Fairgrounds Tour

Wind Cave National Park Tours

Tour sold out? Additional tickets are available for same-day purchase at the park visitor center. Visit the Guided Tours page of the park website for a current schedule.

Explore both the upper and middle levels of Wind Cave. This tour offers plenty for those wanting to see a variety of features on their tour with abundant boxwork in the middle level of the cave and larger rooms, popcorn, and frostwork in the upper level. This 1.5-hour strenuous tour enters and exits the cave by elevator. Navigating 450 stairs, including one flight of 89 steps going up along the 0.6-mile route, it’s not just the features that will leave you breathless.

Select a date to see a list of times

Need to Know

• Claiming Reserved Tickets

  Tickets must be picked up 30 minutes prior to tour time. No refunds for late arrivals or missed tours. All tours begin at the Visitor Center. Allow extra travel time to the park for road work, reduced speeds, wildlife on roads, and parking. A print or electronic confirmation is suitable for claiming tickets at the park.

• Covid-19

  Check at the visitor center for current Covid-related safety precautions. Face coverings may be required during periods of high infection rates.

• Cave Conditions

  Tour includes 450 stairs that may be uneven, wet, or slippery. Passages are dimly-lit and narrow; low ceilings require frequent ducking. Wind Cave is 54°F (12°C) year-round.

• Health Considerations

  Cave tours are moderately strenuous and not recommended for those with heart problems, breathing difficulty, knee, neck, or back pain, or claustrophobia. Even downward flights of stairs may be difficult for those with bad joints or limited stamina.

• Prohibited

  Please don’t bring any of these items into the cave: 

  • Food, candy, or gum
  • Water or other drinks
  • Tobacco products
  • Firearms or weapons of any kind
  • Bags, purses, strollers, backpacks – including baby backpack carriers (front carriers allowed)
  • Walking sticks, tripods, monopods, or selfie sticks
  • Pets or comfort animals

• What to Wear

  Sturdy shoes or hiking boots and a light jacket or sweater are recommended. Sandals and flip-flops are NOT recommended.

• Photography

  Flash photography is allowed. Photographers must keep up with the group. No tripods, monopods, or selfie sticks.

Photo Gallery