Wind Cave National Park sits about 20 minutes north of us, an easy 11-mile drive up Highway 385. From the Hills Inn you can be at the visitor center before the first cave tour of the day, spend the afternoon watching bison on the prairie, and be back in your room for a swim by evening. You get a full, relaxed day and barely any time stuck in the car.
How long is the drive from Hot Springs to Wind Cave?
Short and simple. From our front door at 640 South 6th Street, you head north on Highway 385 for roughly 11 miles, and the park visitor center is right off the road. The drive takes about 20 minutes, and it's a pretty one, with rolling grassland and pine-covered hills the whole way.
Since it's so close, there's no need to rush out the door. Have the free continental breakfast here, fill your coffee, and you'll still make an early tour with time to spare. If you'd rather sleep in, that works too — Wind Cave runs tours throughout the day.
What cave tours can you take at Wind Cave?
Wind Cave is one of the longest and most complex caves in the world, and it's known for a delicate formation called boxwork that you don't see many other places. All cave tours are led by park rangers, and you buy tickets at the visitor center — tickets go first come, first served, so it pays to get there early when it's busy.
A few things to know before you go:
The tours vary in length and difficulty
The Garden of Eden tour is the shortest and easiest, good for families and anyone who'd rather not tackle a lot of stairs. The Natural Entrance and Fairgrounds tours are longer and involve more walking and stairs, so they show you more of the cave. Ask a ranger which one fits your group.
Bring a light jacket
The cave stays around 54 degrees year-round, no matter how warm it is up top. A sweatshirt and comfortable, closed-toe shoes make the whole thing more pleasant.
Is there more to do than the cave?
Plenty. Wind Cave protects a big stretch of mixed-grass prairie and forest above ground, and the animals are the real treat. Bison, pronghorn, elk, and prairie dog towns are all common sights along the park roads. Drive slowly, keep your distance, and you'll usually spot something.
There are also hiking trails if you want to stretch your legs, from short walks near the visitor center to longer routes across the prairie. Pack water and a snack, since there's not much to grab once you're inside the park.
Why we make a comfy spot to call home while you visit Wind Cave
Being this close to the park means you can take Wind Cave at your own pace and still have a cozy place to come back to at the end of the day. Our 35 rooms come with new pillow-top mattresses, a fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and a recliner, so you can really put your feet up after all that walking.
When you get back, the outdoor heated pool is a good way to unwind, and the kids can play a round of mini golf on the house. Parking is right at your door, Wi-Fi is free, and there's guest laundry if you've been on the road a while. Kids 12 and under stay free, which is a nice break when you've got the whole family along.
Wind Cave is just one of the stops nearby — the Mammoth Site, the Fall River trail, and the rest of the Black Hills are all close too. We love helping folks plan their day, so ask us anything when you check in!
