• 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 on the National Register of Historic Places, the schoolhouse is located next to the Cold Springs Cemetery. Visitors are welcome to explore the site, especially during monthly open houses from May to October, to appreciate the area’s rich educational and communal legacy.
• 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 rolls 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 (not open to the public), offering sweeping views of the Black Hills and, on clear days, the distant Badlands. Along the route, 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 Vista Loop Trail # 2 - 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
• Entrance Fees
• 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
• Get Started Easily: • Book Your Tour: Receive a confirmation and easy instructions via email. • Download the App: Follow the simple steps in your email. • Redeem the Tour: Use the redeem code in your email to redeem the tour in the app. • Prepare Ahead: Download the tour using strong Wi-Fi.
• Begin Your Journey: • Select Your Tour: Go to the My Stuff tab in the Shaka Guide app to launch the tour. • Start the Tour: Select the tour starting point and follow the GPS instructions. • Follow Shaka Guide: Stick to the suggested route and speed for the best experience.
• Why Choose Our Audio Tour: • Cost-Efficient: One tour for the entire vehicle—no per-person fees! • Ultimate Flexibility: Start, pause, and resume on your schedule. • Convenience: Use the tour any day, over multiple days if needed.
• Top Features: • Hands-Free: The tour works automatically - GPS-activated stories, directions, and music play as you drive for a seamless experience. • Works Offline: No need for continuous wifi or data. • Reliable Support: Get help via call, chat, or email.
• Private and Personalized: • Crowd-Free: Enjoy a private tour with just your group. • Customizable Stops: Pick the stops you want and skip the ones you don’t!
• The Ultimate Guided Tour: • Detailed Itinerary: Includes travel tips and recommendations. • Engaging Narration: Captivating stories and history.
• What Our Users Say: • “A fantastic way to explore! Easy to use and very informative.” • “Loved the flexibility to stop and go as we pleased. Highly recommend!”

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