What Is Jewel Cave National Monument?
This national monument protects one of the world’s longest known caves and the magnificent crystals inside!
What Makes It Beautiful?
Jewel Cave gets its name for good reason. It’s full of crystals! In particular, it’s home to huge clusters of jagged nailtip and dogtooth spar, a kind of calcite! These white crystals form big, bubbling masses that give each tunnel the feeling of being a primordial reef! It was never a reef, though, all mineral! It’s also a place home to deep secrets, ancient lakes and passages that have never heard human breath in 300 milion years! Yup, the cave is still being mapped, and though it’s full of fun names like Snowblower, the Humdinger, and Hurricane Corner, there are still new discoveries being made (and named) all the time. Would you sign up for a four-day camping trip into the deepest, darkest, most unknown parts of this cave? You can!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Pay the entrance fee to help maintain trails, signs, structures, and other visitor services!
- Volunteer at Jewel Cave National Monument!
- Be a responsible visitor! Remember the old adages: Pack out what you pack in! Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints!
How Do I Get There?
11149 US-16 B-12
Custer, SD 57730
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit the Park?
Hours are highly seasonal, so check Recreation.gov for the next available tour times!
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