Jewel Cave National Monument
Explore the 3rd longest cave in the world, marvel at calcite crystals, and embark on unforgettable underground adventures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps
Jewel Cave National Monument
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the 3rd longest cave in the world, marvel at calcite crystals, and embark on unforgettable underground adventures.
"Jewel Cave was the highlight of our South Dakota trip!"
Book Tours Early! 🎟️
Tours sell out months in advance. Book online via Recreation.gov ASAP to guarantee your spot!
Wear Sturdy Shoes 👟
Lots of stairs! Comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good grip are a must for cave tours.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Tour
Main cave system
Descend over 750 steps through vast chambers adorned with calcite crystals, offering a breathtaking underground spectacle.
Discovery Tour
Accessible cave sections
A shorter, 30-minute introduction to the cave's geology and history, perfect for those with limited time or mobility concerns.
Wild Caving Tour
Off-trail cave passages
An adventurous, strenuous 4-hour tour crawling and climbing through undeveloped cave sections. Not for the faint of heart!
Historic Ranger Cabin
Visitor Center area
Explore the original 1938 visitor center, a glimpse into the early days of managing this incredible natural wonder.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Cave Tour in Advance
Prepare for Stairs and Underground Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Tours Early! 🎟️
Tours sell out months in advance. Book online via Recreation.gov ASAP to guarantee your spot!
Wear Sturdy Shoes 👟
Lots of stairs! Comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good grip are a must for cave tours.
Dress in Layers 🧥
Cave temp is a steady 49°F (9°C). Bring a jacket, even in summer!
Arrive Early for Exhibits ⏳
Give yourself an hour before your tour to see the exhibits and watch the park film.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Tours Early! 🎟️
Tours sell out months in advance. Book online via Recreation.gov ASAP to guarantee your spot!
Wear Sturdy Shoes 👟
Lots of stairs! Comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good grip are a must for cave tours.
Dress in Layers 🧥
Cave temp is a steady 49°F (9°C). Bring a jacket, even in summer!
Arrive Early for Exhibits ⏳
Give yourself an hour before your tour to see the exhibits and watch the park film.
Wild Caving Gets Messy! 🧼
Bring a change of clothes for the Wild Caving Tour; you'll get dirty!
Rangers Make it Great! 👍
Guides are knowledgeable and entertaining, enhancing the cave experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Jewel Cave for its stunning formations and knowledgeable, engaging rangers who enhance the tour experience. The Scenic Tour, despite its many stairs, is highly recommended for its breathtaking underground views and well-maintained pathways. While tours sell out quickly and require advance booking, the overall experience is considered a highlight of South Dakota trips.
"Jewel Cave is now one of our favorite caves in the U. S. We took the Scenic Tour and were just blown away by the experience. The Ranger/ tour guide was fabulous and really took the time to make sure the visitors got to see and experience the cave features. The tour group was relatively small, with under 20 people, allowing everyone to see and hear the guide.
The tour was about 1 hour and 20 minutes long, with a lot of stairs and walking. We suggest arriving at least an hour early so that you have time to watch the movie and see the exhibits before your tour starts. If not, you can do these things after the tour. There are also a couple of hikes you can take in the park.
We bought our tickets almost two months in advance as the tours frequently sell out in advance.
The parking lot is pretty large and will accommodate RVs and trailers."
Dawn J
"We really liked this tour. The Rangers were really cool and made the tour really enjoyable. When comparing the caves, this one has more interesting things to look at than Wind Cave. The Scenic Tour was 740 steps, but we never felt winded or tires from the walk. They places stopping points throughout to rest. They refinished the steps recently and they are very sterdy with lots of hand rails. It was a great tour!"
Murphys Odyssey
"Stunning in the simplest sense of the word. I could have stayed down there for hours. Our Ranger was knowledgeable and full of stories. The discovery tour (30 minutes for 14 dollars) was what we chose to do as we were somewhat limited on time. It was an amazing experience however next time I would do a longer tour. Note that the longer tour that descends 750 stairs does NOT require you to walk back up said stairs, there is an elevator to the lower level as well. The visitors center is small yet adequate in display the history of jewel cave."
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What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Jewel Cave is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, about 30 miles west of Custer. The most common way to reach it is by car. From Rapid City, take US-16 West towards Custer, then follow SD-16A West and then SD-244 West. The monument is well-signed. Many visitors combine a trip to Jewel Cave with other Black Hills attractions like Wind Cave National Park and Custer State Park as part of a scenic road trip.
Yes, there is a large parking lot at the visitor center that can accommodate cars, RVs, and trailers.
Public transportation options are very limited in this region. It is highly recommended to have your own vehicle or rent a car to visit Jewel Cave National Monument and explore the surrounding Black Hills area.
The closest major airport is Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), located about 50 miles northeast of Jewel Cave. From there, you would need to rent a car to reach the monument.
Yes, Jewel Cave is part of a cluster of fascinating underground attractions in the Black Hills. Wind Cave National Park is about a 30-minute drive away, and The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs is also relatively close.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance to the monument grounds is free. However, all cave tours require a ticket. Prices vary by tour length and type, with the Discovery Tour being the most affordable at around $14, and longer tours like the Scenic Tour costing more. It's best to check the official NPS website or Recreation.gov for current pricing.
