Wind Cave National Park: Garden of Eden Tour Guide

Wind Cave National Park is located in southeastern South Dakota. It is one of the older parks in the system, established by Theodore Roosevelt in 1903 as our country’s sixth National Park.

Wind Cave is stunning both above ground, where bison roam, and below ground, where you can take guided cave tours.

My wife and I visited Wind Cave in the early fall. We arrived at Elk Mountain Campground just before sunset and were greeted by a bison posing next to the campground entrance sign. We made dinner and hit the hay quickly. We had tours scheduled of Wind Cave tomorrow morning.

Wind Cave’s Garden of Eden Tour

The first tour we scheduled for the day was the Garden of Eden tour. This is the perfect tour if you are tight on time, traveling with children or the elderly, or simply not sure you want to do a longer one. Reservations for the tour are highly recommended. They do sell out, especially during the busy season.

It only takes one hour and is a short quarter-mile walk. There are 150 steps that, as expected, can be slick. Expect a bit of bending, stooping, and walking. It’s a cave, so it will be dimly lit the entire time. The tour is guided by a National Park Service Ranger who explains the various formations in detail.

Our tour started at 9 a.m. we were both very excited to go! A few days ago, we did a tour of nearby Jewel Cave, and the ranger there explained that Wind Cave has some fascinating things to see, including its signature formation, Boxwork.

“…[We] wonder if it will be possible to so describe those wonderful scenes as to represent with even a limited degree of fairness or justice the awe-inspiring grandeur of the entire trip, or the perfection of fragile loveliness formed and preserved as by special miracles in the Garden of Eden…” – Edward C Horn, Mazes and Marvels, 1898

Entering Wind Cave

We started after a quick introduction from the ranger, who reminded everyone to stay together, be courteous to others, and not touch the cave.

The tour enters and exits the cave by elevator. “I am so glad I brought my jacket. It’s colder than I expected down here, ” my wife said, entering the cave. Wind Cave stays at 54 degrees year-round.

Because we were only traveling a quarter mile and the tour lasted an hour, the ranger spent quite a bit of time at each stop along the way. We passed by and learned about different areas of the cave with names such as Cathedral Dome, Corkscrew Stairs, Eastern Star Room, W.C.T.U. Hall and, of course, the Garden of Eden.

Frostwork and Cave Popcorn Formations

In the Garden of Eden room, we were treated to up-close views of stunningly delicate frostwork and cave popcorn. “Though resembling everyone’s favorite movie night treat, cave popcorn could be more accurately described as petrified cave sweat!” The ranger explained to the group. “Cave popcorn forms as water rich in calcite beads on the surface of the walls. The calcite crystallizes, and, over time, the crystals look like a kernel of popped corn. Popcorn can be found throughout Wind Cave.

Wind Cave Garden of Eden Tour

Wind Cave Tour

Boxwork Formations

As we continued, we passed flowstone and historical graffiti left by early visitors to the cave. The ranger pointed out “boxwork,” which Wind Cave is best known for. Boxwork is extraordinarily rare. “Over 95 percent of the known boxwork worldwide is found right here within Wind Cave,” the ranger enthusiastically explained.

As the tour wound down, I was thoroughly impressed by not only the cave, but the tour guide. The ranger clearly really enjoyed her job, which made the experience so much better for us.

Exiting the cave through the elevator, we headed back to the visitor center to prepare for tour number two of the day, the Natural Entrance Tour.

How long does it take to visit Wind Cave National Park?

Tours range in length from an hour to upwards of 4 hours. If you plan on exploring above ground, add more time. Expect to spend at least a half day to get an excellent feel for the park, but if you have the time, a full day would be better.

Where to stay in Wind Cave National Park?

Elk Mountain Campground is located in the park. It is quite scenic and bridges the line of ponderosa pine forest and open prairie. Reservations are required during peak season, and otherwise, it is first come, first served.

How to get to Wind Cave National Park

From Rapid City direct:

Take South Dakota Highway 79 south, approximately 50 miles to U.S. Highway 385.
Turn right onto U.S. Highway 385 North, then go through Hot Springs.
Take U.S. Highway 385 for another 6 miles north into Wind Cave National Park.
Follow signs to the visitor center.

From Rapid City via the Black Hills:

Take U.S. Highway 16 south and west to U.S. Highway 385.
Turn left on U.S. Highway 385 south to Hill City and continue south through Custer City.
Wind Cave is about 20 miles south of Custer, South Dakota, off U.S. Highway 385. Follow signs to the visitor center.