.
• Spring and fall offer the best weather; winter may cause closures.
• No bags are allowed in the cave; don’t touch the cave formations.
• Bison and other wildlife roam—keep your distance and stay alert.
• The tour pairs well with Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park.

Budgeting and Hours of Operation 

Budget

How much you spend truly depends on what you do along the tour route, but here are some costs:

• There is no fee to enter Wind Cave National Park itself, but the individual cave tours require the purchase of a ticket. That means you can explore all of the trails, forests, historic buildings, and prairie lands above ground, and the museum and gift shop inside the Visitor Center for free.
• Cave tours are first-come, first-served, and fees vary. Prior reservations aren’t necessary, but are recommended. They can be made here. 

Hours of Operation 

The tour stops have seasonal hours of operation. The site’s facilities and restaurants also have varying hours of operation.

Get Packing!

​​Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day. 

• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Sunglasses/hat
• Hiking boots
• Low-heeled shoes with closed toes
• Jacket or sweatshirt for layering (Cave is 54 degrees F on average)
• Plenty of water
• Credit/debit card and/or digital pay (Wind Cave no longer accepts cash)

Best Time to Visit     

Spring and Fall seasons are probably the most colorful, and the temperature is ideal (mid-60s to 70s). Summer is also fine, but during winter, trails and cave tours can be severely impacted by snow and cold temperatures.

Safety Information 

Always be aware of wildlife on the trails, and give them a wide berth. Bison can be especially dangerous if threatened.

The cave ground can be slippery and uneven. Low heeled, close-toed shoes are required. Also, temperatures can change drastically both inside the cave and outside, so dressing in layers is recommended. 

The cave ceilings are low, and walls and passageways can be narrow, so it’s recommended to skip the tour if you have any of the following: claustrophobia, heart or respiratory conditions, recent surgeries or illnesses, knee or back problems, or other physical limitations. However, there IS a wheelchair-accessible tour available.

Do not touch the walls or any formations while inside the cave.

Bags of any kind are prohibited while inside the cave. This is for the health and safety of the animals that live within the cave.

Leave No Trace

While exploring, we encourage you to abide by the leave-no-trace principles. Embrace the outdoors responsibly with our commitment to preserving natural wonders. 

Respect wildlife habitats, minimize your footprint, and create memories, not waste. By following Leave No Trace principles, you contribute to the longevity and beauty of our planet's most stunning landscapes.

Take the Wind Cave National Park Audio Tour with Shaka Guide and explore at your own pace with stories, directions, and must-see stops along the way.

Still planning? Check out our Wind Cave Itinerary guide to prep for an epic day.

Need help? Email us anytime at aloha@shakaguide.com!

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