About
Jewel Cave National Monument lies near Custer, in the Black Hills of South Dakota, United States. It is found at 11149 US Highway 16, Custer, SD 57730, and the monument's own phone line is +1-605-673-8300 if you want to check on visiting arrangements before you set out.
The cave is the third longest known in the world, and it is named for the jewel-like calcite crystals that line many of its passages. Those crystals catch the light and give the cave its sparkle, which is the reason many visitors come. The cave also holds a wide variety of formations, so a tour gives you more than one kind of view underground.
What a visit offers
- Sparkling calcite crystals that give the cave its name
- A diverse range of cave formations to see along the way
- A chance to experience the underground world of the Black Hills
Because it is a national monument, the site is managed for its natural features, and visits are shaped around the cave itself. Plan ahead and confirm tour options by phone, since what is available can depend on the season and on conditions underground.
The area around it
Custer is the nearest town, and the cave makes a natural stop for anyone exploring the Black Hills. Pairing a cave visit with time in the surrounding forest and hills gives a fuller picture of the region.
