Visitors with impaired mobility, especially those reliant on wheelchairs, will find this information helpful in planning an enjoyable visit to Jewel Cave National Monument. Visitor Services –The monument offers one accessible cave tour option – the Discovery Tour, along with interactive exhibits and displays within the visitor center that complement ADA standards. Parking / Visitor Center - There are five (5) accessible parking spaces available, which offer an accessible route from the parking lot to the ticket kiosk via a curb ramp.The parking lot contains van accessible parking spaces clearly identified by appropriate signage. The ramp (with railings) continues to the visitor center. Furthermore, the parking lot is paved and offers accessible sidewalks leading to all visitor use areas. Parking / Jewel Cave Historic Area –There are two (2) accessible parking spaces available, which offer an accessible route from the parking lot to the historic cabin. If needed, vehicles with proper identification are also allowed to park near the visitor use area for loading and unloading purposes. Kiosk / Ticket Sales - The ticket kiosk is located at the end of the parking lot near the visitor center. The kiosk offers two windows that measure the ADA required height, suitable for assisting visitors in wheelchairs. The curb ramp near the kiosk provides a loading and unloading zone for visitors that may need additional time and/or assistance. Restrooms / Visitor Center - Both the men's and women's restrooms are wheelchair accessible. The facilities offer ease of access to the restrooms through automatic swinging doors, operated by an easily accessed manual push button.
Benches - A number of benches are provided near the ticket kiosk, outside the visitor center, and near the historic cabin. Log benches are also provided along the one-quarter mile Roof Trail. A limited number of benches are found along the cave tour routes. Trails –The monument does not offer any wheelchair accessible trails. Although the trails are considered easy to moderate, each area is undeveloped or paved with loose gravel. In some areas, stairs are found along the pathways, and uneven terrain may be present. Interested hiking enthusiasts are encouraged to ask a park ranger for more information.
Weather - The weather can change very quickly in the Black Hills. However, surface conditions do not normally affect the cave environment. The abrupt changes in weather only affect the trails and perhaps the ranger-guided activities near the visitor center. In the summer, the average temperature is around 80°F; thunderstorms often occur during the afternoons. In the off-season, temperatures vary from sub-zero to moderate conditions; winter storms can occur at any time. Be advised that there are no shelters along the trails, and off-season trail conditions vary from day to day.
Entrances / Visitor Center –Currently, the visitor center offers one main entrance, with manual doors; automatic swinging doors are not available at the present time. For the guided Discovery Tour, a wheelchair accessible elevator takes visitors to and from the cave environment. Entrances / Jewel Cave Historic Area –The Historic Cabin is not wheelchair accessible, nor are the ranger-guided Historic Lantern Tours. The paved path leading to and from the historic cave entrance offers numerous steps, which do not allow for wheelchair access.
Elevator – Within the visitor center, two fully accessible elevators are available for taking visitors to and from the cave environment. Guided Cave Tours – The monument offers one accessible programming option, called the Discovery Tour. This interpretive activity lasts about 20 to 25 minutes and takes participants into one large room of Jewel Cave. Visitors will learn about the natural and cultural history of the monument, along with observing nailhead and dogtooth spar crystals. On this tour, participants have the option of walking down and back up 15 steps or staying on the first paved platform.This is the only programming option inside the cave that allows canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, and service animals. Interpretive Patio Talks, Guided Nature Hikes and Park Film –Visitors are encouraged to take part in a variety of ranger-led activities throughout the summer months. Interpretive patio talks occur each day near the visitor center from about mid-June through late August. Guided nature hikes are scheduled once each day and take place on the one-quarter mile Roof Trail near the visitor center. Visitors are also encouraged to watch the 22 minute park film to see some of the less accessible sections of Jewel Cave. The theater is wheelchair accessible.Off-season programs and activities are limited, due to staff size. |
Last updated: January 10, 2024