For centuries, Native Americans have known about the natural entrance to Wind Cave and the wind that comes in and out of the opening. In 1881 Jesse and Tom Bingham were also attracted to the cave by the whistling noise of the air coming out of the cave. As the story goes, wind was blowing out of the cave entrance with such force that it blew off Tom's hat.  The first person reported to have entered the cave was Charlie Crary in the fall of 1881.  By 1903, Wind Cave National Park was established by Theodore Roosevelt.  In fact, Wind Cave National Park was the seventh U.S. National Park and the first cave to become a designated national park anywhere in the world. 

Currently, Wind Cave National Park is the sixth-longest cave in the world with 140.47 miles of explored passages.  Wind Cave gets its name from the “breathing” that Native Americans and early settlers observed from the cave’s natural opening.  The “breathing” is actually the cave’s way of maintaining equal air pressure with the outside air pressure.  Air continuously moves through the cave, which gives the impression that the cave is breathing. 

Above ground, you’ll find the largest mixed-grass prairie in the United States, which is filled with its own unique ecosystem.  Wind Cave National Park protects many amazing western plant and animal species. The many animals you might see include: raccoons, elk (also called wapiti), bison, skunks, cougars, bobcats, red foxes, pronghorn antelope, prairie dogs, coyotes, badgers, and more.  The herd of bison at Wind Cave National Park is one of only four free-roaming and genetically pure herds on public lands in North America. The other three herds include the Yellowstone Park bison herd, the Henry Mountains Bison herd in Utah, and the Elk Island herd in Alberta, Canada. 

Garden of Eden Cave Tour

Natural Entrance Cave Tour

Fairgrounds Cave Tour

Candlelight Cave Tour

Wild Cave Tour

Explore the cave away from the developed trails.

Tour is only available during the summer months.

View Tour Schedule

Features

• On this 4 hour tour visitors will be introduced to basic, safe caving.
• Wear old clothes and gloves, as much of the trip will be crawling.
• Long pants, long sleeved shirts and sturdy, lace up boots or shoes with non-slip soles are required. Five-fingered shoes and sandals of any kind are not allowed.
• Clothing worn on the Jewel Cave Wild Cave Tour are not permitted in Wind Cave.
• The park provides hard hats, lights and kneepads.
• This tour is limited to 10 people and the minimum age is 16.
• We require a signed consent form for those 17 and under. (Release Form)
• Please do not bring jewelry, watches and other valuables on the tour.
• Reservations are required. We begin taking reservations one month before the tour.
• Reservations may only be made by telephone - (605) 745-4600.