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Wind Cavewildlife
National parkAt Wind Cave National Park, Bison rut activity is at its height in July and August, within a rut that runs from late June through early September, per the National Park Service. Its usual window for this year has passed.
Checked against 6 official sources · How we check →
About Wind Cave
- What it is
- A national park in South Dakota
- What you'll see
- The summer bison rut · usual peak in July and August
- Before you go
- Safety: Stay at least 25 yards from all wildlife at Wind Cave, and farther from bison.
Right now at Wind Cave
Right now in Wind Cave · October
- The elk rut can begin as early as late August and continue into early November · Aug–Nov
- Ranger-led elk bugling programs may be offered on select evenings, September and October · Sep–Oct
Next 7 days at Wind Cave
- TodaySunny77° / 47°–
- SunSunny71° / 52°–
- MonSunny82° / 59°–
- TueMostly Sunny82° / 56°1% rain
- WedSunny77° / 54°–
- ThuSunny75° / –1% rain
Today: sunrise 6:54 a.m., sunset 6:33 p.m., light until 7:02 p.m. · moon waning crescent, 43% lit (our calculation)
Your guide to the area
Places on this map (2)
Where to watch
East Bison Flats Trail
Best spot
After a short climb, the rolling prairie hills, with views of Buffalo Gap and the Black Hills
Rankin Ridge Nature Trail
Best spot
A 1-mile loop through ponderosa pines to the park's highest point; no pets, and the fire tower can't be climbed
Around Wind Cave
Next season here: The summer bison rut, in July and August.
The year at Wind Cave
- Bison calves bornApril or May
- Elk Mountain Campground: flush toilets and drinking water, late May through September (the campground is open all year)May–Sep
- Bison rut, peak activityJuly and August
- The elk rut can begin as early as late August and continue into early NovemberNowAug–Nov
- Ranger-led elk bugling programs may be offered on select evenings, September and OctoberNowSep–Oct
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see wildlife at Wind Cave National Park?
Usual peak: in July and August. Bison rut activity is at its height in July and August, within a rut that runs from late June through early September, per the National Park Service.
Is it the season at Wind Cave National Park right now?
Not now: its usual wildlife window for this year has passed. Next time: in July and August, local timing.
When is the bison rut at Wind Cave?
Rut activity peaks in July and August, within a mating season that runs from late June through early September.Source: National Park Service, Bison ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I walk up to a bison at Wind Cave for a photo?
No: visitors must stay at least 25 yards (23 meters) from all wildlife, and the park strongly recommends staying farther from bison.Source: National Park Service, Wind Cave National Park: Elk Bugling ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When are bison calves born at Wind Cave?
In April or May, weighing 30 to 70 pounds.Source: National Park Service, Bison ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How did bison come back to Wind Cave?
In 1913 the American Bison Society sent 14 bison from the New York Zoological Gardens, now the Bronx Zoo; six more came from Yellowstone in 1916.Source: National Park Service, Bison ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Wind Cave National Park?
The best spots are East Bison Flats Trail and Rankin Ridge Nature Trail. East Bison Flats Trail: after a short climb, the rolling prairie hills, with views of Buffalo Gap and the Black Hills. Rankin Ridge Nature Trail: a 1-mile loop through ponderosa pines to the park's highest point; no pets, and the fire tower can't be climbed.
What is Wind Cave National Park like through the year?
Wind Cave National Park has something to see in 7 months of the year. The elk rut can begin as early as late August and continue into early November: Aug–Nov. Ranger-led elk bugling programs may be offered on select evenings, September and October: Sep–Oct. Elk Mountain Campground: flush toilets and drinking water, late May through September (the campground is open all year): May–Sep. Bison calves born: Apr–May. Bison rut, peak activity: Jul–Aug.
How we know · Sources (6)
How we know
National Park Service, Bison (opens in a new tab) (Oct 3) · National Park Service, East Bison Flats Trail (opens in a new tab) (Oct 3) · National Park Service, Rankin Ridge Nature Trail (opens in a new tab) (Oct 3) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Oct 2) · National Park Service, Wind Cave National Park: Elk Bugling (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Park Service, Wind Cave National Park: park data (fees, visitor center, Elk Mountain Campground) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) National Park Service sources: no claim to original U.S. Government works.