There is no substitute for actually going into the cave and smelling the moist, earthy air or sitting on the prairie as the sun warms your face. 

The cave passages in Wind Cave National Park are said to "breathe" as air continually moves into or out of them, equalizing the atmospheric pressure of the cave and the outside air. When the air pressure is higher outside the cave than inside it, air flows into the cave, raising the cave's pressure to match the outside pressure. When the air pressure inside the cave is higher than outside it, air flows out of the cave, lowering the air pressure within the cave. A large cave such as Wind Cave with only a few small openings will "breathe" more obviously than a small cave with many large openings.

With a name like Wind Cave, some are surprised that it is a home and a refuge to various wildlife such as the American bison, prairie dogs, pronghorn, deer, elk that roam the 28,000 acres in the park above the cave itself. Animal lovers know this area in southwestern South Dakota as a prime spot to encounter wildlife any time of the year.

Several roads run through the park and there are 30 miles of hiking trails on the surface.  To ensure a safe visit, please click below to review the Cave Tour Safety information.