South Dakota is home to some of the most unique and beautiful national parks in the United States, and Wind Cave National Park and Badlands National Park are two of the best.
Whether you’re looking for a fun family vacation or an educational adventure these two parks have something for everyone.
We’ll highlight the best family activities at and around Wind Cave National Park and Badlands National Park, so you can make the most of your trip!
Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave National Park is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It is one of the few parks in the world that are home to a complex network of underground caves.
This park is perfect for families who enjoy exploring and learning about nature, especially caves! There are plenty of trails and ranger-led tours available.
Some of the best activities for kids at Wind Cave National Park include cave tours, hiking, and junior ranger programming.
Cave Tours at Windcave
Wind Cave is one of the most complex and beautiful caves in the world, and the park offers several tours that are perfect for families. The knowledgeable park rangers will help you understand the unique geological formations and wildlife that call this park home.
Be sure to book your reservation 3-120 days in advance because they do sell out!
Pro Tip: During the summer, when lightning storms are common, cave tours are prone to cancellation due to power outages. We suggest that you find two days and include flexibility if touring the cave is your top priority.
Wind Cave National Park offers a variety of cave tours each with its unique features and levels of difficulty.
Here are some of the kid-friendly cave tours your family may enjoy at Wind Cave National Park:
- Garden of Eden Tour: This tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It is considered an “easy” tour, and this one hour adventure is one of the most beloved in the park. It takes visitors through the cave’s upper level and showcases the boxwork formations and the “Garden of Eden,” a beautiful underground room full of formations.
- Fairgrounds Tour: This tour is open to all ages but considered strenuous. It lasts for about 1.5 hours. Visitors can explore the cave’s middle level including the Fairgrounds, another large underground room with unique formations.
- Natural Entrance Tour: This is a 75 minute tour that is considered moderate due to the steep staircase down and into the cave.
- Candlelight Tour: This tour is only offered during the summer months and lasts for about 2 hours. Visitors explore the cave’s upper level by candlelight, giving them a unique perspective on the cave’s formations. The minimum age for this tour is 8-years-old, and it is considered strenuous.
Don’t forget to book your tours FAR in advance, and arrive ready to tour thirty minutes before it begins.
Additionally, visitors should wear appropriate clothing and footwear for cave exploration and follow all park rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Hiking at Windcave
Wind Cave National Park offers visitors a variety of hiking trails that allow them to explore the park’s unique landscape and natural beauty.
Here are some of the best, family-friendly hiking trails you can find at Wind Cave National Park:
- Prairie Vista Trail: This one-mile, loop trail begins at the visitor center, and it is one of two pet friendly trails at Windcave. It is an easy trail that is fun for the whole family. If you need to kill some time between cave tours, it will be the perfect stroll for you.
- Lookout Point Trail: This is a 2.2 mile trail that is considered moderate.
- Rankin Ridge Trail: This is an easy, one-mile trail that takes you to the highest point in Windcave National Park. It is beginner and family-friendly.
- Elk Mountain Trail: This one-mile trail takes visitors around the campground. It is the second of two pet-friendly hikes in Windcave National Park.
- Cold Brook Canyon: This 1.4 mile, moderate hike takes visitors out to a prarie dog town where views of raptors are frequent.
Windcave National Park is an “Open Hike” park which means the visitors are free to hike off trail and create their own paths…wherever the WIND takes them!
Be sure that if you enjoy this freedom you are also prepared with a park map, a compass, and other emergency supplies. The park is home to many animals including bison, so always be aware of your surroundings.
Wildlife Watching at Windcave
Wind Cave National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife that inhabits its prairies, forest, and caves.
Here are some of the exciting wildlife you can find at Wind Cave National Park:
- Bison: These majestic animals roam freely throughout the park’s grasslands and can often be seen grazing or lounging in the sun. Visitors should exercise caution and maintain a safe distance from bison because they can be unpredictable and dangerous.
- Elk: These large animals can often be seen in the park’s forested areas especially during the fall mating season when the males bugle and spar with each other.
- Pronghorn Antelope: These agile animals can be found throughout the park’s grasslands and are known for their impressive speed and endurance.
- Mountain Lions: These elusive predators can be found in the park’s backcountry and are rarely seen by visitors. However, evidence of their presence, such as tracks and scat, can be found throughout the park.
- Prairie Dogs: These social and curious animals can be found throughout the park’s grasslands and are known for their distinctive vocalizations and their underground burrow systems. They are always a grand amusement for the kids!
- Bats: Wind Cave National Park is home to over 30 species of bats including the endangered eastern pipistrelle. Visitors can see bats flying out of the cave at dusk during the summer months.
- Black-Footed Ferrets: These tiny, two-pound animals live amongst the prarie dogs…which happen to be their prey! These ferrets were deemed extinct in the late 1970s but have miraculously reemerged. Seeing one of these mammals would be a rare and special treat!
