Jewel Cave National Monument

Jewel Cave National Monument is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, approximately 13 miles west of the town of Custer. It was established as a national monument in 1908 and covers an area of 1,273 acres. The monument is famous for its intricate cave system, making it the third-longest known cave in the world, with over 200 miles of mapped passages.

The cave system in Jewel Cave National Monument is a unique geological wonder. It is known for its stunning calcite crystals, from which it gets its name. Visitors can explore various sections of the cave through guided tours, ranging from easy walks along paved pathways to more adventurous spelunking experiences. The tours offer a chance to witness the breathtaking beauty of cave formations, such as stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and frostwork.

The historical significance of Jewel Cave dates back thousands of years. Evidence suggests that Native American tribes utilized the cave for spiritual ceremonies and sacred rituals. In more recent history, the cave was discovered in 1900 by brothers Frank and Albert Michaud. The Michaud brothers initially mapped and explored the cave, leading to its eventual recognition as a national monument.

In addition to cave exploration, Jewel Cave National Monument offers various outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Hiking trails wind through the beautiful Black Hills forest, providing opportunities for nature enthusiasts to observe wildlife and enjoy the surrounding scenery. The area is also popular for picnicking, camping, and scenic drives along the Needles Highway and Wildlife Loop Road.

Nearby attractions include the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial, known for its sculpted faces of former U.S. presidents, and Custer State Park, a vast wildlife reserve with herds of bison, elk, and pronghorn. The Crazy Horse Memorial, a work-in-progress sculpture dedicated to the Native American leader, is also within a short drive from Jewel Cave National Monument.

Jewel Cave National Monument offers a unique experience for visitors seeking to explore one of the world's most remarkable cave systems. With its historical significance, stunning geological formations, and nearby attractions, it is a must-see destination for those visiting South Dakota's Black Hills region.

Jewel Cave National Monument is situated in the lush and picturesque Black Hills region of western South Dakota. Nestled within Custer County, the cave is located approximately 13 miles west of the town of Custer and around 52 miles southwest of Rapid City. This breathtaking natural wonder is tucked away in an area known for its majestic landscapes, including pine-covered hills, rolling meadows, and crystalline streams. Surrounded by the beauty of the Black Hills, Jewel Cave stands tall as a mesmerizing underground marvel in this captivating geographical setting.

Address & Contact

11149 U.S. Hwy. 16
Building B12
Custer, SD 57730
Driving Directions
Phone: 6056738300
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Jewel Cave National Monument is in April or May. During this time, the average maximum temperature ranges from 55°F to 64°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation is moderate, ranging from 2.0 to 3.4 inches, allowing visitors to enjoy the park without dealing with excessive rainfall. These months also have relatively lower visitor counts compared to the peak months of June and July, ensuring a more peaceful and less crowded experience.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Jewel Cave National Monument are: Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Hiking Snowshoeing Caving

Topics

Learn about these topics at Jewel Cave National Monument: Animals Birds Caves, Caverns and Karst Geology Cats (wild) Fire Trails Explorers and Expeditions Elk

Visitor Centers

Jewel Cave National Monument - Visitor Center

The visitor center offers two rooms of interactive exhibits and engaging displays, featuring the surface and sub-surface resources. A large classroom area is also available for school field trips and special events, with large windows facing to the south toward Lithograph Canyon. A park store connects the classroom to the exhibits and is operated by the Black Hills Parks and Forests Association. Ask to view our award-winning film about the park. Restrooms are available at the visitor center.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Jewel Cave National Monument - Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Jewel Cave National Monument

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Jewel Cave National Monument

Elk Ridge Bed & Breakfast

Located in Keystone, Elk Ridge Bed & Breakfast is in the mountains, within a 15-minute drive of Museum Black Hills Institute and National Presidential Wax Museum. Featured amenities include laundry facilities, a library, and microwave in a common area. Guests may use a roundtrip airport shuttle for a surcharge, and free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 12741 Matthew Ct, Keystone, South Dakota 57751
Web: Link

Super 8 by Wyndham Hill City/Mt Rushmore/ Area

Located in Hill City, Super 8 by Wyndham Hill City/Mt Rushmore/ Area is in a rural location, within a 15-minute walk of Teddy Bear Town and Museum Black Hills Institute. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, and an elevator. Planning an event in Hill City? This hotel has facilities measuring 1056 square feet (98 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 109 Main Street, Hwy 16/385- Main Street, Hill City, South Dakota 57745
Web: Link

Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn

Located in Custer, Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn is in a national park, within a 15-minute walk of Rocky Knolls Golf Course and 1881 Courthouse Museum. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 310 W Mount Rushmore Rd, Custer, South Dakota 57730
Web: Link

Rosa's Cantina

With a stay at this vacation home in Hill City, you'll be in the mountains, and 10.1 mi (16.3 km) from Wade's Gold Mill and 10.9 mi (17.6 km) from Teddy Bear Town. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 23501 Paradise Court, Deerfield Lake Area, Hill City, South Dakota 57745
Web: Link

Comfort Inn & Suites Near Mt. Rushmore

A stay at Comfort Inn & Suites Near Mt. Rushmore places you in the heart of Hill City, within a 15-minute walk of Teddy Bear Town and Museum Black Hills Institute. Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 12454 Old Hill City Road, Hill City, South Dakota 57745
Web: Link

The Fountain Inn

When you stay at The Fountain Inn in Newcastle, you'll be 15.8 mi (25.5 km) from Black Hills National Forest. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Event facilities at this motel consist of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2 Fountain Plaza, Newcastle, Wyoming 82701
Web: Link

Sage Motel

With a stay at Sage Motel in Newcastle, you'll be 16.1 mi (25.9 km) from Black Hills National Forest and 24.4 mi (39.3 km) from Jewel Cave National Monument. Featured amenities include express check-out, dry cleaning/laundry services, and laundry facilities. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available on request), and free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1227 S Summit Avenue, Newcastle, Wyoming 82701
Web: Link

The Pines Country Inn

With a stay at The Pines Country Inn in Newcastle, you'll be 16.9 mi (27.3 km) from Black Hills National Forest and 25.3 mi (40.7 km) from Jewel Cave National Monument. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 248 E Wentworth St, Newcastle, Wyoming 82701
Web: Link

Black hills condos at Robins Roost

When you stay at Black hills condos at Robins Roost in Hill City, you'll be in the mountains, within a 5-minute drive of Teddy Bear Town and Museum Black Hills Institute. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 12630 ROBINS ROOST RD Condo A-D, Hill City, South Dakota 57745
Web: Link

Newcastle Lodge and Convention Center

When you stay at Newcastle Lodge and Convention Center in Newcastle, you'll be in the historical district and 15.7 mi (25.3 km) from Black Hills National Forest. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, a 24-hour front desk, and an elevator. This hotel has 2 meeting rooms available for events. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 22918 US-85, Newcastle, Wyoming 82701
Web: Link