Discover the Wonders of Jewel Cave National Monument
Explore Jewel Cave National Monument, a breathtaking underground wonderland of stunning geological formations and rich natural beauty in South Dakota.
Jewel Cave National Monument is an awe-inspiring natural wonder located in South Dakota, celebrated for its stunning limestone formations and extensive underground passages. This captivating monument invites tourists to explore its breathtaking beauty through guided tours that showcase the intricate crystals and geological marvels of the cave system. With its diverse ecosystem above ground and rich history, Jewel Cave offers visitors an unforgettable experience in nature's splendor.
A brief summary to Jewel Cave National Monument
- 11149 US-16 B-12, Custer, South Dakota, 57730, US
- +1605-673-8300
- Visit website
- Monday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
- Tuesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
- Wednesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
- Saturday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
- Sunday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Local tips
- Book your cave tour in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.
- Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers, as cave temperatures can be significantly cooler than outside.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning formations, but remember to check for photography restrictions.
- Plan to spend extra time hiking the trails above ground for a complete experience of the monument.
- Check the national park's website for the latest updates on tour availability and operating hours.
Getting There
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Public Transportation
From Mount Rushmore, walk to the nearest bus stop or shuttle service that operates in the area, such as the Black Hills Central Railroad or local tour buses that visit national parks. Ensure to confirm that the bus or shuttle service includes a stop at Custer or Jewel Cave National Monument. If there are no direct services, take the bus to Custer first.
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Ridesharing
Use a ridesharing app like Uber or Lyft. Enter 'Jewel Cave National Monument' or the address '11149 US-16 B-12, Custer, SD 57730' as your destination. This is the most convenient option if you prefer direct transport without waiting for public transport.
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Bicycle Rental
If you enjoy cycling, consider renting a bicycle in Mount Rushmore. Follow SD-244 west until you reach US-16. Then, turn south on US-16 and continue for about 10 miles to reach Jewel Cave National Monument. Be aware of traffic and ensure you have a helmet and proper biking gear.
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Walking
Walking to Jewel Cave National Monument is not practical due to the distance (over 10 miles), but if you are an avid hiker, you can take a scenic route. Start by heading south on SD-244 from Mount Rushmore, then connect to US-16. Note that this will take several hours and requires good physical condition.
Discover more about Jewel Cave National Monument
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Stage Stop
17.4 km
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Bradeen Auction
18.2 km
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Custer Crazy Horse Campground
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US Forest Service
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Purple Pie Place
18.3 km
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Bavarian Inn, Black Hills
18.4 km
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Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company & Pounding Fathers Restaurant
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Dave's World Tours & Shuttles
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Rockin R Rides Inc
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Hjem A.M.
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The Custer Beacon
18.7 km
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Black Hills Sauce & Dough
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Skogen Kitchen
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Black Hills Sauce & Dough Co.
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Custer County Candy Co
18.8 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Jewel Cave National Monument Visitor Center
0.1 km
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Jewel Cave Historic Area - CCC cabin
1.0 km
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Hell Canyon Trail
1.5 km
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Hell Canyon Horse Camp
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Four Mile Old West Town Museum
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Bedrock City the Flinstones
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Mickelson Trail
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Southern Hills - Custer
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1881 Courthouse Museum
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Adventure Rentals
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Big Rock Park
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Custer Skywalk Trailhead
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Sylvan Rocks Climbing School and Guide Service
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Harbach Centennial Park
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Crazy Horse Tourist Center
19.2 km
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Essential places to dine
John Boy's Texas BBQ LLC
14.6 km
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The Frontier Bar & Grill
17.3 km
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Captain's Table
17.9 km
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Dakota Broasted, LLC
18.1 km
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BreakFaster
18.2 km
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Feel Good Cafe
18.3 km
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Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
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Custer Deli
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Yesway
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Baker's Bakery & Cafe
19.0 km
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Pizza Hut
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Maria's Mexican Restaurant
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Hot Dog Man
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Sage Creek Grille - Closed for the Season - Reopening Spring 2024
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Black Hills Candle
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Common Cents Store
18.1 km
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Broken Boot Dispensary
18.4 km
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Family Dollar
18.5 km
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Boyds Antiques
18.6 km
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Whirligigs
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Corner Pantry
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Custer's Last Stop
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Rock Shop
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Wild Spruce Market
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Custom Tee's
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Art Expressions Gallery and Gifts
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Dakota Territory Trading Post
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Gems, Crystals, Rocks, Fossils By Stone Decor
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Good Karma Jewelry
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Cabin 13 Coffee
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