National Monument · South Dakota
Jewel Cave National Monument
Immerse yourself in one of the longest caves in the world. With over 220 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 lures explorers, and its scientific wealth remains a mystery. This resource is truly a jewel in the National Park Service.
Things to do
- Caving
- Guided Tours
- Hiking
- Junior Ranger Program
- Snowshoeing
- Wildlife Watching
- Birdwatching
- Park Film
- Shopping
- Bookstore and Park Store
Weather & when to go
Weather in the Black Hills varies significantly throughout the year and may be drastically different from the northern hills to the southern hills. The temperatures listed are for average lows to average highs in the location of Custer, South Dakota. Spring ~ Temp. Range of 29°F to 53°F / Summer ~ Temp. Range of 54°F to 80°F / Fall ~ Temp. Range of 33°F to 58°F / Winter ~ Temp. Range of 14°F to 37°F The yearly average rain is 19 in., with May being the wettest month. The yearly average snow is 48 in.
Operating hours
Jewel Cave National Monument
Jewel Cave National Monument is a day-use area and is available for outdoor recreation on a daily basis throughout the year. However, although the monument is normally open for surface activities year round, the visitor center, park store, and ranger-guided cave tours and operational hours vary from season to season. This means that the surface features and recreational areas are open year round, yet staffing levels and visitor services may be limited during the off-season.
FAQ
- Is Jewel Cave National Monument free to visit?
- Jewel Cave National Monument does not charge a standard entrance fee. Check the official NPS page for the latest details on any activity or permit fees before you go.
- What are the hours at Jewel Cave National Monument?
- Jewel Cave National Monument is a day-use area and is available for outdoor recreation on a daily basis throughout the year. However, although the monument is normally open for surface activities year round, the visitor center, park store, and ranger-guided cave tours and operational hours vary from season to season. T…
- Do I need a reservation for Jewel Cave National Monument?
- No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Jewel Cave National Monument. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.