• Cold Springs School Road - Established in 1887, the Cold Springs Schoolhouse is one of South Dakota’s oldest log school structures. This historic building once functioned as a school, dance hall, church, and community center. After its closure in 1949 due to a severe blizzard, it was nearly demolished but was saved and restored by the Cold Springs Historical Society. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the schoolhouse is located next to the Cold Springs Cemetery. Visitors are welcome to explore the site, particularly during monthly open houses from May to October, and appreciate the area’s rich educational and community heritage.
• Sanctuary Trail - The Sanctuary Trail is a 3.6-mile (5.8 km) one-way hike through the rolling prairies of Wind Cave. Beginning about a mile north of the Rankin Ridge fire tower turnoff, the trail winds through open grasslands and a large prairie dog town, offering hikers the chance to observe these lively animals in their natural environment. The path gently undulates across the landscape, providing expansive views and opportunities to spot wildlife such as bison and elk. The trail ends at its junction with the Highland Creek Trail, allowing for extended hikes or a return journey through the peaceful prairie setting.
• Rankin Ridge Nature Trail - The Rankin Ridge Trail is a picturesque 1-mile loop leading to the highest point in Wind Cave National Park at 5,013 feet. The trail climbs through ponderosa pine forests to a historic fire lookout tower (closed to the public), offering panoramic views of the Black Hills and, on clear days, the distant Badlands. Along the way, hikers can explore 14 interpretive sites detailing the area’s natural and cultural history. The descent follows a gentle gravel road, making the trail accessible for most visitors. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as bison and prairie dogs near the trailhead.
• West Meets East (Bird & Habitat Display) - Situated near the intersection of U.S. Highway 385 and the southern end of the visitor center road, the Bird Habitat Display offers visitors a glimpse into the park’s avian diversity. During wet years, a seasonal pond forms here, attracting waterfowl and migrating birds like ducks and geese. This spot provides an excellent opportunity for birdwatching, especially during spring and fall migrations. The display highlights the importance of preserving and managing habitats within the park to maintain its diverse bird community. Visitors can enjoy observing various bird species in this accessible and informative location.
• Lookout Point Trail - The Lookout Point Trail offers a 4.5-mile loop through the diverse landscapes of Wind Cave National Park. Traversing rolling prairies and following Beaver Creek, hikers can enjoy expansive views and potential wildlife sightings, including bison and elk. A side trip up Lookout Point provides a vantage point to observe areas affected by the 2010 American Elk Prescribed Fire. This moderately challenging trail can be combined with sections of the Highland Creek and Centennial Trails for extended hikes, showcasing the park’s unique mix of grasslands and forests. It’s an ideal route for those seeking solitude and a deeper connection with the park’s natural beauty.
• Wind Cave National Park - The Wind Cave National Park Visitor Center serves as the gateway to exploring the park’s unique underground and surface features. Visitors can obtain information, maps, and backcountry permits, and purchase passes for cave tours, which depart from here. The center features exhibits on the park’s geology, wildlife, and cultural history, including displays on the Civilian Conservation Corps and early cave explorer Alvin McDonald. A film, Wind Cave: Two Worlds, provides an overview of the cave and prairie ecosystems.
• Prairie Trail Trailhead - The Prairie Vista Trail is a 1-mile loop located behind the Wind Cave Visitor Center. This easy, family-friendly path meanders through rolling grasslands and offers interpretive signs highlighting the park’s diverse flora and fauna. Along the way, hikers can view the natural entrance to Wind Cave, a sacred site in Lakota tradition. The trail is one of the few in the park that permits leashed pets, making it accessible for visitors with dogs. Wildlife sightings, including prairie dogs and bison, are common. With minimal elevation gain, it’s an ideal introduction to the park’s prairie ecosystem.

• Tours never expire
• Freedom to explore at your own pace
• Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
• Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
• Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips, and music
• Audio narration plays automatically as you drive

• Private Transportation
• Parking Fees
• Meals & Refreshments

Experience the marvels of Wind Cave National Park with our engaging self-guided audio tour! Meander through one of the globe’s most extensive and complex cave networks and discover the park’s distinctive prairie and forest environments—all at your leisure.

With GPS-activated narration, our knowledgeable guides illuminate the park’s geology and vibrant cultural history, sharing fascinating tales about the cave’s discovery, the lives of indigenous people, and the scientific wonders beneath your feet. Avoid the crowds and strict schedules—enjoy complete freedom, offline maps, and captivating insights without the expense of traditional guided tours. Join the thousands who have enhanced their park visits with our audio guides—download now and let the enchantment of Wind Cave reveal itself!

Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours

• Additional Starting Point: Hot Springs, South Dakota
• Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.
• The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.
• Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.
• Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device
• Travelers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting
• No entrance fee to the park — trails, prairie, and the Visitor Center museum are all free; cave tours require a paid ticket (fees vary; first-come first-served; reservations recommended at Recreation.gov)
• Park no longer accepts cash — bring a card or digital payment
• Best visited spring and fall — ideal temperatures (mid-60s to 70s°F); winter may cause trail and cave tour closures
• Cave is 54°F — dress in layers; closed-toe, low-heeled shoes required inside
• No bags of any kind allowed in the cave — don’t touch formations or cave walls
• Consider skipping the cave tour if you have claustrophobia, heart or respiratory conditions, recent surgery, or knee/back problems — a wheelchair-accessible tour is available
• Bison roam freely — keep your distance; they can be dangerous if threatened

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.