Which national parks are within a day's drive of Wind Cave National Park?

Within about a day's drive you can reach Jewel Cave National Monument (47 min), Mount Rushmore National Memorial (58 min), Minuteman Missile National Historic Site (2 h 13 min), Agate Fossil Beds National Monument (2 h 34 min), Devils Tower National Monument (2 h 36 min), Badlands National Park (2 h 55 min).

Thin fins of calcite forming box-shaped openings, called boxwork, on a cave ceiling.

NATIONAL PARK

Wind Cave National Park

Wind Cave National Park protects two very different worlds - one deep within the earth, the other a sunlit world of many resources.

Photo: NPS Photo / NPS

state

things to do

parks within a day

OVERVIEW

About Wind Cave National Park

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.

WITHIN A DAY'S DRIVE

Pair it with another park

6 in range

Wind Cave National Park◆◆this park

National Monument · South Dakota

Jewel Cave National Monument

Wind Cave National Park◆◆this park

National Memorial · South Dakota

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Wind Cave National Park◆◆this park

National Historic Site · South Dakota

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

Wind Cave National Park◆◆this park

National Monument · Nebraska

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

Wind Cave National Park◆◆this park

National Monument · Wyoming

Devils Tower National Monument

Wind Cave National Park◆◆this park

National Park · South Dakota

Badlands National Park

Driving times from Wind Cave National Park, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.

WHEN TO GO

Hours

Wind Cave National Park

Mon: All Day
Tue: All Day
Wed: All Day
Thu: All Day
Fri: All Day
Sat: All Day
Sun: All Day

THINGS TO DO

Activities

Auto and ATVBackcountry CampingBackcountry HikingBikingBirdwatchingBookstore and Park StoreCampingCar or Front Country CampingCavingFoodFront-Country HikingGroup CampingGuided ToursHikingHorse TrekkingJunior Ranger ProgramMuseum ExhibitsPark FilmPicnickingRV CampingRoad BikingScenic DrivingSelf-Guided Tours - AutoShoppingWildlife Watching

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Getting there

Spring: Highs range from 50-70°F with highly variable weather. Spring is the park's wettest season. Summer: Hot and generally dry with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 80°F (27°C). Strong thunderstorms are common and can produce large hail and lightning. Fall: Generally dry with warm days and cool nights. Highs 50-60°F. Lows below freezing are common. Winter: Highs are in the high 30s with lows around 10°F. Snowfall averages 30 inches annually, periodically closing park roads.

Directions →Official NPS page →

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do at Wind Cave National Park?: Popular activities include Auto and ATV, Backcountry Camping, Backcountry Hiking, Biking, Birdwatching, Bookstore and Park Store.
Which national parks are within a day's drive of Wind Cave National Park?: Within about a day's drive you can reach Jewel Cave National Monument (47 min), Mount Rushmore National Memorial (58 min), Minuteman Missile National Historic Site (2 h 13 min), Agate Fossil Beds National Monument (2 h 34 min), Devils Tower National Monument (2 h 36 min), Badlands National Park (2 h 55 min).