We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 25 Custer Attractions »

Jewel Cave National Monument

11149 US Hwy 16, Custer, SD 57730
605-673-8300
Website
Jewel Cave is home to the second longest cave in the world.
more of cave formations
some of the formations
cave
50 visitor photos
Ranked #7 of 22 attractions in Custer
4.5 of 5 stars 94 Reviews
Type: Caverns/ Caves, National Parks
Activities: Group tours/day tour, Group tours/walking tour, Hiking
Owner description: Jewel Cave National Monument is home to the second longest cave in the world. Offering an assortment of cave formations and recreational...... more » Owner description: Jewel Cave National Monument is home to the second longest cave in the world. Offering an assortment of cave formations and recreational opportunities, many visitors are truly amazed by this underground wilderness. Most impressive is the fact that exploration and discovery continue to take place at this significant natural resource. As part of the National Park Service, the Monument offers four different types of cave tours: Scenic Tour (1 hour and 20 minutes), Discovery Tour (20 minutes) Historic Lantern Tour (1 hour and 45 minutes), and Wild Cave Tour (3 to 4 hours). Furthermore, an array of surface programs are also available during the summer months, which include guided nature hikes, patio talks, and special events.Reservations for cave tour tickets are strongly encouraged and can be made up to seven days in advance. Participant limitations often cause "full" tours during the summer season, and limited tour times occur in the off-season. For this reason, interested guests are encouraged to visit the Monument online or call the visitor center for specific information or helpful travel suggestions. « less
Update attraction details
Write a Review

94 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    66
    20
    5
    2
    1
Date Rating
Rapid City, South Dakota
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“Worth the stairs”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2012

We went to this cave because it is part of the state park, and not a private cave, knowing we had stairs to go up and down through the cave, but it was rather easy, because you went slow, and stopped a lot to see all different things in the cave. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 11 more reviews by Robtzu for Custer
Greeley, Colorado
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Kudos to the Rangers”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

My wife, our son, his wife, and our three grandchildren (ages 7,5,2) all visited Jewel Cave National Monument today (May 7, 2012). We had previously been to Mt. Rushmore and the grandkids had all completed their requirements for their Jr. Ranger Badges, and they all wearing them on the tour. The tour Ranger, Bethann Herman, really made a big deal... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Vermillion, South Dakota
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
“Alright.”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

It was cool, no doubt. Not exactly what you would think of when you hear the name "JEWEL" cave but It's definitely interesting and worth the time and money if you are into caves. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 9 more reviews by Kayla T for Custer
Minot, North Dakota
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Huge, with alot to see.”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 April 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Jewel cave is very impressive, the minute that the doors open on the elevator that brings you down to the enterance you will be amazed at the size of jewel cave. My kids and I have been through quite a few different caves around this area and this is easily our favorite. Wear good walking shoes, we didn't find any... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Hollywood, Florida
Top Contributor
136 reviews 136 reviews
Reviews in 46 cities Reviews in 46 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
“Must see in SD”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 April 2012

I had amazing experience, great to see with friend or solo. Inside the cave you hear water and the colors of cave are very unique. Person most be able to climb stairs.. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Saint Charles, Iowa
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
“A must see, make sure you book ahead.”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 April 2012
1
person found this review helpful

My family lucked out on going on the scenic tour of the cave. This is a 1.5 hour loop tour though some of the more interesting areas of the cave. Groups are limited to 30 people and there is a limited amount of tours that they give per day. From what I understand on their website you can book up... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Tel Aviv, Israel
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Very informative”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 April 2012

Great tour. You get to see some cave formations (like cave bacon) that I personally have never seen in other caves before. Guides are knowledgeable and well versed about the cave. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
“Maybe not for younger kids”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 March 2012
1
person found this review helpful

My husband and I loved the jewel cave and the Discovery Tour we went on. It was a beautiful cave. But we had our 6 yr old daughter along and it was just to long for her. So I'd say be sure caves are something your kids are excited about and it would be a great stop! More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Gail W for Custer
Spearfish, South Dakota, United States
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
“Mesmerizing”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 March 2012

Truly an experience to be had. Not just for the 'rock hounds', it was interesting to everyone in our group. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Hill City , SD
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Another Jewel of the Black Hills Underground”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 March 2012

Prettier in real life - pictures really don't do justice to any of natures wonders....worth a million words up close and personal. Take a jacket.....it's cool down there....way cool! More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers who viewed Jewel Cave National Monument also viewed

Custer State Park
Custer State Park
5 of 5 stars 289 Reviews
Custer, SD
Sylvan Lake
Sylvan Lake
4.5 of 5 stars 50 Reviews
Custer, SD
 
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
4.5 of 5 stars 544 Reviews
Keystone, SD
Iron Mountain Road
Iron Mountain Road
4.5 of 5 stars 28 Reviews
Custer, SD
 
All things to do in Custer (25)

Been to Jewel Cave National Monument? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Jewel Cave National Monument, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing

Hotels travellers are raving about...

All hotels in Custer (16)

Browse nearby

Attractions (25) | Hotels (16) | Restaurants (20)
Jewel Cave National Monument
11149 US Hwy 16
Custer, SD 57730
Get Directions
What's Nearby:
Click map pins for more information.
Interactive map
Which Custer hotels are on sale?
See hotels

Free Custer Guide

Get your quick guide to the top hotels, restaurants and things to do.
 
Download your guide now!
Get it now

Popular Custer attractions

Hotels around Custer

Explore the world
Sightseeing
Hotels