All cave tours must be booked in advance through Recreation.gov. Tours, especially the popular Scenic Tour, sell out weeks or even months ahead of time, so booking as early as possible is highly recommended.
The visitor center and tour operations typically run daily during the peak season (spring through fall). Hours can vary by season, so it's crucial to check the official Jewel Cave National Monument website for the most up-to-date operating hours and tour availability.
It is strongly advised to book your tickets online in advance via Recreation.gov. While some last-minute tickets might occasionally be available at the visitor center, tours frequently sell out, making advance booking essential.
The monument grounds are free to enter, but all cave tours require a paid ticket. The Discovery Tour is the shortest and most affordable option.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Jewel Cave offers several tours: the Discovery Tour (30 mins, easy), the Scenic Tour (1 hour 20 mins, strenuous with many stairs), the Historic Lantern Tour (1 hour, uses lanterns), and the Wild Caving Tour (4 hours, very strenuous, requires crawling and climbing). 
The Discovery Tour is considered easy. The Scenic Tour involves over 750 steps and is moderately strenuous, though rangers provide rest stops. The Wild Caving Tour is extremely strenuous and requires physical exertion.
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes with good traction. Bring a light jacket or sweater as the cave temperature is a constant 49°F (9°C). For the Wild Caving Tour, wear old clothes you don't mind getting dirty.
The Discovery Tour is the most accessible option, with fewer stairs and a shorter duration. Some longer tours utilize elevators for descent, but involve significant walking and stairs. It's best to check with the park for specific accessibility details for each tour.
Photography is generally allowed on most tours, but flash photography is often prohibited to protect the cave formations and for visitor safety. Always follow the ranger's instructions regarding photography.
Yes, bats can be found in Jewel Cave, though sightings are not guaranteed. The Historic Lantern Tour has had reports of bat sightings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food services or restaurants directly within Jewel Cave National Monument. Visitors are advised to bring their own snacks and drinks or plan to eat in the nearby town of Custer or other surrounding areas.
Food and drinks are generally not allowed on the cave tours to help preserve the cave environment. Water bottles may be permitted, but it's best to confirm with your tour guide.
The closest town with dining options is Custer, South Dakota, which offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and diners. Rapid City also has a wide range of food establishments.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is typically permitted on most tours, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the delicate cave formations and for the safety of other visitors. Always listen to your ranger guide for specific rules.
The cave itself offers stunning photographic opportunities with its unique formations. Specific viewpoints will be highlighted by your ranger guide. The visitor center area also provides scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
A standard camera or smartphone is usually sufficient. Given the low light conditions, a tripod might be helpful for steadier shots, but check if tripods are allowed on your specific tour as they can be cumbersome in tight spaces.
Jewel Cave is known for its extensive calcite crystals, often referred to as 'jewels,' which cover the walls. You'll also see stalactites, stalagmites, and other speleothems.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to book tours well in advance, as they are popular. The constant cool temperature inside the cave can be a welcome relief on a hot day. While the Scenic Tour involves many stairs, rangers are accommodating, and there are rest stops. However, for very young children or those with mobility concerns, the Discovery Tour is the most suitable option. Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes and brings a light jacket.
Budget Travelers
Adventure Seekers
Be prepared for crawling, climbing, and getting dirty – it's an unforgettable adventure. Booking this tour well in advance is critical due to its limited availability and high demand. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Jewel Cave's Tours
For the truly adventurous, the Wild Caving Tour offers an unparalleled experience. This 4-hour expedition takes you off the paved paths and into undeveloped sections of the cave, requiring crawling, climbing, and navigating tight spaces. Participants are advised to wear old clothes as they will get dirty. The Historic Lantern Tour provides a unique ambiance, using lanterns to illuminate the cave's passages, offering a different perspective on its history and geology.
+1It's crucial to remember that all cave tours require advance booking through Recreation.gov, as they frequently sell out. Always check the official NPS website for the most current tour descriptions, availability, and pricing.
The Geology and History of Jewel Cave
The exploration of Jewel Cave is a story of perseverance. While Native Americans likely knew of its existence, it wasn't until the early 1900s that significant exploration began. Brothers Frank and Albert Michaud are credited with discovering the main entrance in 1901. However, it was the dedicated efforts of local climbers and cavers, most notably Herb and Jan Conn, who mapped over 62 miles of the cave between 1959 and 1979, that revealed its true extent. Their work was instrumental in its designation as a National Monument in 1908 and its subsequent protection.
+1Planning Your Black Hills Adventure
+1When planning your itinerary, consider dedicating at least 10-12 days to fully experience the diverse offerings of the Black Hills. This allows ample time for cave tours, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and exploring landmarks like Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Crazy Horse Memorial. Booking accommodations and popular tours in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season.
For those interested in a comprehensive South Dakota road trip, Jewel Cave fits perfectly into a loop that includes Rapid City, the Badlands, and other national parks. The proximity of Jewel Cave to other attractions makes it an ideal stop for those exploring the region.
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