Operating Hours & Seasons

Due to COVID-19, the visitor center and park store are closed until further notice. However, the surface trails are open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time. Please be advised that the main gate will close promptly at 4:30 p.m.; hikers and park users should plan their departure time accordingly.

Entrance to the cave requires a ranger-guided tour, a minimum of two visitors, and tours are scheduled by season (listed below). A majority of the Scenic Tour times listed on the hour are available by reservation. All other tours and times are sold at the monument for same day tours on a first-come, first-served basis. Working in collaboration with Black Hills Central Reservations, visitors can purchase Scenic Tour tickets in advance between 72 hours and 90 days (see Note) using an online service: www.blackhillsvacations.com or a call center at 605-717-7629. NOTE: Due to a construction project inside the cave during the off-season, all ranger-guided tours AND advanced reservations for the Scenic Tour are suspended until further notice. We apologize for the inconvenience and look forward to assisting with your vacation plans in the future.

Tickets are required to enter the cave, are limited by tour type, and tours can often sell out at any time during the day. During peak season or a holiday weekend, it is advised that you arrive in the morning to purchase tickets in person, or go through the reservation service (mentioned above). When planning a visit to Jewel Cave, it is important to know there is minimal food service (during the summer) and no food service (during the winter) at the monument.

 

SCHEDULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE due to staff availability, emergency situations, construction projects, inclement weather, and/or special events. In the event of inclement winter weather, visitors are advised to call ahead at [phone]. Monument hours are subject to change during severe weather.

Spring Schedule – No Tours (April 2020):

Due to a planned construction project within Jewel Cave, all ranger-guided cave tours are suspended until further notice.

Monument Hours - Open Daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Mountain Time). As a reminder, the main gate will close promptly at 4:30 p.m.
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