Jewel Cave National Monument

Immerse yourself within the third longest cave in the world. With over 200 miles of mapped and surveyed passages, this underground wilderness appeals to human curiosity. Its splendor is revealed through fragile formations and glimpses of brilliant color. Its maze of passages lure explorers, and its scientific wealth remains a mystery. This resource is truly a jewel in the National Park Service. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR VISIT: IMPORTANT: Participants that have been in any other caves or mines since 2005 are required to wear (clean) different clothes and footwear within Jewel Cave to prevent the spread of White Nose Syndrome (WNS). For specific guidance related to guests that have recently taken part in cave tours at nearby Wind Cave National Park, please call the Monument directly at (605) 673-8300 and speak with a park ranger. Cave tour participants will be required to walk on a decontamination mat after their tour to prevent the spread of White Nose Syndrome. All participants must be at the Monument at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled tour time. Late arrivals or missed tours will not be refunded. Please allow extra time for road construction in the Black Hills Area. * Sandals, flip flops, crocs, and other non-secured footwear are not allowed on any cave tour. * Participants with physical limitations or health concerns need to be aware that there are 723 stairs along the Scenic Tour. Cave tours can be strenuous for some visitors, and guests that depart from the cave tour early will not receive a refund. * Hand bags, backpacks, purses, fanny packs, walking sticks, and other carried items are not allowed on cave tours. Guests are required to leave these items in the security of their personal vehicle. Food and drink of any kind are not allowed inside Jewel Cave. Other than water bottles, food and drink are not allowed inside the visitor center or other visitor facilities. * Jewel Cave is 49 degrees F (9 degrees C) year-round. Guests are encouraged to dress accordingly. * Cameras are allowed inside the cave; however, due to safety concerns, camera use is not allowed on the stairs. * Infants are allowed on Scenic Tours using front-carriers only and the child must remain in the carrier throughout the duration of the tour. Toddlers that walk through Jewel Cave must be able to navigate the stairs and walkways on their own. Parents or family members are not allowed to carry a child of any age through the cave without a front-carrier. NOTE: Strollers are not allowed inside the cave. Families with children ages 5 and under should consider the Discovery Talk. Tickets for this program are purchased at Jewel Cave on the day of the tour. * Pets are not allowed inside Jewel Cave, excluding service animals. For further information, please contact the Monument directly at (605) 673-8300 and speak with a park ranger. NOTE: Reservations are NOT ACCEPTED for the Historic Lantern Tour or Discovery Talk. Tickets for these cave activities are purchased on a first come first served basis directly at the Monument. For those interested in the Wild Caving Tour, please call the Monument directly at (605) 673-8300 for additional information and assistance.