News Release

Jewel Cave Announces Operations for Summer Season

One adult and two youth standing in a dimly lit exhibit area viewing an interpretive sign.

NPS Photo/ Bradley Block

News Release Date: May 8, 2026

Contact: Aimee Murillo, [phone]

CUSTER, SD – Jewel Cave National Monument is changing its operations to prepare for visitors this summer season. The monument will be open every day starting Sunday, May 24, with extended hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Jewel Cave’s Wild Caving Tours will begin for the season on Friday, May 22, and the Historic Lantern Tours on Monday, June 1. The park plans to offer the Historic Lantern Tours regularly until September 1st, and the Wild Caving Tour will initially be offered on Fridays, later adding Saturdays and select weekdays throughout mid-August. The monument will continue to offer the popular Scenic and Discovery Tours.

Advance reservations for the Scenic, Discovery and Historic Lantern Tours are strongly recommended and will be available to book on Recreation.gov, with limited first-come, first-serve cave tour tickets available daily.

Reservations are required for the Wild Caving Tour. Those interested are recommended to check the park website and recreation.gov for initial steps on obtaining a spot on the Wild Caving Tour.

The monument also partners with the Black Hills Parks and Forests Association, which operates a Park Store inside the visitor center.  The store will be open on the same schedule as the visitor center and provides visitors with multiple products and services to complement their visit.

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted at www.nps.gov/jeca, as well as on social media through Facebook and Instagram.