Wind Cave is a small national park located near Rapid City, South Dakota. You’ll find a ton of amazing activities in this area, so let’s discuss how to get to Wind Cave National Park, including the best airports to fly into and the best roads to drive!
If you are flying to Wind Cave National Park, the closest airport is the Rapid City Regional Airport, which is about 65 miles away. If you’d rather fly into a larger international airport, your options in the area are extremely limited.
Driving to Wind Cave National Park? You’ll love the views along Highway 385 or Highway 87 as you make your way to this park.
My name is Ash, and I’m a former park ranger. I lived in South Dakota for a while, so I know the park (and the surrounding area) well!
Let’s talk more about how to get to Wind Cave National Park, including important information regarding the best airports and roads in the area!
Where is Wind Cave National Park Located?
Wind Cave National Park is located in Southwestern South Dakota near the borders of both Wyoming and Nebraska. It is approximately 1 hour south of Rapid City, SD, 3 hours from Casper, WY, and 2.5 hours from Scottsbluff, NE.
Wind Cave is close to many notable attractions in the area, including Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and Badlands.
The area around Wind Cave is quite rural — you’ll pass through some extremely small towns as you make your way to the park. The closest towns to Wind Cave that actually provide amenities are Custer to the north and Hot Springs to the south.
Hot Springs is a charming small town with a few amenities, such as gas stations, motels, and grocery stores. Custer is further away, but you’ll find gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and a bunch of souvenir shops.
What is the Closest Airport to Wind Cave National Park?
Rapid City Regional Airport
The Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is the closest airport to Wind Cave National Park, which makes it my number one choice for flying to Wind Cave. It takes about 1 hour to drive from the airport to the Wind Cave Visitor Center and cave entrance.
The Rapid City airport is also super convenient if you’re hoping to visit all of the cool sights in the Black Hills, including Mount Rushmore, Badlands, Deadwood, and Custer State Park.
You’ll probably end up on a connecting flight from another, bigger airport because this airport only receives direct flights from a few major U.S. cities, including Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, and Phoenix. You can book your flight on a variety of airlines at any time of year, though, including United, Delta, Allegiant, and American Airlines.
There are some other regional airports in South Dakota and the surrounding area, but they’re all far away and offer fewer flight options than Rapid City.
What is the Closest International Airport to Wind Cave National Park?
For the majority of people coming to Wind Cave, it will make the most sense to fly into the Rapid City Regional Airport. But if you’re planning on covering a lot of ground and don’t mind turning your vacation into a road trip, you can fly into an international airport instead.
Casper International Airport
The Casper-Natrona County International Airport (CPR) is the closest international airport to Wind Cave National Park. It’s around a 3.5-hour drive to get to the park from here.
The Casper Airport is in Wyoming, and it is the state’s only international airport. Flights are limited, especially if you’re hoping to fly direct. You’ll most likely have a layover in either Salt Lake City or Denver if you fly here. The major airlines that operate here are Delta and United.
Denver International Airport
The Denver Airport is the next closest international airport to Wind Cave National Park — even though it’s about 350 miles away! It takes about 5.5 hours to get to Wind Cave from this airport.
You’ll find plenty of flights from all major airlines in Denver (DEN), and you can also connect through this airport to get to the Rapid City Regional Airport if you’d like.
If you decide to fly into Denver, you can hit up Rocky Mountain National Park while you’re in the area before driving up to the Rapid City area.
Billings-Logan International Airport
The Billings International Airport (BIL) is another international airport that is not too far from Wind Cave National Park. It’s about 5.5 hours from the airport down to Wind Cave, and this airport has various flight options from all of the major airlines.
If you drive straight to Wind Cave from Billings, you’ll probably take Highway 16, which will also put you close to Jewel Cave and Custer State Park.
Many people like to visit Yellowstone National Park and the South Dakota parks during the same trip. If you are planning on also visiting Yellowstone, you can fly into Billings (or Bozeman — that airport works too!) and then road trip out to South Dakota from there.
A sample route to do this would be Billings to Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument (1 hour), Little Bighorn to Devils Tower (3.5 hours), Devils Tower to Rapid City (2 hours), Rapid City for a few days to hit all the parks, then Rapid City to Cody (6 hours), Cody to Yellowstone (2 hours), Yellowstone and Grand Teton for a few days, then drive back up to Billings (3 hours).
That would be an epic road trip!
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Planning a trip to South Dakota can be overwhelming.
How do you make a solid plan if you’ve never been to the area? How do you keep everyone in your group excited and engaged?
You can spend hours on the internet searching for things to do, but you still won’t find the insider tips and first-hand knowledge that I’ve gained from working as a park ranger.
If you’re hoping to see the best sights without getting stuck in traffic, circling parking lots, or being surrounded by people, check out this South Dakota National Parks Itinerary.
You will see all of the can’t-miss spots, plus get lodging and dining guides, driving directions, and insider tips!
The Best Roads In and Around Wind Cave National Park
If you’re driving to Wind Cave, you’ll drive through some beautiful rural areas! Here are some things you can expect on the roads in and around Wind Cave National Park.
Most people travel to Wind Cave from the north. If you’re staying near Rapid City, Mount Rushmore, or Custer State Park, you’ll likely drive south to Wind Cave along either Highway 87 or Highway 385.
Highway 87 (Custer State Park to Wind Cave)
The most scenic road to Wind Cave is State Road 87 — this is a two-lane road that runs from Custer State Park to Wind Cave.
Highway 87 starts in the northernmost part of Custer State Park and is also known as the Needles Highway. The Needles Highway is one of the coolest places in the state park — if you’re looking for a unique and highly scenic drive, you’ll love this road. Be aware that the Needles Highway is curvy, narrow, and unsuitable for RVs.
You’ll then make your way down toward Legion Lake. When Highway 87 starts traveling south near Legion Lake, the road straightens out and is more suitable for RVs. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife (especially bison) as you continue south along this highway toward Wind Cave National Park.
If you decide to take this scenic route to Wind Cave National Park, you will need to pay an entrance fee into Custer State Park. Portions of this road are closed from October – March.
Highway 385 (Hill City to Wind Cave)
Technically, Highway 385 starts up near Deadwood (also a fun stop to add to your South Dakota itinerary), but if you’re visiting the Mount Rushmore area, you’ll likely access this road from around Hill City.
If you’re trying to get from Rapid City down to Wind Cave, I suggest driving west along Highway 16 until it merges with Highway 385. As you drive along Highway 385, you’ll pass through Hill City, a fun historical town with charm and good souvenir shopping. You’ll then head south and drive to the town of Custer, passing by the Crazy Horse Memorial along the way.
From Custer, Highway 385 continues south and takes your right into Wind Cave National Park.
If you’re coming to Wind Cave from the south (Hot Springs), you’ll take Highway 385 north to get to the park from there.
This road is a 2-lane, RV-friendly road that doesn’t close seasonally.
This information should help you get to Wind Cave easily — there are so many incredible adventures waiting for you in this national park!
More Wind Cave Trip Planning Information
South Dakota Parks Itinerary — a detailed hour-by-hour sightseeing schedule.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Wind Cave? — itinerary ideas.
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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Do you or can you recommend someone who would provide a day tour to Wind Cave National Park for two senior citizens in the summer of 2025? We would require pick up from a Rapid City hotel.
That’s why I offer a South Dakota Itinerary, but it’s self-guided so if you’re looking for a guided tour, I don’t have any recommendations for that. I hope you’re able to find what you need!