Directions to Wind Cave National Park

Wind Cave National Park is in South Dakota, around 6 miles from Hot Springs, South Dakota, to the north. The visitor center is a little further from Hot Springs, that’s around 5 miles further on (making it 11 miles altogether) just a little way to the west of Highway 385. Confused? Well if you don’t want to be confused don’t rely on your GPS system to find the Wind Cave National Park Visitor Center because it just might get it wrong (lots of them do you know). If you want to know the co-ordinates here they are – write them down or something.

Co-ordinates for Wind Cave National Park Visitor Center – N43 33′ 22″ W103 28′ 38″ – got that?

Driving to Wind Cave National Park

Driving in on the I-90 take the Rapid City Exit to Route 79 south, then follow this route south for around 50 miles until you reach Route 385, turn right and head north on Route 385 right through Hot Springs and you will come to Wind Cave National Park. Watch out for the signs to the Visitor Center where you’ll find out all you need to know about the park and cave tours.

Another way to reach the park is by following Route 16 west out of Rapid City before turning onto Route 385 south. Wind Cave National Park is approximately 20 miles to the south of Custer just off Highway 385.

Visitors who are travelling to Wind Cave National Park from Nebraska should follow Route 385 northward to the park.

Some people prefer the scenic route where the winding roads take in beautiful views of Custer State Park, the Black Hills and Wind Cave National Park. This cuts through Custer State Park on State Roads 36 plus 87.

Traveling to Wind Cave National Park by Public Transport

You can’t because there isn’t any.

Traveling to Wind Cave National Park by Plane

Visitors wishing to fly in to visit Wind Cave National Park from further afield should fly to the airport at Rapid City, SD, that’s the closest commercial airport to the park. From there they’ll need to pick up a rental car and drive following the earlier instructions.