Operating Hours & Seasons

A large, gray-colored upright banner shows directional guidance for visitors entering the visitor center.
An upright banner provides directional assistance and guidance for guests entering the visitor center during COVID-19.

NPS Photo / Bradley Block

Advance cave tour reservations are available on recreation.gov and are strongly recommended. Walk-up tickets are not guaranteed. All cave access is by guided tour only.

The Visitor Center, Park Store, surface trails, and picnic areas are currently open everyday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mountain Time. Please be advised that the main entrance gate is closed promptly at 5:30 p.m.; visitors and hikers should plan their day accordingly.

The Jewel Cave Historic Area is open for the season and Historic Lantern Tours for the 2023 season will be from June 4th to September 4th. 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 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, 11:00 am*, 11:40 am, 12:20 pm, 12:40 pm*, 1:00 pm, 1:20 pm*, 1:40 pm*, 2:20 pm, 3:20 pm, 3:40 pm*

Discovery Tour: 8:55 am, 11:15 am*, 11:55 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 Sunday, June 4)

Wild Caving Tour: 12:00 pm (Tours start on Sunday, June 4, and will only be available on Saturdays the following weekends)

* = 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 become available in July

Discovery Tour: Schedule will become available in July

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

Scenic Tour: Schedule will become available in September 2023

Discovery Tour: Schedule will become available in September 2023

Visitor Center: Open Wednesday through Saturday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Note the Visitor Center will be closed Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1.

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

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

* = Walk-up only available when staffing allows, interested parties are recommended to arrive early for walk-up availability
** = Tour available on select Wedsnesdays and Saturdays

Last updated: June 2, 2023

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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