Candlelight Tour

Wind Cave National Park Tours

Experience the cave by candlelight as it was a century ago. Explore the unique geology and boxwork formations of the Blue Grotto route while learning about some of the colorful characters and events in Wind Cave’s past. This 2-hour strenuous tour visits a part of the cave with no lights. Participants must carry a candle bucket while navigating paved and natural cave surfaces, some large steps, tight passages, slick footing, and numerous stairs over the 0.6-mile route. Limited to 10 people and the minimum age is 8 years old. (NOTE: The Adult rate applies to all participants for this tour, regardless of age.)

REQUIRED: Long pants (no holes), long sleeves, and sturdy lace-up shoes or boots with good tread. Inadequate clothing is grounds for removal from tour. 

NOT ALLOWED: Shoes or clothing worn in any other cave.

This tour is offered June - Labor Day. Check back in spring 2023 for available dates.

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 paved and natural cave surfaces that may be uneven, wet, or slippery. Route includes large steps, tight passages, slick footing, and numerous stairs. Passages are dimly-lit and narrow; low ceilings require frequent ducking. Wind Cave is 54°F (12°C) year-round.

• Health Considerations

  This strenuous cave tour is not recommended for those with heart problems, breathing difficulty, knee, neck, or back pain, poor night vision, 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, backpacks
  • Walking sticks, tripods, monopods, or selfie sticks
  • Pets or comfort animals

• Minimum Age

  All participants must be at least 8 years old.

• Required Shoes & Clothing

  Long pants (no holes), long sleeves, and sturdy lace-up shoes or boots with good tread. Inadequate clothing is grounds for removal from tour.

• Photography

  Not allowed on this tour.

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