It’s important to note that visitors should exercise caution and maintain a safe distance from all wildlife at Wind Cave National Park. Additionally, visitors should follow all park rules and regulations to help protect the park’s wildlife and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park is located in southwestern South Dakota, and it’s known for its unique and rugged landscape.
This park is perfect for families who love to hike and explore because there are plenty of trails and activities available.
Some of the best activities for kids at Badlands National Park include…
Hiking at Badlands:
There are several easy and kid-friendly trails in the park that are perfect for families and showcase its stunning natural beauty and unique geological features.
Top hikes include:
- Door Trail: This is a short and easy 0.8-mile out-and-back trail that takes visitors through a narrow canyon and out to a breathtaking overlook with views of the park’s signature badlands formations.
- Notch Trail: This is a moderate 1.5-mile out-and-back trail that takes visitors up a steep ladder to a narrow canyon. Although short, it can be dangerous for children depending on their needs, balance, and abilities. It is definitely a favorite among park-goers!
- Castle Trail: This is a moderate, 10-mile out-and-back trail that takes visitors through the heart of the park’s badlands formations. It offers stunning views of the rugged landscape and a chance to spot wildlife such as bison and bighorn sheep. While it is a long trail, it is relatively level. Hiking this trail could be a great way for a family to spend a day and find a great picnic spot in the park.
- Saddle Pass Trail: This is a challenging 0.25-mile out-and-back trail that takes visitors up a steep incline to a scenic overlook with stunning views of the park’s badlands formations.
- Fossil Exhibit Trail: This is an easy, accessible 0.25-mile loop trail that takes visitors through a scenic area with exhibits highlighting the park’s unique geology and paleontological history. It includes replicas of extinct creatures.
Similar to Windcave National Park, Badlands also has an Open Hike policy that permits visitors to safely enjoy off-trail hiking. Safety precautions are advised.
It’s important to note that hiking in Badlands National Park can be challenging due to the park’s rugged terrain and variable weather conditions. Wet conditions in this park can quickly change an easy hike to a treacherous hike.
Wildlife Watching at Badlands:
Badlands is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, pronghorns, and coyotes. Take a drive along the Wildlife Loop Road to see these magnificent animals up close.
One of our family’s favorite animals to watch at Badlands is the prarie dog! On the drive into the park, you can view hundreds of them running about their towns. Here are some of the wildlife you can find at Badlands National Park:
- Bison: These iconic animals are a common sight in the park’s grasslands and can often be seen grazing or lounging in the sun. Always maintain a safe distance from bison as they can be unpredictable and dangerous.
- Bighorn Sheep: These agile animals can be found in the park’s rocky canyons and hillsides. Visitors may spot bighorn sheep grazing or scaling the steep cliffs. We often see them close to the main road through the park.
- Prairie Dogs: These social and curious animals can be found throughout the park’s grasslands. They are often the first animals you spot on the drive into the park.
- Coyotes: These adaptable predators can be found throughout the park and are known for their distinctive howls and hunting skills.
- Black-footed Ferrets: These endangered predators are one of the most elusive animals in the park and can be difficult to spot. Visitors may see evidence of their presence such as tracks and scat in the park’s grasslands.
- Eagles and Hawks: The park is home to a variety of raptors including eagles and hawks which can often be seen soaring above the park’s canyons and grasslands.
- Reptiles and Amphibians: Badlands National Park is home to a variety of reptile and amphibian species including prairie rattlesnakes, bull snakes, and western painted turtles.
It’s important to note that visitors should exercise caution and maintain a safe distance from all wildlife at Badlands National Park. Always follow all park rules and regulations to help protect the park’s wildlife.
Visit the Ben Reifel Visitor Center & Fossil Preparation Lab:
Although you will have enjoyed stunning scenery and several animal encounters by the time you reach it, the Ben Reifel Visitor Center is a must-see for everyone visiting Badlands National Park.
From the park movie and exhibits to the junior ranger booklets and the Fossil Preparation Lab, the journey here is worth its weight in gold!
Badlands National Park has a phenomenal room in their visitor center wherein there is ongoing archeological work. This “Fossil Preparation Lab” is fascinating to observe.
Children love the opportunity to watch real scientists at work and real discoveries being made!
Wind Cave National Park and Badlands National Park are two of the most unique and beautiful national parks in the United States. Nestled in the stunning Black Hills of South Dakota, these destinations are perfect for families who love to explore and learn about nature.
For an extra heap of fun and family bonding, consider camping in the park. Our favorite campground in Badlands is the Cedar Pass Campground, and the stunning campground inside of Wind Cave National Park is the Elk Mountain Campground!
Whether you’re looking for easy hikes, exciting learning, or riveting cave tours, these two parks have something for everyone.
So pack your bags, grab your kids, and get ready for an adventure in South Dakota.
