Operating Hours & Seasons

The view of our Visitor Center when you first walk inside.
The view of our Visitor Center when you first walk in.

NPS Photo / Maya Leschinsky

Advance cave tour reservations are available on recreation.gov and are strongly recommended. Walk-up tickets are not guaranteed. The booking window closes at noon the day before, and can close earlier if the tour sells out. All cave access is by guided tour only.

The Visitor Center, Park Store, surface trails, and picnic areas are currently open Wednesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time. Please be advised that the main entrance gate is closed promptly at 4:30 p.m.; visitors and hikers should plan their day accordingly.

The Jewel Cave Historic Area is closed for the season and Historic Lantern Tours will start up again in the 2024 summer season. Visitors can still hike there using the Canyons Trail.

VISITOR CENTER HOURS AND TOUR TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE due to staff availability, inclement weather, emergency situations, construction projects, and/or special events. In the event of inclement weather during the off-season, visitors are advised to contact the visitor center at (605) 673-8300 for updated information.

 

Cave Tour Times

For more information about ticket prices, please visit Fees & Passes.
Contact the Visitor Center at (605) 673-8300 for more information. Please be advised that all tours are weather dependent and may be delayed or cancelled due to inclement weather. Visit Guided Tours for tips on preparing for a visit to Jewel Cave.

Visitor Center: Open Wednesday through Saturday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (Visitor Center will be open daily beginning May 8th)

Note the Visitor Center will be closed Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1.

Scenic Tour: 9:00 am, 10:45 am*, 12:15 pm*, 2:45 pm

Discovery Tour: 9:45 am*, 11:45 am*, 1:45 pm, 3:45 pm*

* = Walk-up only available when staffing allows, interested parties may call 605-673-8300 for the current schedule, but any walk-up tickets will be sold at the park on the day of the tour. Arrive early for the most availability.

Visitor Center: Open Daily, 8:00 am to 5:30 pm

Scenic Tour: 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:20 am*, 12:40 pm, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm*, 2:40 pm, 3:20 pm

Discovery Tour: 9:35 am, 11:35 am*, 1:35 pm, 3:35 pm

* = Walk-up only available when staffing allows, interested parties are recommended to arrive early for walk-up availability. Any walk-up tickets will be sold in-person on the day of the tour.

Visitor Center: Open Daily, 8:00 am to 5:30 pm

Scenic Tour: 8:20 am, 8:40 am*, 9:20 am*, 9:40 am, 10:00 am, 10:20 am*, 10:40 am, 11:20 am*, 11:40 am, 12:20 pm, 12:40 pm*, 1:00 pm, 1:40 pm*, 2:20 pm, 2:40 pm*, 3:20 pm, 3:40 pm*

Discovery Tour: 8:55 am, 10:55 am*, 11:55 am, 1:55 am, 2:55 pm*, 3:55 pm

Historic Lantern Tour: 9:45 am, 11:15 am*, 12:45 pm, 2:15 pm*, 3:30 pm (Tours start in early June)

Wild Caving Tour: 11:30 pm on Saturday, May 25 (June tour dates will be available on May 1)

* = Walk-up only available when staffing allows, interested parties are recommended to arrive early for walk-up availability. Any walk-up tickets will be sold in-person on the day of the tour.

Visitor Center: Open Daily, 8:00 am to 5:30 pm

Scenic Tour: Schedule will be updated in early July

Discovery Tour: Schedule will be updated in early July

Historic Lantern Tour: Schedule will be updated in early July

Wild Caving Tour: Schedule will be updated in early July

*=Walk-up tour only available when staffing allows on the day of the tour. It is recommended to show up to the ticket kiosk by 8:00 a.m. to see what walk-ups are available. 

Visitor Center: Open Daily, 8:00 am to 5:30 pm

Scenic Tour: Schedule will be updated in early August

Discovery Tour: Schedule will be updated in early August

* = Walk-up only available when staffing allows, interested parties are recommended to arrive early for walk-up availability

Visitor Center: Open Daily, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Scenic Tour: Schedule will be updated in early August

Discovery Tour: Schedule will be updated in early August

* = Walk-up only available when staffing allows, interested parties are recommended to arrive early for walk-up availability

Last updated: March 29, 2024

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.

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