• Explore and Discover One of the Last Frontiers in the World ...

    Jewel Cave

    National Monument South Dakota

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  • No Reservations in 2013

    Beginning January 2, 2013, Jewel Cave National Monument will not offer advanced ticket reservations, except for Wild Caving dates. Due to construction projects and assumed disruptions in service, ticket sales will occur on a first come first serve basis. More »

Guided Tours

The Discovery Tour and Scenic Tour are offered daily, year-round, except for Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1st. The Historic Lantern Tour is offered the second week of June through Labor Day. The Wild Caving Tour is offered during the summer (June through August) and on certain days during the off-season (winter). Fees are charged for all cave tours. Ticket prices are listed under the Fees & Reservations section for each tour type.

All entrance into the cave is ranger-guided. Cave tours must have a minimum of 2 participants. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at a ticket station in or near the visitor center. Cave tours can sell out at any time of the year. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead for tour availability or click Operating Hours & Seasons.

 
 

General Tour Information:

  • All cave tours are ranger-guided and require a minimum of 2 participants.
  • The cave temperature is 49°F (9°C). A light jacket, sweater, or sweatshirt is recommended.
  • Low-heeled, closed-toe, rubber soled shoes are highly recommended as cave routes cover uneven, slippery ground and stairs.
  • The following items are NOT allowed on any cave tours: food, gum, candy, drinks, tobacco products, tripods, walking sticks, weapons, pets, backpacks and backpack baby carriers.
  • All items (purses, handbags, camera bags, flashlights, etc.) carried into the cave must be less than 10" X 6" X 5".
  • Certified service dogs are allowed on the Scenic and Discovery programs.
  • There are no restrooms in the cave.
  • Flash photography is allowed on the Scenic tour and Discovery programs only.
  • It is recommended that visitors be in good health and physical condition.

Did You Know?

Cavers at camp site deep in Jewel Cave/NPS file photo

From the elevator entrance, it takes over 11 hours for explorers to reach unexplored sections at the end of Jewel Cave. Some survey trips require cavers to remain underground for up to 4 days.