Exploring Jewel Cave at Jewel Cave National Monument in Black Hills
Jewel Cave National Monument is a remarkable showcase of geological wonder in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Home to one of the longest caves in the world, it offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness stunning formations and a rich diversity of minerals. This destination is crucial not only for its natural beauty but also for its historical significance, having been discovered in 1900 and designated a national monument in 1908.
Adventure Guide To Exploring Jewel Cave at Jewel Cave National Monument
Guided Cave Tours: The monument offers various guided tours, including the Historic Tour and the Scenic Tour. The Historic Tour takes you through original passages, revealing the monument's rich history, while the Scenic Tour showcases spectacular cave formations like delicate calcite crystals and intricate rock formations. Both tours provide an immersive experience and are led by knowledgeable rangers.
Ranger-Led Programs: During summer months, the park hosts special ranger-led programs that include evening cave tours and family-friendly activities. These programs help deepen understanding of the cave's geology and ecology, making it a special experience for all ages.
Surface Trails: After your cave adventure, wander the above-ground trails that meander through the picturesque landscape of the Black Hills. The trails are adorned with native flora and offer scenic views of the surrounding area. The one-mile Canyon Trail leads to fascinating geological formations and provides a different perspective of the park's rich ecosystem.
Local Insights
Jewel Cave is part of a larger geological area, known for its extensive limestone formations. The cave's name is derived from the stunning calcite crystals that decorate its walls, resembling jewels. This area has historical ties to Native American cultures, showcasing its significance beyond mere geological interest.
Visitor Tips
Best Times to Visit: Spring and fall are ideal for avoiding crowds while enjoying pleasant weather.
What to Bring: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket for the cooler temperatures inside the cave. A camera is also recommended.
Driving Directions: From the main areas of the Black Hills, Jewel Cave is about a 15-minute drive, accessible via US-16.
Experience the magic of Jewel Cave, where nature's artistry and history come alive.
Adventure Map
Black Hills Info
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Reviews
Brooke Gietman4 months ago
We had a great time here! The Scenic Tour was the perfect length, not too long and not too short. We got to see really cool formations like cave bacon, flow stone, soda straws, and calcite crystals. Our tour guide was really knowledgeable too. The visitors center and theater have enough to do to fill at least an additional hour before or after your tour, so make sure to leave enough time. Also, DEFINITELY book your tour in advance online! We saw so many people show up to buy tickets and get turned away because they were sold out. This was a Wednesday in July.
Kevin Horst4 months ago
We did not actually get to go down to the cave itself as the next available tour wasn’t for three hours and we had to keep moving, but we did check out the visitor center and watch the film. The film was pretty good and showed how the cave was discovered and how it looks inside. Fascinating to think this could be the biggest cave system in the world! I like that they offer a fully accessible tour option. Do note that shoes are required for the cave tours, no sandals or other open footwear permitted.
Darlene Cabe4 months ago
An Absolutely amazing adventure! We rode an elevator approximately 340 feet below the ground and toured a beautiful cave. It is cold down there so wear a sweatshirt or leggings. There are over 700 steps for the exhibit tour which lasts about 90 minutes. But it is not a difficult hike at all. The tour guide will have the group stop at different areas of the cave to explain different features or historical details which allows you to rest if you must. No one in our 30 member group needed to rest. It was a well orchestrated tour with beautiful caverns.
Mark Anthony Escalera Sr2 months ago
While visiting Newcastle for the week, we decided to go and visit Jewel Cave. WARNING - BUY your tickets in advance otherwise you may not get to go in.
Having visited a few other caverns, this was a delight even though at times it could be strenuous. There is plenty of parking and a small visitor center, but without a ticket, you cannot take any of the three tours on offer (only two outside of summer hours).
The trip is fully guided by a Park Ranger and he was hilarious as well as very informative for our group of about 20-25 people. This is NOT a tour for those with disabilities or heart issues or vertigo or claustrophobia (especially this one). Our tour was about 1 hour 30 minutes in length and has almost 800 steps up and down that have to be traversed.
You begin with an elevator ride down almost 400 feet below the surface where you learn that what seemed like a small cave in the beginning (2 miles in total length) actually is only about 3-5% of the total area of the cave based on air volume. Right now (as of September 2024), they have explored only 222.3 miles, but believe it could easily be found to be the largest caving system in North America, if not in the world.
Some beautiful features are found in this enclosed cave system and unlike some places like Carlsbad Caverns, you will not find any bats here. The Bacon Room was an expected treat (pun intended) and hard to believe what has grown in this dark, little-known world deep beneath the feet of those who walk through the Black Hills of South Dakota.
There is a little gift shop that is worth visiting and I highly recommend getting the video that shows much more than you will ever see on the guided tours.
Overall, the visit to Jewel Cave was well worth the cost of the tickets (about $16 a piece if I remember correctly) for the longer discovery tour. We will be visiting again.
Gina Hilgera month ago
I highly recommend the scenic guided tour at Jewel Cave National Monument! This cave has unique calcite formations that differ from the other major cave systems in the country. Very enjoyable! Shout out to our guide, Christine, for a fantastic experience. Make sure to hydrate beforehand...no drinks of any kind allowed in the cave.
