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Wind Cave National Park Visitors

America's boxwork cave and windswept prairie.

YearTotal Visits
1979457,443
1980473,061
1981503,424
1982467,392
1983503,739
1984536,022
1985477,585
1986483,334
1987563,720
1988578,016
1989561,758
1990586,464
1991597,057
1992660,296
1993537,075
1994871,061
1995805,688
1996781,171
1997832,033
1998849,974
1999761,717
2000668,507
2001650,357
2002810,298
2003874,167
2004593,877
2005612,478
2006591,049
2007603,158
2008573,433
2009587,868
2010577,141
2011538,394
2012529,083
2013516,142
2014547,022
2015612,198
2016617,377
2017619,924
2018656,397
2019615,350
2020448,405
2021709,001
2022607,418
2023592,459
2024489,399
2025606,258

Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota offers a captivating duality, presenting both a complex subterranean world and a vibrant surface ecosystem. Its namesake, Wind Cave, is one of the world's longest and most intricate caves, renowned for its rare and delicate calcite "boxwork" formations and the impressive barometric winds that emanate from its natural entrance, inviting visitors on fascinating guided tours deep underground. Above ground, the park features a picturesque landscape where rolling mixed-grass prairie seamlessly meets the ponderosa pine forests of the Black Hills, providing expansive scenic views. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy miles of hiking trails that wind through this diverse terrain, offering exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing, including herds of bison and elk, as well as prairie dogs, making it a perfect destination for both spelunking adventures and immersive natural exploration.

Data Source: National Park Service Stats