Jewel Cave National Monument (U.S. National Park Service)

Jewel Cave National Monument • South Dakota

A cave explorer sits on some rocks and looks at a clear blue lake in Jewel Cave.

A park ranger is standing on a metal platform within a long passageway with a vaulted ceiling.

A caver squeezes through a very small and tight opening, surrounded by multi-colored rocks.

A park ranger stands as a silhouette in a large room in Jewel Cave.

White-colored crystals with blunt tips sparkle against a black background.

A bighorn sheep ram stands in the highway, with a camper stopped in the other lane.

A small red squirrel stands on a dead pine branch.

Fog filters through a stand of pine trees, with red and yellow foliage on the forest floor.

Snow covers the ground and flocks pine trees.

A paved path with steps heads down a hillside, with rock overhangs and pine trees nearby.

A look-alike Theodore Roosevelt speaks to visitors on the patio of the visitor center.

A small, dark-brown cabin sits on top of a hill with a walking path leading to its front porch.

A wall mural showing red-colored rock transitions into a room with a large cave map on the wall.

White to light purple flowers with yellow centers poke through pine needles.

A small brown bat rests on a red-orange colored rock.

Immerse yourself in one of the longest caves in the world. With over 220 miles of mapped and surveyed passages, this underground wilderness appeals to human curiosity. Its splendor is revealed through fragile formations and glimpses of brilliant color. Its maze of passages lures explorers, and its scientific wealth remains a mystery. This resource is truly a jewel in the National Park Service.

Inside a large chamber of Jewel Cave along the Scenic Tour route.

Come Experience Jewel Cave

All cave access is by guided tours. Book early on recreation.gov or visit the park early in the day for a same-day ticket.

A park ranger prepares to be filmed in Lithograph Canyon for a video podcast.

Engage Yourself with Videos and Podcasts

Video podcasts are a great way to learn more about the monument and Black Hills. Sit back, relax, and take a ranger-guided online tour.

Wall covered by a map titled "Jewel Cave"

Hours of Operation

The monument is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Dirt trail through pine trees on a sunny day

Explore the Surface of Jewel Cave

Easy-to-moderate surface hiking trails offer opportunities to observe wildlife and view wildflowers through the summer.

Three Junior Rangers stand in front of a large cave map, holding their activity booklets.

Become a Junior Ranger

Challenge your kids to learn more about the monument through the Junior Ranger and Pee Wee Ranger Programs, for kids ages 3 - 12.

A person standing in a very large passage in Jewel Cave

Learn about Jewel Cave

Learn about Jewel Cave's natural and cultural history.

Last updated: May 23, 2026

What makes Jewel Cave special?

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

11149 U.S. Hwy. 16
Building B12
Custer, SD 57730

Phone:

605 673-8300
The main phone line connects visitors with staff at the visitor center. Throughout the year, the phone line is monitored by staff on a daily basis, excluding holidays and days with limited visitor services. Please be advised that after-hours messages are not taken on the system; visitors are encouraged to call the visitor center during normal operations and speak with a park ranger for assistance.