Jewel Cave National Monument
Immerse yourself in one of the longest caves in the world.
Photo: NPS Staff Photo / NPS
About 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.
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Driving times from Jewel Cave National Monument, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Hours
Jewel Cave National Monument
- Mon
- 8:30AM - 4:30PM
- Tue
- 8:30AM - 4:30PM
- Wed
- 8:30AM - 4:30PM
- Thu
- 8:30AM - 4:30PM
- Fri
- 8:30AM - 4:30PM
- Sat
- 8:30AM - 4:30PM
- Sun
- Closed
Activities
Getting there
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.
Frequently asked questions
- What is there to do at Jewel Cave National Monument?
- Popular activities include Birdwatching, Bookstore and Park Store, Caving, Guided Tours, Hiking, Junior Ranger Program.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Jewel Cave National Monument?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Mount Rushmore National Memorial (44 min), Wind Cave National Park (47 min), Devils Tower National Monument (1 h 56 min), Minuteman Missile National Historic Site (1 h 58 min), Agate Fossil Beds National Monument (3 h 4 min), Badlands National Park (3 h 14 min).