Operating Hours & Seasons

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, advanced reservations for the Scenic Tour are not planned to be available until early April for tour dates on or after June 1, 2020. 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]. Visitor Center hours are subject to change during severe weather.

Winter Schedule – No Tours (November 4, 2019 through April 26, 2020): Due to a planned construction project within Jewel Cave, all cave tours will be suspended until late May 2020. The Visitor Center, surface trails, and park store will be open during the cave closure.

Visitor Center Hours - Open Wednesday through Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Mountain Time). The Monument is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
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Spring Schedule – No Tours (April 27 through late May, 2020): Due to a planned construction project within Jewel Cave, all cave tours will be suspended until late May 2020. The Visitor Center, surface trails, and park store will be open during the cave closure.

Visitor Center Hours - Open Daily (seven days per week) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Mountain Time).
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Late Spring / Early Summer Schedule (Memorial Day weekend through mid-June, 2020): Subject to Change

Visitor Center Hours - Open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Mountain Time). Subject to Change.

Scenic Tour offered daily at 9:20 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 10:40 a.m., 11:20 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 12:40 p.m., 1:20 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 2:40 p.m., 3:20 p.m. and 3:40 p.m.

Discovery Talk offered daily at 9:35 a.m., 11:35 a.m., 1:35 p.m., and 4:15 p.m.
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