Jewel Cave National Monument, South Dakota, United States
4.5 (1.415 reviews) Saturday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Ranking #9 in Custer National Parks • Caverns & Caves
A Must for Cave Lovers!
Jewel Cave National Monument is home to one of the longest caves in the world. Offering an assortment of cave formations and recreational opportunities, many visitors are truly amazed by this underground wilderness. Most impressive is the fact that exploration and discovery continue to take place at this significant natural resource. Please be advised that during the off-season (2020-2021), the visitor center, Park Store, surface trails, and picnic areas are open Thursdays through Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MDT. However, cave tours are suspended, due to an elevator construction project. For those visiting the monument, a one-way flow path is set up inside the visitor center, with directional signage for visitor awareness. Park rangers are on-site to answer questions and to assist with the ever-popular Junior Ranger and Pee Wee Ranger Programs. For specific questions and/or assistance, do not hesitate to contact the monument by phone or email in advance.
Address
11149 US Highway 16 Building B12, Custer, SD 57730-8167
Mobile
Website
http://www.nps.gov/jeca/index.htm
Working hours
Monday :
Tuesday :
Wednesday :
Thursday : 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday : 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday : 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday : 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Current local date and time now
Saturday, May 04, 2024, 5:11
User Ratings
4.5 based on (1.415 reviews)
Reviews
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5Ashleigh M 5:00 PM Jun 18, 2021
Modified tour 2021
For the 2021 season, Jewel Cave is running modified tours as the elevator is closed for repairs. Because of this, access to the Cave requires a quarter mile hike down a steep hill and then back up after the tour. I think this is limiting visitors to the Cave, but if you’re able to do this hike, it is definitely worth it! Unlike Wind Cave, we were able to walk right up and get a $4 ticket about an hour in advance. The tour group was much smaller and we had more time to explore the Cave without being crowded. If you’re looking for a Cave tour in the black hills, I recommend Jewel Cave over Wind Cave even though it doesn’t have that “National Park” after its name. I look forward to visiting again once they are offering their normal tours with a working elevator.
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4michellehouse 5:00 PM Aug 3, 2021
Modified tours
There are modified tours right now so you aren't able to see the whole tour, keep that in mind when making plans. We got to the park a little after opening and there was a bit of a line for tour tickets. Still only took us about 20 minutes to get tickets. Due to COVID limits they are only touring 20 people at a time. We had a 9:45 tour time so we hiked the .25 mile roof trail loop which was an easy walk and nicely shaded with some nice views. Then there is about a .25 mile hike to the cave entrance pretty much straight down. The tour is about 20 minutes and is really just the first room. Ranger giving the tour was very engaging and did a great tour for what she was able to show us. Then you have to hike back up the hill so bring water with you because it's a hard hike back up.
