Wind Cave National Park
Below the rolling prairie grasslands and forests of this national park lies Wind Cave “one of the longest and most complex caves in the world. Named for barometric winds at its entrance, this maze of passages is home to boxwork, a unique geologic structure.” The cave was a sacred place for many American Indian tribes. The park’s 33,851 acres includes pristine remnant prairie habitat, home to bison, elk, pronghorn, mule deer, coyotes, prairie dogs and the re-introduced black-footed ferret.
Accessibility Written scripts are available for the hearing impaired and sign-language rangers may be available. Here is the Park Website.
Accessible Cave Tours Call ahead 605-745-4600 for information and to make arrangements. There are fees charged for these services.
“The visitor center and the cave are accessible to people who are blind or have low vision. However, cave trails are dimly lighted, often narrow, and may be wet and slippery in certain areas. There are numerous stairs along all of the tour routes. Persons with vision impairments should be cautious when entering the cave. Bringing an extra flashlight could assist visitors with vision impairments see steps and ceiling areas better” Call ahead 605-745-4600 for information and to make arrangements for a Special Cave Tour. There are fees charged for these services.
Trails Phone 605-745-4600 Map
These trails are described as easy but have some elevation gain and loss. Check with the Visitor Center to be sure they are suitable for your needs.
? Wind Cave Canyon 1.8 mile former road through limestone cliffs and forested hillsides. Most of this trail is flat, but you do go over one small hill. Map
? Elk Mountain 1.2 miles around the Elk Mountain Campground. Guide Map
? Rankin Ridge 1 mile nature loop with great views from the top. Judging from the map, there may be a steep stretch. Check first. Map
? Prairie Vista 1 mile interpretive loop from visitor center. Map