National Park · SD
Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave is quietest in January and February and busiest in July.
Wind Cave National Park protects two very different worlds - one deep within the earth, the other a sunlit world of many resources. Bison, elk, and other wildlife roam the rolling prairie grasslands and forested hillsides of one of America's oldest national parks. Below the remnant island of intact prairie sits Wind Cave, one of the longest and most complex caves in the world.
563K recreation visits a year on average (2023–2025)
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Pick a month to visit Wind Cave
This week
7-day forecast
| Day | Conditions | High | Low | Precip chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 19 | Partly cloudy | 58°F | 42°F | 1% |
| Tue 20 | Clear | 74°F | 48°F | 1% |
| Wed 21 | Overcast | 70°F | 48°F | 0% |
| Thu 22 | Overcast | 73°F | 53°F | 8% |
| Fri 23 | Overcast | 70°F | 47°F | 18% |
| Sat 24 | Overcast | 54°F | 38°F | 27% |
| Sun 25 | Mostly clear | 63°F | 37°F | 11% |
Forecast data by Open-Meteo
Source: Open-Meteo
Weather
Monthly climate normals
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 40°F | 14°F | 0.4" |
| February | 43°F | 15°F | 0.6" |
| March | 54°F | 24°F | 1.1" |
| April | 62°F | 31°F | 2.1" |
| May | 70°F | 41°F | 3.3" |
| June | 81°F | 51°F | 3.0" |
| July | 89°F | 57°F | 2.4" |
| August | 87°F | 55°F | 2.0" |
| September | 80°F | 45°F | 1.4" |
| October | 65°F | 33°F | 1.4" |
| November | 51°F | 23°F | 0.4" |
| December | 41°F | 15°F | 0.5" |
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, HOT SPRINGS, SD US
Know before you go
Fees & hours
- Entrance fee
- Free — Free entrance
- Hours
- The park is open all day, every day. Snow or severe weather can limit access to some areas of the park, especially in winter. Visitor Center hours and cave tour schedules vary throughout the year. Visit the park website or call 605.745.4600 for current conditions.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- 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.
- 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
Natural Entrance Tour Route Closes For Season October 1, 2026
The Natural Entrance Tour Route will be closed for the season beginning October 1st, 2026. The Garden of Eden, Fairgrounds, and Accessibility Tour Routes remain available. This annual closure will last through the winter season.
Source: NPS Data API
FAQ
Wind Cave questions
When is the best time to visit Wind Cave?
Wind Cave is least crowded in January, February, and March. July is the busiest month, so visiting outside it means thinner crowds and easier parking.
How much does it cost to visit Wind Cave?
Entry to Wind Cave is free.
When is Wind Cave busiest?
Wind Cave is busiest in July, when crowds rate 10/10 (peak). Expect full parking lots and longer waits; arrive early or choose a quieter month.
How crowded is Wind Cave during holidays and fee-free days?
Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July) and official NPS fee-free days typically bring peak crowd conditions to Wind Cave. Arrive before 8 AM or after 3 PM to secure parking and avoid peak trail congestion.