Are you wondering how many days to spend in Wind Cave National Park? Let’s talk about what activities you won’t want to miss and how much time it takes to get to them all!
How many days should you spend at Wind Cave? This park is small! You can easily get to all of the can’t-miss spots in one day.
My name is Ash, and I’m a former park ranger. Wind Cave is a hidden gem of a national park, and I can’t wait for you to explore this interesting area.
Let’s dig deeper into the things you’ll want to consider when deciding how many days you should spend in Wind Cave.
Can I See Wind Cave National Park in One Day?
Yes! You only need a few hours to take a guided tour through the cave and hit a trail or two. If you have a whole day at Wind Cave, you can easily make it through this entire list of things you can’t miss.
Taking a tour through Wind Cave is the best way to experience the park. Several tours are offered, but each tour will allow you to see boxwork, a unique cave formation that is found in Wind Cave. Guided tours through the cave are only 1-1.5 hours in length, so a tour will only take up a small portion of your day.
After your cave tour, take some time to hike a few of the trails in the park. There are plenty of shorter trails that showcase the beauty of the area surrounding the cave, including Prairie Vista, Elk Mountain, and Rankin Ridge.
While you’re exploring above ground, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife!
Traffic and crowding in the Black Hills can be terrible.
Did you know that it’s common for parking lots to be full and sights to be packed with people, especially during the busy summer season?
Are you hoping to see the best sights without getting stuck in traffic, circling parking lots, or being surrounded by people?
Stay ahead of the crowds with this South Dakota National Parks Itinerary. You will see all the can’t-miss spots, plus get lodging and dining guides, driving directions, and insider tips!
Wind Cave in Two Days
Truthfully, you really don’t need two days in this park unless you’ve been to the Black Hills area before and you want to dig deeper. But for most people, it doesn’t make sense to spend multiple days at Wind Cave. You can put that time to better use by exploring other parks and points of interest in the area.
If you love Wind Cave and want to spend more than one day here, consider hiking a longer trail like Highland Creek or the Centennial Trail. You can also spend more time in the cave by taking additional guided tours.
Do you need help with your daily schedule for the Black Hills?
Get the inside scoop for your upcoming vacation —> this itinerary is the most detailed, epic, and easy-to-follow guide to the park!
Other Things to Consider
Before you solidify your travel dates or book your lodging for Wind Cave, you’ll want to think about a few things, such as:
How much time will it take to travel to and from Wind Cave?
If you’re staying in the Rapid City area, you might underestimate the amount of time it takes to get down to Wind Cave — this park is a little further out than some of the other points of interest. Many people forget to factor in the time it will take for them to drive to the park, which can cut into your sightseeing and leave you wishing for more time. For example, if you plan on spending one day in Wind Cave but you don’t get to the park until 10 a.m., you’ll limit the things you’ll have time to see.
Are there any major holidays/fee-free days/festivals you’d like to be in the park for or avoid?
If you’re visiting over a holiday or fee-free day, the crowds will be higher, and cave tours will fill up quickly. You may have a harder time getting the reservations you need to see the cave.
Are there other national parks and points of interest you’re hoping to see on the same trip?
You can easily visit several other NPS sites, like Badlands National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Mount Rushmore, Devils Tower National Monument, and the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site on your trip to Wind Cave. Each area is unique, and you’ll find everything within an hour or two of the park.
Should I Visit Other Parks in the Area?
Yes! There is so much to do in the Rapid City area! Be sure to visit all of the NPS sites listed in the section above, and then add in other fun points of interest like Deadwood, Custer State Park, Spearfish, and Crazy Horse.
Wind Cave Itinerary Options
If you’re unsure where to visit or how to split your time between parks and monuments on your trip to Wind Cave, these itinerary options are for you!
After you decide how to split your time, these detailed itineraries will provide you with a ton of extra information on things to do, driving directions, lodging and dining options, and insider tips for your trip.
If you have:
A Weekend in the Black Hills
I recommend spending a half day at Wind Cave, a half day at Mount Rushmore, and a full day at Badlands National Park. If it’s a long weekend, add in Jewel Cave or Custer State Park.
One Week in the Black Hills
You can easily spend a week visiting all the main sights in the Rapid City area, including Badlands, Wind Cave, Deadwood, Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, Devils Tower, Jewel Cave, and Spearfish.
If you’re hoping to get to all the best places and activities in the area, you can get my detailed hour-by-hour itinerary for the Black Hills here!
10 Days in the Dakotas
Day 1 — Fly into Rapid City
Day 2 — Rapid City area
Day 3 — Rapid City area
Day 4 — Rapid City area
Day 5 — Rapid City area, then drive to Devils Tower in the evening (2 hours)
Day 6 — Devils Tower
Day 7 — Drive to Medora, ND (3.5 hours)
Day 8 — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Day 9 — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Day 10 — Drive back to Rapid City to catch your flight (4 hours)
2 Weeks in the Black Hills and Wyoming
Day 1 — Fly into Rapid City
Day 2 — Rapid City area
Day 3 — Rapid City area
Day 4 — Rapid City area
Day 5 — Rapid City area in the morning, then drive to Devils Tower in the afternoon (2 hours)
Day 6 — Devils Tower in the morning, then drive to Red Lodge, MT, in the afternoon (5 hours)
Day 7 — Yellowstone National Park
Day 8 — Yellowstone National Park
Day 9 — Yellowstone National Park
Day 10 — Yellowstone National Park, then drive to Grand Teton in the evening (2 hours)
Day 11 — Grand Teton National Park
Day 12 — Grand Teton National Park
Day 13 — Grand Teton National Park
Day 14 — Drive back to Rapid City to catch your flight (8.5 hours)
Do you love to have a plan?
Get the inside scoop for your upcoming vacation —> this itinerary is the most detailed, epic, and easy-to-follow guide to the South Dakota parks!
Have a magnificent time in Wind Cave National Park!
More Wind Cave Trip Planning Information
South Dakota Parks Itinerary — a detailed hour-by-hour sightseeing schedule.
How to Get to Wind Cave — the best airports and roads in the area.
The Best Time to Visit — what to expect during each month of the year.
Weather, Hours, and Closures — important weather info and common closures.
Where Should I Stay? — the best options in and around the park.
All About Camping — learn about the park’s campgrounds and how to get a site.
5 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to Wind Cave — the top 5 spots.
The Best Easy Hikes — the perfect trails for kids, wheelchairs, and beginners.
Best Things to Do — activities for every adventurer.
The Ultimate Wind Cave Trip Planning Guide — everything you need to know.
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