Elk bugling is coming to Wind Cave National Park/NPS

Rangers at Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota will be leading programs from mid-September through early October to listen for the bugle of the Rocky Mountain elk. The elk’s high-pitched whistle heralds the arrival of fall and the elk’s mating season.

Beginning September 15, rangers are giving brief interpretive programs about elk before leading a caravan to a nearby pullout to listen for them. These one-hour programs are offered Wednesday and Saturday evenings through October 9. Participants meet at the Wind Cave Visitor Center front lawn at 7 p.m. and are encouraged to bring a flashlight, a camp chair or blanket to sit on, and to dress warmly.

To hear an elk’s bugling call, visit the park’s website at https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/elk-bugling-wica.htm.

Fall ranger programs also include Natural Entrance and Garden of Eden Tours of Wind Cave throughout the day. Participants are encouraged to bring a light coat or sweater and good walking shoes. Visitors are reminded that masks are required in all federal facilities, including all cave tours, regardless of vaccination status.

The Natural Entrance Tour lasts approximately 75 minutes and involves 300 stairs. The Garden of Eden Tour lasts one hour and involves 150 stairs. Beginning September 12, the park visitor center will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Tours will be offered every 30 minutes throughout the day between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. through September 30.

For a schedule of cave tours beginning October 1, or for information about mask requirements and other COVID-19 precautions, visit the park’s website at https://www.nps.gov/wica/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm.