wild cave tour jewel cave

Atlas Obsession

Jewel Cave Tours – A Highlight of South Dakota

Jewel Cave National Monument is located in western South Dakota and is a must see on any visit to the Black Hills. While some people may get more focused on nearby Wind Cave National Park , the two caves are very different and each is worth a visit.

Now, I’ll admit that when I was planning my trip, I originally only planned to visit Wind Cave. But two separate people highly recommended Jewel Cave, so I added one of the Jewel Cave tours to my South Dakota itinerary.

Table of Contents

Why Visit Jewel Cave

As mentioned, Wind Cave National Park is nearby. The fact that Wind Cave is a national park, while Jewel Cave is “just” a national monument, means it will get more attention. However, despite their close proximity, Jewel Cave and Wind Cave are very different. At Wind Cave, you’ll see the box work, whereas at Jewel Cave, you’ll tour more popcorn like rock formations throughout the cave.

Getting to Jewel Cave

From Keystone, it’s about a 40 minute drive to Jewel Cave.

From Rapid City, you’ll add an extra half hour, for a total of approximately 70 minutes.

If you’re coming from Wind Cave National Park, give yourself about 40 minutes.

Jewel Cave Tours

If you want to see the interior of South Dakota’s Jewel Cave, you must sign up for one of the tours. You’ll have a few options.

Discovery Tour

The Discovery Tour is a brief introduction to Jewel Cave. The tour lasts twenty minutes and only brings you into one room in the cave. There are no stairs, so this tour is ideal for people with limited mobility and groups traveling with children.

The downside is this tour is short. There’s a lot to see in the cave and this tour will only give you a very small taste.

Scenic Tour

The second of the two tours at Jewel Cave is the Scenic Tour, which is what I chose on my trip to South Dakota. The Scenic Tour is an extended version of the Discovery Tour and lasts an hour and twenty minutes. On the Scenic Tour, you’ll cover the same room as the Discovery Tour, but you’ll also be able to see more areas of the cave. Because you’re seeing more of the cave, you need to be prepared for movement.

You’ll walk about a half mile and do 734 stairs. As a note, those 734 stairs (or about 40 flights) of stairs may sound intense, but I believe that it sounds worse than it is. The stairs are spread out throughout the cave, so you won’t do them all at once. Additionally, the stairs are a mix of ascending and descending (and it felt more like descending stairs than ascending).

If you are able, I recommend the Scenic Tour. Because it’s longer, you’ll get to see more of the cave. Since it’s a bit out of the way to get here, why not try to see as much as you can?

Historic Lantern Tour

This tour is slightly different. The other tours I’ve mentioned so far all use artificial lighting within the cave. On this tour, you’ll carry your own lantern and explore Jewel Cave in the same way that the early visitors did.

Admittedly, I have not done this tour. However, I did the Star Chamber Tour at Mammoth Cave National Park which was also a lantern tour. These tours are unique and offer much different experience.

If you choose the Historic Lantern Tour, consider also doing either the Discovery or the Scenic Tour. Again, I haven’t done the lantern tour at Jewel Cave, so I’m basing it on my experience at Mammoth Cave. As much as I enjoyed my lantern tour, it was so cool going into the cave later to see it with the artificial lights. With the lantern, it’s really hard to comprehend the scale of the cave.

As a note, this tour has 500 steps and has a length of 105 minutes. Additionally, the NPS lists this tour as strenuous (the scenic tour is considered moderate).

Wild Caving Tour

The Wild Caving Tour lasts 3 to 4 hours and is the most adventurous tour at Jewel Cave. You’ll be provided a helmet and headlamp as you navigate the different areas of the cave. Scramble across rocks and belly crawl your way through Jewel Cave.

Unsurprisingly, this Jewel Cave tour is listed as extremely strenuous.

Should You Book In Advance?

If you know the dates of your visit to South Dakota, book your Jewel Cave tours online, in advance. Spots are limited, at about forty people per tour. Half of the tickets are released in advanced, but the rest of the tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis the day of. So there is a chance for tickets if you wait until the day of, but you are not guaranteed to get them. My advice is to just book in advance.

When I took this tour in mid September, there were about forty people on my tour. It’s a tad bigger than I would have liked, but considering the group of 100+ I had at Mammoth Cave National Park, this is a good size.

What to Expect on Your Jewel Cave Tour

Arrival/check in.

You need to arrive at Jewel Cave 30 minutes before the start of your tour. This is stated on your ticket and is very good advice, based on my experience. You’ll need to check in at a kiosk near the parking lot before descending the stairs toward the museum, where you’ll check in again.

You may be wondering why you need to check in twice. When you check in at the parking lot, the ranger will go over information about what is and is not allowed in the caves. The most notable thing is you must have proper footwear (which must be closed toed shoes). Then, down near the museum, you’ll check in and join your specific tour group.

Between your check in near the parking lot and your check in near the museum, stop at the restroom if you need it. There are no restrooms in the cave. Just make sure that you’re at the museum about in time to make your Jewel Cave tour. Once everyone is checked in, it’s finally time to enter the cave.

Inside Jewel Cave

You’ll take an elevator into the cave and your tour begins. If you have the short, Discovery Tour, you’ll focus on the one room. Your tour will not take very long.

If you choose the Scenic Tour, the ranger will lead you through several rooms, pointing out the unique rock formations while giving you history of the cave, both in terms of geological history and some of the modern exploration done on the cave.

The scenic tour lists 734 stairs. While I didn’t count, I think this could be an accurate number. Again, it’s important to note that these stairs are not consecutive, nor are they all up or down. It’s a mixture of staircases going up and staircases going down throughout the door. Toward the end of the tour, there was a stretch of multiple staircases in a row, but even then it didn’t feel like too much.

After Your Jewel Cave Tour

Stop by the visitor center to learn more about Jewel Cave. There’s a museum with a lot more information for those who are interested.

Nearby Jewel Cave

When my mom and I visited South Dakota, our original plan was to do tours at Jewel Cave and Wind Cave in the same day. Since the caves are so different, it felt like a great idea.

Things didn’t quite work out for us though as the elevator at Wind Cave was out of service for the entire month surrounding our visit, so no one was allowed into the cave. However, I’d still recommend visiting nearby Wind Cave.

Jewel Cave and Wind Cave are separated by a forty minute drive. If you take the earliest possible tour at one cave and the latest possible tour at the other, you should have no problem visiting both caves in one day. If you’re doing both caves, I’d recommend picking the earliest tour at one cave and then the latest tour at the other cave. That should give you enough time to drive between Jewel Cave and Wind Cave as well as hike a short trail at Wind Cave National Park.

Where to Stay

I recommend basing yourself in Keystone, SD. It’s a small town that provides convenient access to Jewel Cave, Wind Cave, Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, and more.

For those wanting a larger town, you could stay in Rapid City, but you’ll be adding extra time to your drive.

Final Thoughts

I had a great tour and I’m really glad I visited. The cave was interesting and felt very different than any other cave I’ve visited—and I’ve slowly been visiting my fair share of caves. I’ve been to Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, Maquoketa Caves in Iowa, and Maribel Caves in Wisconsin. It amazes me that all of these caves feel so different.

Continue Your Adventure

More in South Dakota : For more caves, consider adding nearby Wind Cave National Park . Further east, you’ll find South Dakota’s Badlands National Park . Plus, don’t overlook Custer State Park . And for an itinerary linking everything together, try my 5 Days in South Dakota Itinerary .

More Caves : If you love caves and want to experience more, consider visiting either Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky or New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns . And don’t just pay attention to the national parks, Maquoketa Caves State Park in Iowa is a fun visit too.

Leave A Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The Expert Travel Guide: Jewel Cave National Monument

Article Summary: Jewel Cave Tickets, Jewel Cave Tours, Jewel Cave South Dakota

Nestled in the Black Hills of South Dakota is Jewel Cave, the third-longest cave in the entire world. It is currently measured at over 200 miles long and is still being explored! In fact, it’s estimated that only 3% of the cave passages have been found.

There are a lot of secrets that this cave is still harboring. You can explore Jewel Cave with a park ranger on your visit to the Black Hills.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information, view my privacy policy .

Table of Contents

Ranger Programs

Every day in the summer, there are ranger programs on the cave surface throughout the day. This offers an activity for you to partake in while waiting for your tour to begin.

Additionally, there are ranger-led hikes on one of the Monument’s trails. There are also various special events that take place throughout the year, so check the official website  for details on upcoming programs.

There are also, of course, guided cave tours. No visit to Jewel Cave is complete without going inside the cave. Your ranger will tell you unforgettable stories about the brothers who found the original entrance, the early exploration completed by Herb and Jan Conn, current exploration, and more.

Plan Your Trip to the Black Hills

• Planning the Ultimate Black Hills Roadtrip
• Explore Every National Park in South Dakota

Jewel Cave Tours

Jewel Cave National Monument offers a few different tours to visitors who wish to enter. Due to the cave’s delicate nature, you must be with a park ranger to go inside the cave . You cannot explore on your own as you can at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico.

These tours fill up very quickly. Most are offered on a first-come, first-served walk-up basis at this time. In the summer, visitors will line up as early as 7 a.m. to secure tickets, and the tours will be sold out by mid-morning. Get there early to get your tickets!

If you’re lucky, you may be able to purchase tickets online in advance. This is done through a Jewel Cave partner, Black Hills Central Reservations. Reservations are only available for the Scenic Tour and only for on-the-hour tour departures. You can book between 90 days and 72 hours in advance at this website or by phone at (605) 717-7629.

What to Bring/Not to Bring on Your Jewel Cave Tour

• Bring : Warm clothes. Jewel Cave is 49°F / 9°C year-round
• Don’t Bring : Food, drinks, gum, candy, chewing tobacco, or similar products
• Bring : Good footwear. Most tours involve a lot of walking. It’s important to have tennis shoes or hiking boots with good tread.
• Don’t Bring : Shoes worn in any other caves
• Bring : Camera. Jewel Cave is absolutely beautiful. You’ll definitely want to photograph it! Especially the cave bacon (pictured here). For the Historic Lantern Tour, your camera must fit in your pocket.
• Don’t Bring : Backpacks, purses, child backpacks/carriers, handbags, walking/hiking sticks. These items could damage the cave and are prohibited.
• Bring : For the Wild Caving Tour, you’ll want to wear clothes that you don’t mind throwing away after. They’ll be permanently stained with manganese, a black substance that thrives in Jewel Cave.
• Don’t Bring : Tripods, selfie sticks, or monopods. These items could damage the cave and are prohibited.

The Scenic Tour

The Scenic Tour is the most popular tour of Jewel Cave. This takes you on a 1/2-mile walk through the cave on metal walkways and over 700 stair steps. It’s not for everyone and is considered moderately strenuous. But if you are physically capable, this is the best way to see the cave’s highlights. The tour takes about 90 minutes.

Cost : $12/adult, $8/child (6-16)

The Discovery Talk

The Discovery Talk is Jewel Cave’s accessible option. You’ll descend in the elevator to one large room in the cave and remain there for about 20 minutes as a ranger discusses the history with you.

This is one of the larger rooms along the tour route, and still worth it if you have no other way to see the cave. It’s also a great option if you have limited time.

Cost : $4/adult (all others free)

The Historic Lantern Tour at the Original Entrance

The Historic Lantern Tour is a very fun, unique tour to take part in. You’ll visit the original cave entrance found in the early 1900s. This part of the cave does not have lights, so you’ll find your way via a hand-held lantern. Your park ranger is also dressed in a historic uniform.

You’ll crawl up wooden ladders to get around inside the cave, so it’s important to be prepared with good footwear. On the surface, you’ll also get to see the historic ranger cabin.

The Wild Caving Tour

The Wild Caving Tour is for the truly adventurous spirits. You will crawl through less than a mile of Jewel Cave over a period of about four hours, discovering many of its nooks and crannies. You’re required to crawl through “the block” beforehand, which is a concrete remodel of The Brain Drain, a crawl space in Jewel Cave that is only 8 inches tall.

Advance reservations are required for the Wild Caving Tour. To make a reservation, speak with a park ranger at (605) 673-8300.

Cost : $31/adult (16 and older only)

Hiking Trails at Jewel Cave

There are three trails at Jewel Cave that range from easy and short to long and steep.

The Roof Trail is only about 1/4-mile and takes less than thirty minutes. Park rangers offer guided hikes on the Roof Trail in the summer and snowshoe hikes in the winter.

My favorite trail is the Canyons Trail , which takes you from the main visitor center over to the cave’s historic entrance in a scenic loop. This trail is about 3.5 miles and takes 2-3 hours.

Last but not least is the Hell Canyon Trail . This is just across the street from Jewel Cave’s historic entrance (on U.S. Forest Service lands). It’s the most strenuous trail at a length of 5.5 miles and takes about 3-4 hours to complete.

White-Nose Syndrome at Jewel Cave

White-nose syndrome is a disease that affects the bat population. While bats hibernate, a fungus begins to grow on their noses and skin. It appears to be a white fuzz, which is how the disease got its name.

The fungus disrupts the bat’s hibernation, causing them to become more active. This causes them to lose valuable fat they’ve reserved for their hibernation. They may display strange behavior, such as flying during the day. The cold weather and lack of food eventually lead to millions of deaths.

It is believed that the fungus is primarily transferred by humans. Unfortunately, the fungus that causes White-nose syndrome has been found in Jewel Cave. When visiting, you’ll notice mats that clean your shoes are located outside the entrances and elevators.

To protect bats around the world, I  implore you to remember the shoes you wore inside Jewel Cave. If you go into any other cave, wear different shoes.

When I lived in the Black Hills, I visited Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky and had to take care to keep my shoes separate. It’s vital to keeping the bat population alive and healthy.

Bats serve a very important role in the ecosystem and eat the mosquitoes you hate so dearly. Protect them by not re-wearing the same shoes in any other cave you visit. Furthermore, don’t wear shoes in Jewel Cave that you have worn in other caves.

Pin the Park Expert Guide to Jewel Cave

I hope this guide to visiting Jewel Cave has helped you plan your trip. Let us know how your experience went in the comments below!

Riley has been visiting national parks for as long as she can remember. Her newest passion is sharing her love of national parks with the world by planning trips, writing about her travels, and offering advice. One day, Riley hopes to visit all 429 national parks.

Similar Posts

63 National Parks by Size: A Complete List

How to Get to Channel Islands National Park: Channel Islands Tours

The Ultimate 12-Day Southwest Road Trip Itinerary through America’s National Parks

The Absolute BEST Time to Visit to Katmai National Park

Visiting Gates of the Arctic National Park: The Expert Travel Guide

Camping in Mesa Verde National Park: Is Morefield Campground the Best in the National Parks?

• Pingback: Here's What to Expect When Driving the Alaska Highway in Winter
• Pingback: How to Become a Park Ranger (from Personal Experience)
• Pingback: The Best Black Hills Road Trip Itinerary • Riley's Roves

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

The Roaming Monk

A Guide to Jewel Cave National Monument

Nestled in the heart of South Dakota’s Black Hills, Jewel Cave National Monument is renowned as the fifth longest cave system in the world, with over 219 miles of mapped passageways. After spending time at Wind Cave , we were looking forward to the cave tour we scheduled at Jewel Cave National Monument.  

Getting to Jewel Cave is a nice drive, going through the Hell Canyon district of the Black Hills National Forest. We used the audio tour guidealong app and it was really helpful. It was fantastic during our visit to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park, and we added the Black Hills section during our trip. It was well worth the twenty bucks as it provided great suggestions and information during the drive in and around this area. Super awesome.

It took less than an hour to drive from Wind Cave to Jewel Cave National Monument with plenty of time to before our scenic cave tour. This allowed our youngest to go through the Jr. Ranger book for this site. 

She is hot and cold on getting the Jr. Ranger badges when we visit National Park sites. On this day, she was gung-ho and was able to finish and get sworn in after our Cave tour.

Visitor Center

Since we arrived early, we were able to check in for our ‘scenic cave tour’ and spent time in the little visitor center. It has informative exhibits on the history of the site and the cave. The stamping location was also one of the nicest I have seen, with a lovely desk and display. 

There is an informative video that goes into detail about the cave and all the interesting facts. This is not found inside the visitor center, but in a separate building outside the front entrance where you can also find the restroom. I can’t emphasize enough how getting to the site early helps. We were able to get checked in, experience the content in the auditorium and the exhibits, and, of course, use the bathroom!

Jewel Cave National Monument Facts

What are the different Cave Tours at Jewel Cave?

There are four different tours available of Jewel Cave:

Discovery Talk

• Tour Length: 20 minutes
• Difficulty : Easy
• Description: A short 20-minute talk about the caves natural and cultural history. The tour starts by going down an elevator and then views one large target room. The walk only has one staircase and can accommodate wheelchairs by staying on the upper platform.

Scenic Tour

• Tour Length: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Description: The tour starts with an elevator decent and then you walk along a 1/2-mile loop going up/down 734 stair steps as you view various cave formations and get historic insights from the Park Ranger. No age restriction.

Historic Lantern Tour

• Tour Length : 1 hour 45 min
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Description: A Park Ranger dresses in a 1930 uniform and uses the historic entrance from an unpaved trail. The only light is from provided lanterns that you have to carry. The route is about 1/2 mile long through low/narrow passages. Participant must be 8 years old or older. Runs out of the Historic area and only runs in the summer.

Wild Caving Tour

• Tour Length : 3-4 Hours
• Description: This is an extremely strenuous in-depth spelunking tour. You will wear a hard hat and headlamp and be required to crawl through a passage the size of 8 1/2 inch by 24 inches before you leave on the tour. You must be 16 years of age or older . There are also equipment requirements that you have to provide (Ankle high hiking boots, long pant & shirt, knee/elbow pads and a change of clothes (to protect against white nose syndrome). Only 2-5 visitors per group. Only available in the summer.

Practical Information about Jewel Cave Tours

• Pets: No Pets are allowed in the cave, except for service animals
• Cell Service: It should go without saying, you will not have any cell service during the tour.
• White Nose Syndrome: All visitors leaving the cave will have to walk through a decontamination tray. This helps control the spread of this fungal disease impacting the local bats.

How do you get cave tour tickets?

Advanced tickets are recommended for the cave tours at Jewel Cave National Monument. To get the tickets go to the recreation.gov website . There are some walk-in / day-of tickets available, but it is by far not a guarantee and highly recommended to set it up in advance if at all possible. Of course, it does not hurt to try if this is a last-minute visit.

What to bring and wear on cave tour at Jewel Cave

• Bring a jacket. No matter the surface temperature, the cave will be cool at 49°F /9°C. Even in the summer.
• Wear closed toe shoes (sneakers, tennis shoes, etc.) No sandals or flip flops

Our Scenic Tour Experience

We choose the scenic tour as it provided a good overview of the cave and fit our schedule.

You first go down a set of elevators to the main target room. From there the tour takes you up and down some steep steps and watch your head! I was almost clobbered when I distracted talking with my daughter. 

The sites within the cave are out of this world. The different rock features were remarkable. Draperies generated from water dripping down the cave walls looked eerie. Also found saw some cool calcite crystals as well. By far the most incredible and unexpected site was Bacon rock feature . It looked just like bacon! How cool is that?! I am getting hungry just looking at it!

One tip I would suggest if you can manage it, is to avoid going into the cave with a group that includes two crying babies. We had the pleasure of experiencing the echoing capabilities of the cave over a rather extended period of time. It brought back flashbacks and some eye twitching from me as I harkened back to my two kid’s early years. 

Are there Hiking trails at Jewel Cave?

Yes! There are also three hiking trails that you can take to discover the surface of Jewel Cave National Monument. Ponderosa Pine, open meadows and some rocky terrain abound. 

• Roof Trail : This is the simplest, with a short quarter mile circular trail that starts and stops at the visitor center. 
• Canyon Trail: At the 3.5-mile , it is an offshoot of the roof trail that runs through the parking lot in the historic area, runs southeast and then back north to the visitor center. 
• Hell Canyon : The longest hike at 5 1/2 miles , Hell Canyon, is outside of the park boundary west of the historic area in the Black Hills National Forest. Hells Canyon is where the historic entrance to Jewel cave is located and the only known natural entrance. This was the only entrance until 1972. 
• All trails run from easy to moderate .

Final Observations

Overall, an awesome afternoon. This little site has a lot to offer and provides a really unique experience while visiting the Black Hills. Try out one of the amazing cave tours or go on a hike on one of the surface trails. Get out there and explore!

Unit:  Jewel Cave National Monument

Visit Progress to All Sites:  82

Region:  Rocky Mountain

Month/Year:  Aug 2023

Hello! My name is Dennis, and I am a husband, father, traveler, thinker, photo taker, trail walker and National Park stamp collector. I am on an ultimate journey to visit all 429 National Park units in the United States. The Roaming Monk was started to share the journey and to provide tips, ideas, and guides to our National Parks.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Top Reasons Jewel Cave National Monument Deserves a Spot on Your Travel Itinerary

From the Badlands to the winding back roads of the Black Hills ; Rapid City, South Dakota has always been known for leading visitors to larger than life curiosities. However, there is no other hidden gem that challenges surface level exploration quite like Jewel Cave National Monument . 

Jewel Cave is an underground wilderness. Just an hour drive Southwest of the city, you’ll find a mysterious maze of natural underground tunnels awaiting your arrival. If the captivating crystals and “cave bacon” aren't enough to lure you in; Jewel Cave is considered one of the last frontiers left on Earth as only 5% of the cave has been uncovered (and cave explorers are actively discovering more untouched pathways). 

Whether you’re a geology guru, an untamed adventurer, or a family traveler looking for a one-of-a-kind experience to brag about back home; Jewel Cave National Monument is worthy of taking up space on your itinerary. Here’s our top reasons to explore Jewel Cave National Monument:

Rich History & Culture

It’s no secret that Jewel Cave’s history is as deep as its caverns. The cave was first discovered by gold prospectors, brothers Frank and Albert Michaud, in 1900 when they stumbled across a cold blast of air emanating from a hole in the ground. Insatiably curious and wildly intrigued, they enlarged the natural entrance of the cave only to discover a glittering underground sanctuary lined with calcite crystals that shimmered like jewels, hence the name "Jewel Cave".

In 1908 Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed Jewel Cave a national monument to preserve the precious land. The Michaud brothers attempted to turn the cave into a tourist attraction alongside other locals, complete with primitive walkways and ladders. However, it wasn’t until the 1930s, when the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed more substantial trails and infrastructure, that Jewel Cave began to attract more visitors. 

For decades Jewel Cave was thought to be only 2 miles long until a significant breakthrough occurred in 1965. That year, Herb and Jan Conn, two devoted cavers, and geologist Dwight Deal began their thorough mapping and exploration of Jewel Cave only to uncover 65 miles of pristine passages (now known as the Scenic and Discovery Tours). Their impact laid the foundation for future explorations and helped solidify Jewel Cave’s status as one of the longest caves in the world! 

Fast forward a half a century to today where the National Park Service manages Jewel Cave, and exploration has just begun. Preserving the cave’s natural beauty, historical roots, and rare ecosystem is top priority. However, with over 5,000 - 7,000 miles left to uncover, the work is not even close to done. Every year, another 5-6 miles are accessed and added to the map.   

The truth is there is so much more to experiencing Jewel Cave beyond the eye candy and epic adventurers; it’s about carrying on the impact and stories of the legends that caved before us.

Legendary Exploration for Every Level of Adventurer

Listen, Jewel Cave could care less if you’re a courageous, caving newbie or a seasoned spelunker… if you’re the kind of traveler who dares to explore the depths of any destination; this national monument was meant for you. 

When you visit, you will have four different types of guided ranger tours to choose from depending on your desired experience, time, and budget:

Discovery Tour

The Discovery Tour boasts a brief, 20 minute introduction to Jewel Cave’s wonder. Those who choose to experience the cave through the Discovery Tour will be granted access to the “Target Room” by elevator. From the “Target Room”, explorers will be invited to traverse a concrete surface and walk down 15 stair steps to a metal platform that rests in awe of the cave’s sparkling crevices and canals. For those who have a difficult time traversing stairs or require wheelchair access, the tour can be experienced from an upper concrete platform. Inside the tour explorers will not only learn about the cave’s history and formation, but they will witness the two true “jewels” of Jewel Cave - nailhead spar and dogtooth spar. 

The Discovery Tour is a great option for adventurers who are limited on time, traveling with kids, or may be looking to minimize intense physical activity on vacation (we get it!). 

Scenic Tour

Allow us to introduce you to the Mount Rushmore of cave tours - the Scenic Tour. This 1 hour 20 minute walking tour takes visitors through the crystal covered passageways of Jewel Cave, on a paved trail with electric lighting, allowing all who wander an opportunity to experience not only the history and cultural significance of the cave; but the diverse geological gems that add to the underground haven’s mysterious allure. Here you will get up close and personal with: the bright hues of the natural hideaway, cave popcorn, stalactites, stalagmites, delicious ribbon drapery called “cave bacon”, and more.

Although the Scenic Tour is moderately challenging and boasts more stairs than the Discovery Tour; it’s worth the descent (and the most popular for a reason). We promise you that you will walk away with impressive imagery, lasting memories, and a newfound appreciation for the underworld. 

Historic Lantern Tour

Follow in the footsteps of the cavers that came before you on Jewel Cave’s Historic Lantern Tour. This unique adventure was designed to take visitors back in time to earlier days when the cave’s first explorers roamed the luminous tunnels with only the light of a lantern to ignite their path forward. An hour and 45 minutes long and a ½ mile in distance, The Historic Lantern Tour beckons cavers through unpaved trails, low, narrow passages, and wooden stairs that require backwards scaling.

The season for Historic Lantern tours begins the second week in June through September, and there is an age limit of 8 years or older. 

Wild Caving Tour

Last on the menu of Jewel Cave tours is the most untamed of all; the Wild Caving Tour. This advanced exploration takes the most daring of cavers through the depths of Jewel Cave where the true magic unfolds. Fasten your hardhat and secure your headlamp for 3-4 hours of belly crawling, rope climbing and unparalleled discovery of the best of Jewel Cave. During the Wild Caving Tour you’ll not only face the wind of the famous Hurricane Corner and squeeze into the “Brain Drain”; but you’ll see the place where hydromagnesite balloons were first discovered and become friendly with the most fragile cave formations. A true passport to this beyond surface level sanctuary. 

Safety is Jewel Cave’s top priority as to why all Wild Caving goers are given: a hard hat, headlamp, knee and elbow pads, and gloves. Beyond must-have gear, participants will also learn caving techniques and best practices for safe low-impact caving. By protocol, you must be 16 years of age to cave and those who dislike small, confined spaces are encouraged to take another tour option. 

No matter what tour is best for you and yours, reservations are recommended. The visitor center hours, access to surface trails and picnic areas, tour times, and tour availability change throughout the year, depending on visitation and staffing levels. For the most up-to-date information, visitors are encouraged to review the operating hours and seasonal changes before making travel plans to the monument. 

Know that the booking window closes at noon the day before, and can potentially close earlier if the tour sells out. In the summer season (May through September), cave tour reservations will become available approximately 30 days in advance. All cave access is by guided tour only. Tickets can be purchased at recreation.gov . To learn more about each tour, visit the National Park Service ’s website.

Iconic Geological Formations Waiting to be Discovered

Jewel Cave is a geological gem that sparkles in rarity. Unlike other caves, Jewel Cave was not carved by underground rivers, but by slowly circulating, acid-rich groundwater nodding to its uniqueness. As you venture deeper into the underworld, you'll encounter a variety of fascinating formations that showcase the power and artistry of natural processes:

Stalactites and Stalagmites 

These iconic formations are created by the slow dripping of mineral-rich water over thousands of years. Stalactites hang from the ceiling like icicles, while stalagmites rise from the floor, sometimes meeting to form impressive columns. The Soda Straw formations, particularly delicate and thin stalactites, are a testament to the cave's intricate beauty.

These formations resemble frozen waterfalls and are created by sheets of water flowing over the cave walls and floors, depositing layers of calcite. Flowstones at Jewel Cave, such as the "Flowstone Wall," exhibit a mesmerizing array of colors and textures, adding to the cave’s ethereal beauty.

Defying gravity, helictites are twisted, spiraling formations that grow in all directions. Their unique shapes are a result of water seeping through the rock and depositing minerals in seemingly impossible orientations. Helictites at Jewel Cave provide a fascinating contrast to the more traditional stalactites and stalagmites.

Draperies and Bacon Strips

Feast your eyes and cue the cave bacon! Draperies are thin, wavy sheets of calcite that hang from the ceiling, often resembling folded curtains or (you guessed it!) strips of bacon. These flowstone formations add a colorful and tantalizing element to the cave's interior. Only downfall is you can’t take a bite! 

Frostwork 

This delicate, needle-like formation often resembles intricate frost patterns on a window. Frostwork is composed of aragonite, a crystal form of calcium carbonate, and adds a delicate, almost crystalline texture to the cave's formations.

Although less common, boxwork is another fascinating formation found in Jewel Cave. This honeycomb-like pattern is created when thin blades of calcite form a network of intersecting veins, often enclosing pockets of softer rock that eventually erode away, leaving the calcite "boxes" behind.

These geological marvels can be met at every turn in Jewel Cave. However, monumental spots like the “Crystal Gallery” and the “Scenic Room” present them as the stars of the show they are! Regardless, as you step below, you’ll be met with overwhelming awe.

Untamed Nature & Wildlife

Crystals and fancy formations are not the only curiosities that are alive at Jewel Cave. The monument is rich in untamed nature and wildlife. Jewel Cave National Monument hosts one of the largest bat hibernations in the western United States with ten species found here, and seven species making the cave their winter home. At ground level, where the Ponderosa Pines grace blue skies, more wild wanderers can be caught roaming free; from an array of birds species to bighorn sheep and mule deer. Jewel Cave is truly a wildlife sanctuary waiting to welcome you. Pack your cameras and wildlife whispering skills! But, remember this is wildlife, so maintain a safe distance away.

Immersive Educational Opportunities

From the in-depth ranger guided tours and junior programs to the incredible visitor center on site; the learning opportunities are endless. Whether you’re a history or geology buff or you’re simply looking for an alternative, immersive education for your kids; you’ve found a professor of the year in Jewel Cave. Soak in the interactive exhibits and film in the visitor center before your tour or go all in by signing your children up for one of the National Monument’s many junior programs ; from Junior Cave Scientologist and Junior Ranger to a school field trip! No matter your curriculum, these programs are designed to engage visitors of all ages, making Jewel Cave the perfect destination for families, students, and anyone with a forever student mindset.

Budget Friendly Admission Fees 

Keeping with the South Dakota spirit of accessible and affordable travel; Jewel Cave is easy on the wallet. The monument offers budget-friendly admission fees, making it accessible for all. Plus, the National Park Service’s easy-to-use reservation system ensures you can plan your visit headache free. Whether you’re flying solo or planning a family outing, Jewel Cave offers an adventure that’s big on value and light on the budget.

Tickets range in price from $4.00 - $45.00 depending on your age and desired tour experience. Reservations are highly recommended and all advanced booking can be done through recreation.gov.

Close Proximity to Rapid City & Other Black Hill’s Must-See Destinations

Rapid City is known for connecting travelers to the best of the Black Hills, and Jewel Cave is no exception. Only an hour drive Southwest of the city, the National Monument is not only an accessible attraction, but its neighbors to the legendary: Mount Rushmore , Crazy Horse , Custer State Park , and so much more. Jewel Cave is the perfect addition to any Black Hills adventure before coming back home to Rapid City’s lively entertainment , rising dining and shopping scene, and stirring energy sure to leave you forever changed. 

Go untamed, plan your visit, and get ready to uncover the hidden treasures of Jewel Cave National Monument!   

More Good Stuff You'll Love

Top Picks For Outdoor Adventure At 9 Parks & Monuments

Surrounded by surreal parks, monuments, memorials and places to play – when it…

• 4 minute read

How to Spend a Day Exploring the Surface at Wind Cave National Park

Protected since 1903, Wind Cave National Park was the first national park dedicated…

• 7 minute read

16 Surprising Things Rapid City, South Dakota Is Known For

Rapid City is the second largest city in South Dakota, its home to the largest…

• 6 minute read

Visit Rapid City Staff

• SOUTH DAKOTA

Jewel Cave tours + tickets 🦇 What’s the best Jewel Cave tour?! 🦇 South Dakota travel blog

The specific cave tours that are offered at Jewel Cave National Monument when you are there will depend on cave access at that time.

It is worth it to do at least one Jewel Cave tour.

I went to Jewel Cave National Monument and did a cave tour, and this is what you need to know about cave tours!

How much does it cost to do a Jewel Cave tour?

There is no official entry fee collection for Jewel Cave National Monument, but there are fees for the cave tours.

If you have an annual national park pass , then it won’t do you any good at Jewel Cave National Monument, as it gives you no discount on the cave tours.

The cost of a Jewel Cave tour will depend on which tour you decide on.

The cost of tickets for the regular Jewel Cave tours is around $6 to $16 per person.

The adult prices are listed below, and there is a discounted rate for kids.

Number of reviews are at the time I created this list, also indicating the most popular tours.

Here are the best Jewel Cave tours based on popularity:

• The Scenic Tour is $16 per person. (1 hour 20 minutes, 0.5 miles, 734 steps, moderate, 296 reviews)
• The Discovery Tour is $6 per person. (20 minutes, 0.1 miles, 0 steps, easy, 45 reviews)
• The Historic Lantern Tour is $16 per person. (1 hour 45 minutes, 0.5 miles, 500 steps, difficult, 38 reviews)
• The Wild Cave Tour is $45 per person, age 16+ only. (4 hours, strenuous, 7 reviews)

See the current list of tours and fees.

Be sure to read the full description of any Jewel Cave tour you are looking to do to make sure you know what you’re getting into, and so you can be properly prepared for it.

How to buy tickets for a Jewel Cave tour

The important thing to know is that Jewel Cave tours do sell out.

So planning is best!

In 2023, the best way to buy your ticket for Jewel Cave tours is through the official National Park Service reservation website .

When you are on the national park reservations website for the individual tours, you can go to the calendar availability.

If you click on a certain date, it will tell you how many tickets are left for each tour time. So this can let you know how soon you should book.

If there is still availability of the cave tours, then you can also buy tickets to the Jewel Cave tours when you show up at the Jewel Cave Visitor Center.

The way to buy tickets can always change, so it’s important to check for updated Jewel Cave ticket info from the National Park Service website .

You may also try calling the Jewel Cave visitor center to speak with a park ranger to ask about how the availability of any of the cave tours for the day is looking.

The phone number listed for the Jewel Cave National Monument Visitor Center is 605-673-8300.

• for women: hiking shorts | for men: hiking shorts
• for women: hiking pants | for men: hiking pants
• capris for women
• hiking/walking/travel sandals: for women | for men
• hiking shoes: for women | for men
• When you fly: If you have an iphone, you can put an airtag tracker in your luggage so you can better keep track of it! Buy just one , or buy a pack of 4 . (Read the reviews !) This also makes a good travel gift !

Do you need to buy tickets in advance for Jewel Cave tours?

According to the National Park Service:

Advance reservations are recommended, availability of walk-up tickets is not guaranteed.

See current updates.

• Hot air balloon over the Black Hills
• Black Hills day trip (with Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park)
• Read the reviews and compare prices: expedia | hotels
• This served as the "summer White House" for a US president! (President Coolidge in 1927)
• Reviews and compare: expedia | hotels
• Sylvan Lake is the most popular lake in the park
• Reviews and compare: expedia | booking | hotels
• Search here for car rental deals

The best Jewel Cave tour is the lantern tour?!

If you do the Jewel Cave lantern tour , it’s very likely it’ll leave a lasting impression on you!

Quite literally, you will be using a lantern to light your way through the cave!

The National Park Service calls this tour an “adventurous” tour.

It is called the “historic” tour so you can get a sense of what it may have been like in the past to explore a cave with your own lighting of a lantern.

Although for the purposes of the tour, you are using more reliable modern lanterns!

And since you’re in a group, you have a ton of lanterns. And you also have a guide to know exactly where to go.

But, you can still imagine what it was like to be to be one of the first explorers of Jewel Cave!

Jewel Cave is in mountain time zone!

Some of South Dakota is in mountain time, and some of South Dakota is in central time zone.

Can you go inside Jewel Cave without a tour?

So one of the most important things to know about Jewel Cave is that you cannot go inside Jewel Cave without a guided tour.

You cannot go inside Jewel Cave on your own.

So in order to see inside Jewel Cave, you must sign up for a Jewel Cave tour!

Your tour guide will be a national park ranger.

Or at least, in order to see anything meaningful inside Jewel Cave you need a tour. You actually can see a little inside Jewel Canve by going to the Jewel Cave entrance on your own . (You can’t actually go inside, though!)

In order to make a trip to Jewel Cave really worth it, you need to do a cave tour.

Yes, it is a cool experience to walk inside Jewel Cave!

And then the other important thing to know is that Jewel Cave tours do sell out.

So planning is required!

How should you dress for Jewel Cave?

In short, bring a layer or 2, and wear good shoes!

You will want to dress for cooler temperatures for Jewel Cave.

Even if it’s nearing 100F outside (possible in South Dakota in summer!), it is cooler in the cave.

It is said that inside Jewel Cave is consistently in the upper 40s.

The National Park Service says the Jewel Cave temperature is around 49F.

For this reason, you’ll want to bring some extra clothes for the tour.

You will likely want to wear a sweatshirt or light jacket inside Jewel Cave.

You will also want to wear shoes good for walking so your feet can be comfortable as you walk through Jewel Cave!

Along with narrow steps, you’ll be walking on the natural cave floor which means that the ground isn’t always completely flat. For this reason, you’ll want to be sure you wear good shoes (not sandals) for your Jewel Cave tour.

More specifically, the National Park Service also says :

For safety reasons: sturdy, low-heeled, rubber-soled shoes such as sneakers, tennis shoes, or hiking boots are required to take part in an Historic Lantern Tour. Due to the uneven, rocky terrain of the cave, open-toed shoes and close-toed sandals (including Crocs, Teva footwear, and KEEN hiking sandals) are prohibited.

Also, for the health of the bats, you are asked not to wear shoes you have worn in other caves.

It’s also best to bring as little as possible to the cave tour. (So don’t bring a backpack for example.)

Also while we are talking about what to wear, we will also talk about what not to wear on your next cave trip after Jewel Cave!

Take a full-body picture of yourself when you are inside Jewel Cave!

This way, you will know what NOT to wear the next time you go inside a cave!

And you are also asked to not wear the shoes you wear in Jewel Cave in any other caves of the future.

It is said that your shoes may be carrying disease harmful to bats that can be tracked into other caves.

There’s a disease that’s deadly to bats is called white-nose syndrome. (This doesn’t affect humans at all.)

White-nose syndrome is thought to have been mostly spread from cave to cave by humans who have entered a cave with the fungus and then tracked it into another cave.

This is why it’s best not to wear the same shoes (or even clothes) that you wore into Jewel Cave into any other cave in the world.

The most serious park I went to, Craters of the Moon National Monument , didn’t want you wearing ANYTHING into the Craters of the Moon caves that you wore into any cave in the last 15 years!

It was literally a question that was asked upon entry to the park!

So, by taking a picture of yourself, you’ll know what you wore into Jewel Cave so you’ll know what not to wear to another cave!

If you are going to both Jewel Cave and Wind Cave, consider bringing 2 pairs of shoes with you to South Dakota.

Save the bats!

Why save the bats?!

Jewel Cave tour offerings can change

It seems to be a thing across national parks that elevators for cave tours get broken.

When I made a visit to Jewel Cave in 2021, there was an elevator that was broken, and this meant that not all cave tours were offered.

Elsewhere, when I went to Wind Cave National Park , there was also an elevator broken that limited cave tours.

And while on a Jewel Cave tour, there was a kid who asked about broken cave elevators because when he went to Carlsbad Caverns National Park there was a broken elevator. Why are elevators always broken at cave national parks?  😆 Not his exact words, but that was basically the question! (I’m not sure when he went there.)

As for the Jewel Cave elevator, there were estimates that it would be fixed the following month so hopefully you won’t have that problem in 2023!

But to know the current Jewel Cave tours that are offered, you can check the National Park Service website for updates. And it can be good to check in the days leading up to your Jewel Cave visit too, in case there are any other alerts to be aware of.

That said, even with the limited cave tours in Jewel Cave available, I was happy about the cave tours that were available!

While not all cave tours were offered, there were some cave tours available.

There were 2 Jewel cave tours offered, and I did both of them.

My favorite walk inside Jewel Cave was the historic lantern cave tour .

The National Park Service calls this the “ adventure cave tour .”

You are holding a lantern as your only light to guide your way through the cave!

And that’s a little bit about doing a Jewel Cave tour!

I did Jewel Cave tours in August 2021. Your experience may vary!

Above ground: Things to do in Jewel Cave National Monument

More for your South Dakota road trip: Best places to visit in South Dakota

More national parks with caves:

• Wind Cave National Park
• Mammoth Cave National Park
• Craters of the Moon National Park National Monument

HAPPY DOING A CAVE TOUR IN JEWEL CAVE NATIONAL MONUMENT PARK!

• For women: Merrell hiking shoes (one of the best outdoor shoe brands, perfect for hiking)
• For men: Merrell hiking shoes
• Rain poncho in case it rains and it won't stop you from doing things outside!
• For women: Teva walking sandals (one of the best sandal brands for the outdoors)
• For men: Teva sandals
• Moisture-wicking tech t-shirt for women perfect for hiking and hot days when you'll be outside a lot sweating
• tech-t-shirt for men
• For more ideas, do a search for hiking clothes !

Jewel Cave vs Wind Cave: A Complete Guide

So you’re in South Dakota, I’m assuming you’re visiting Mt. Rushmore and staying in Rapid City and you are thinking to yourself, “Should I go to Jewel Cave vs. Wind Cave?”

While both caves are astonishing and are only separated by about a 30-minute drive, you want to know which is the better cave.

I get it, but also, each cave is super unique and deserves viewing.

For a short answer, I’d say to pair a visit to a cave with another local attraction. If you’re going to Jewel Cave, stop and see Crazy Horse. If you’re going to Wind Cave, drive the wildlife loop at Custer State Park.

Both of these routes will get you into the attractions around Rapid City that aren’t Mt. Rushmore and if you really need to know which cave is better, then read on.

The Perks of Jewel Cave

Info and fun facts.

Jewel Cave is what geologists call a breathing cave. The cavern doesn’t actually breathe, but depending on the atmospheric pressure changes throughout the day, air can enter and exit the cave, giving the illusion of “breathing”.

The name ‘Jewel Cave’ was chosen as a reference to the colorful walls of the cavern which are covered with reflective calcite crystals.

Jewel Cave holds the impressive title of the Third Longest Cave in the World, boasting over 200 miles of mapped underground passages.

What can you see at Jewel Cave?

Jewel Cave’s geological formations leave nothing to be desired, featuring everything from stalactites and stalagmites to cave popcorn, flowstone, coralloids, rimstone, vents, cave pearls, conulites, scintillites, and more.

Something you don’t see every day is Jewel Cave’s speleothems and spar, also known as the “jewels”.

One of the most interesting rare rock formations at Jewel Caves is the hydromagnesite balloons.

These mineral ballons are almost exclusively unique to the cave and can only form as a result of gas infiltrating a magnesium carbonate hydroxide paste.

Exploring the Cave with Children

Most of the tours of Jewel Cave are accessible to children, but the most kid-friendly one is the Discovery tour.

It’s important to know that when it comes to infants and toddlers, children can only access the cave in a front carrier and it is required for the child to stay in the front carrier for the whole tour.

While other tours are more strenuous and over one hour long, the discovery tour is great for a quick visit with children as it only lasts about 20 minutes.

This is a great choice for visitors with small children, or those just looking for a taste of Jewel Cave.

Don’t worry, even without diving for too long within the cavern, you’ll still get to experience the best room of the cave and admire the cave’s jewels.

How accessible are the Tours?

Most of Jewel Cave cannot be visited by people with low mobility, but the Discovery Tour is 100% wheelchair accessible.

During the Discovery Tour, visitors will descend into the cave through an elevator, allowing access to people with disabilities.

There is a designated elevated platform from which you can explore Jewel Cave’s main room comfortably, without having to navigate the many steps on the path below.

Thrill Seeking at Jewel Cave

During the summer, the daredevils and more experienced explorers will find a challenge in the Wild Caving Tour .

From climbing on a rope on the cavern’s walls to belly-crawling within narrow cracks and openings in the rock, you’ll be in for some real excitement.

This is an extremely demanding tour, almost one mile long and lasting about 4 hours.

I only recommend the Wild Caving Tour to those who are confident in their skills and physical abilities.

Here are the main requirements to access the tour:

• You must be at least 16 years old.
• You must be able to fit in an 8-1/2 inch by 24-inch crawl space.
• Claustrophobic people, and in general people sensitive to enclosed spaces are highly discouraged from joining the tour.
• There is a strict dress code, which includes technical wear for caving. Check out the full gear requirements before booking the tour.
• You could be asked to get a white-nose syndrome (WNS) screening before the tour.

There are 4 Guided Tours at Jewel Cave

The most popular choice among visitors is the Scenic Tour , as it is at the same time adventurous and not too strenuous.

The tour lasts about one hour and doesn’t involve any dangerous crawling or climbing. However, the tour is not to be underestimated.

The underground trail includes 734 stair steps, so be sure you are in good enough physical condition to endure the “climb”.

Did you ever wonder how it felt to explore a cave in the 1930s? You can join the Historic Lantern Tour and enjoy some adventurous and historically accurate (lamp in hand) cave diving.

The tour is mildly difficult and physically demanding, as it lasts almost 2 hours. However, it is family-friendly and especially good for families with children around 8-10 years old.

The Wild Cave Tour is by far the most challenging experience available at Jewel Cave and is not for the faint of heart.

On the other hand , the Discovery Tour is the shortest and least demanding, perfect for families with children, and it’s wheelchair accessible as well.

Best things to do around Jewel Cave

After exploring Jewel Cave underground, there’s still plenty to do above the surface.

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the Black Hills region, and not without reason. Just located around the Jewel Cave Historic Area, there are plenty of trails to choose from.

For a short, 30-minute stroll, you can check out the Roof Trail, which is immersed in a pine forest and is perfect for wildflower viewing.

For a longer and more strenuous walk, you can hit Canyons Trail, which is almost 4 miles long and includes some rock climbing.

The Perks of Wind Cave

Wind Cave is situated in the heart of Wind Cave National Park, and its history traces back centuries.

Wind Cave was officially “discovered” in 1881, but native American tribes were already aware of its existence and called it Washun Niya.

Located in the region where Cheyenne and Lakota used to camp, Wind Cave played a significant role in Lakota’s history and culture, as it was believed to be a door to the underworld.

Exploring Wind Cave with Children

For a pleasant cave-exploring experience with children, I recommend going for the Garden of Eden Cave Tour.

This is the least challenging tour available by far, as it’s only one hour long and doesn’t include crawling or climbing.

The guided tour is relaxing and informative, created specifically for those looking to explore the best and more touristic parts of the cave, and enjoy some stalactites and stalagmites comfortably.

While I would recommend this tour for the entire family, it should be noted that dogs, and pets in general. are not allowed on this tour.

How accessible is Wind Cave?

The Accessibility Cave Tour at Wind Cave is specifically designed for people with walking, hearing, or vision impairments

Wild Cave is accessible via an elevator during the tour, and you’ll spend about 30 minutes exploring the main room.

Accessibility Cave Tours must be booked in advance by calling the visitors center at (605) 745-4600.

If you wish to book a signed-language guided tour, you should do so at least two weeks in advance.

Thrill Seeking at Wind Cave

Looking to explore some of the most remote and less accessible passages in Wind Cave? Then your best option is the Fairgrounds Cave Tour.

This is the most challenging tour at Wind Cave and is 1 and a half hours long.

Before booking the Fairgrounds Cave tour, you should consider how fit you are.

Do you think you can handle 450 stair steps? If the answer is yes, then go ahead and schedule your Wind Cave adventure.

While the Fairgrounds Cave Tour is the toughest experience available at Wind Cave, it is not as thrilling as the Wild Cave Tour at Jewel Cave.

There may be some kneeling down or stooping, but you won’t have to climb or belly-crawl your way around the cave.

There are no strict requirements for entering the tour either, and the dress code is not nearly as technical as the one necessary at Jewel Cave.

There are 3 Guided Tours at Wind Cave

From least to most strenuous, Wind Cave offers three different guided tours.

The Garden of Eden Cave Tour is a great option for non-expert cave divers, who want to check out the cavern without losing too much time. It’s also the best option for families with kids.

The Natural Entrance Cave Tour mostly focuses on the history of the Cave, its discovery, and its origins. The tour counts more than 300 steps but is mostly descending, therefore not too tiring.

The Fairgrounds Cave Tour is the longest and most challenging, however, it is still accessible by beginner cave explorers and does not require particular hiking or climbing skills.

Best things to do around Wind Cave National Park

Wind Cave National Park offers plenty of fun outdoor activities year-round.

When the weather is pleasant, there are many hiking and biking trails with checking out. Wildlife observing is also one of the preferred activities by visitors, as bison and prairie dogs are easy to spot roaming around the park freely.

Looking for a truly unique experience? During the fall the elks at Wind Cave National Park are in their fighting season, and it is possible to join the rangers for a special tour, listening to the eerie sound of bugling elks.

Other Thrilling Adventures for True Explorers

Are you fascinated by cave exploration? Check out the most breathtaking caverns in the US .

For a completely unique experience, you can pay a visit to the ice caves of Colorado this winter.

In Indiana and Utah , you will also find stunning caves just waiting to be explored.

Go Out and Explore

10 Easy Hikes in Yosemite for First-Timers

Best Island to Visit in Hawaii for Every Tourist Type

Spending 3 Weeks Visiting California and Hawaii

Spending a Weekend at the Hermann Wine Trail

16 Best Oklahoma Golf Courses to Play

15 Jaw Dropping Mountains in the US

The Evening Show with Dan O'Connell 7pm - 10pm

Now Playing

Country House Blur Download 'Country House' on iTunes

Nick Cave's 2024 UK & Ireland dates: Everything you need to know

10 September 2024, 16:52 | Updated: 10 September 2024, 16:54

By Jenny Mensah

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds will return to the UK & Ireland to support their latest album, WILD GOD. Find out where they're headed and if you can still buy tickets.

Listen to this article

Nick Cave and The Band Seeds are set to embark on UK & Ireland dates this year.

The iconic Australian musician and his band released their stunning eighteenth studio album Wild God on Friday 30th August and they're set to support the Top 5 UK-charting record with a winter tour.

The shows, which will mark their first in the UK and Europe since 2017, kick off at Leeds First Direct Arena on 2nd November and include two dates at The O2, London.

Find out everything we know about Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds' UK & Ireland tour dates, including where else they're playing, who's joining them as support and if you can still buy tickets.

• The 20 best Australian bands of all time
• The 25 best indie albums of 1996

What are Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds' 2024 UK & Ireland dates?

• 2nd November: Leeds, UK - First Direct Arena
• 3rd November: Glasgow, UK - OVO Hydro
• 5th November: Manchester, UK - AO Arena
• 6th November: Cardiff, UK - Utilita Arena
• 8th November London, UK - The O2 - SOLD OUT
• 9th November: London, UK - The O2
• 12th November: Dublin, Ireland - 3Arena - SOLD OUT
• 13th November: Dublin, Ireland - 3Arena
• 15th November: Birmingham, UK - BP Pulse Live

See their full tour dates for The Wild God Tour here.

Who's supporting Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds on their UK & Ireland tour?

Support comes from Black Country, New Road. The Cambridge-formed outfit will likely play material from their 2021 Mercury Prize-nominated debut album For the First Time and it's follow-up, 2022's Ants from Up There.

Black Country, New Road - 'Concorde' (Official Video)

Can you still buy tickets to Nick Cave's UK & Ireland tour?

Yes. Visit nickcave.com for his full dates and to buy remaining tickets.

Listen to Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds' Wild God album below:

• The 25 best albums of 1988
• The most unusual Musical Collaborations

Latest Music News

When is glastonbury 2025, can you register and when do tickets go on sale, taylor swift sends the darkness' i believe in a thing called love back up the charts, mick jagger, blondie, jimi hendrix & more feature in new exhibition celebrating history of isle of wight festival.

Isle of Wight Festival 2025

Green Day's American Idiot single hits a billion streams

• Entertainment
• About the Actors

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds Spring 2025 Tour: Presale code, dates, venues & all you need to know

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds Spring 2025 Tour will be held from April 15, 2025, to May 14, 2025, in venues across the mainland United States and Canada. It will be the band's first new tour on the continent since 2018 and will support the album Wild God .

The Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds Tour presale starts on September 10, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. local time. There will be an artist presale, a St.Vincent presale, a Spotify presale, and a Ticketmaster presale. Fans can access the artist presale by registering on the tour website. The Ticketmaster presale can be accessed with the code SETLIST.

General tickets will be available to the public from September 13, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. local time. Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds announced the new tour via a post on their official X page on September 6, 2024:

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds Spring 2025 Tour dates and venues

The dates and venues for Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds Spring 2025 Tour are listed below:

• April 15, 2025 – Boston, Massachusetts, at Agganis Arena
• April 17, 2025 – Brooklyn, New York at Barclays Center
• April 19, 2025 – Detroit, Michigan, at Masonic Temple
• April 21, 2025 – Washington, DC, at The Anthem
• April 23, 2025 – Toronto, Ontario, at Meridian Hall
• April 24, 2025 – Montreal, Quebec, at Place Bell
• April 26, 2025 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at The Met
• April 28, 2025 – Chicago, Illinois, at The Salt Shed
• April 29, 2025 – Chicago, Illinois, at The Salt Shed
• May 30, 2025 – Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at Miller High Life Theatre
• May 2, 2025 – Columbus, Ohio, at Palace Theatre
• May 4, 2025 – Minneapolis, Minnesota, at The Armory
• May 5, 2025 – Kansas City, Missouri, at Kansas City Music Hall
• May 7, 2025 – Denver, Colorado, at Mission Ballroom
• May 10, 2025 – Portland, Oregon, at Theater of the Clouds
• May 11, 2025 – Vancouver, British Columbia, at Queen Elizabeth Theatre
• May 12, 2025 – Seattle, Washington State, at The Paramount Theatre
• May 14, 2025 – San Francisco, California, at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium

Ahead of the 2025 tour, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds will embark on a Europe and UK tour in the latter half of 2024. The dates and venues for said tour are also given below:

• September 24, 2024 – Oberhausen, Germany, at Rudolf Weber-ARENA
• September 26, 2024 – Amsterdam, Netherlands, at Ziggo Dome
• September 27, 2024 – Amsterdam, Netherlands, at Ziggo Dome
• September 29, 2024 – Berlin, Germany, at Uber Arena
• September 30, 2024 – Berlin, Germany, at Uber Arena
• October 2, 2024 – Oslo, Norway, at Oslo Spektrum
• October 3, 2024 – Stockholm, Sweden, at Hovet
• October 5, 2024 – Copenhagen, Denmark at Royal Arena
• October 6, 2024 – Copenhagen, Denmark at Royal Arena
• October 8, 2024 – Hamburg, Germany, at Barclays Arena
• October 10, 2024 – Lodz, Poland, at Atlas Arena
• October 11, 2024 – Krakow, Poland at TAURON Arena
• October 13, 2024 – Budapest, Hungary at Papp László Sportaréna
• October 15, 2024 – Zagreb, Croatia, at Arena Zagreb
• October 17, 2024 – Prague, Czech Republic at O2 Arena
• October 18, 2024 – Munich, Germany, at Olympiahalle
• October 20, 2024 – Milan, Italy, at Milan Forum
• October 22, 2024 – Zurich, Switzerland, at Hallenstadion
• October 24, 2024 – Barcelona, Spain at Palau Sant Jordi
• October 25, 2024 – Madrid, Spain, at WiZink Center
• October 27, 2024 – Lisbon, Portugal, at MEO Arena
• October 30, 2024 – Antwerp, Belgium at Sportpaleis
• October 31, 2024 – Antwerp, Belgium at Sportpaleis
• November 2, 2024 – Leeds, UK, at first direct arena
• November 3, 2024 – Glasgow, UK, at OVO Hydro
• November 5, 2024 – Manchester, UK, at AO Arena
• November 6, 2024 – Cardiff, UK, at Utilita Arena
• November 8, 2024 – London, UK at The O2
• November 9, 2024 – London, UK at The O2
• November 12, 2024 – Dublin, Ireland, at 3Arena
• November 13, 2024 – Dublin, Ireland, at 3Arena
• November 15, 2024 – Birmingham, UK, at bp pulse LIVE
• November 17, 2024 – Paris, France, at Accor Arena

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds released their latest studio album , Wild God , on August 30, 2024. Since its release, the album has charted at the 2nd spot on the Australian album chart and has become a chart-topper on the Dutch album chart, among other successes.

• Clickbait / Misleading
• Factually Incorrect
• Hateful or Abusive
• Baseless Opinion
• Too Many Ads

Your perspective matters! Start the conversation

• Daily Recaps
• Previews, Teasers & Spoilers
• Two scoops Commentary
• General Hospital Castlist
• General Hospital Home
• The Young and the Restless Home
• The Bold and the Beautiful Home
• Days of our Lives Home
• Emmerdale Home
• Coronation Street Home
• EastEnders Home
• Hollyoaks Home
• Entertainment Home

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds Are Going On Their First North American Tour Since 2018

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds just recently released their latest album, Wild God , their 18th and their first since 2019’s Ghosteen . Speaking of things they haven’t done in a while, the band also just announced The Wild God Tour , which will feature their first North American dates since 2018.

The run starts in April 2025 with shows in Boston and Brooklyn, with those two dates featuring special guest St. Vincent. From there, the band will hit Detroit, Toronto, Chicago, Denver, San Francisco, and more.

Ticket pre-sales start on September 10 at 10 a.m. local time, while the public on-sale launches September 13 at 10 a.m. local time. Find more information on the tour website .

Check out the tour dates below.

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds’ 2024 Tour Dates: The Wild God Tour

04/15/2025 — Boston, MA @ Agganis Arena * 04/17/2025 — Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center * 04/19/2025 — Detroit, MI @ Masonic Temple 04/21/2025 — Washington, DC @ The Anthem 04/23/2025 — Toronto, ON @ Meridian Hall 04/24/2025 — Montreal, QC @ Place Bell 04/26/2025 — Philadelphia, PA @ The Met 04/28/2025 — Chicago, IL @ The Salt Shed 04/29/2025 — Chicago, IL @ The Salt Shed 04/30/2025 — Milwaukee, WI @ Miller High Life Theatre 05/02/2025 — Columbus, OH @ Palace Theatre 05/04/2025 — Minneapolis, MN @ The Armory 05/05/2025 — Kansas City, MO @ Kansas City Music Hall 05/07/2025 — Denver, CO @ Mission Ballroom 05/10/2025 — Portland, OR @ Theater of the Clouds 05/11/2025 — Vancouver, BC @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre 05/12/2025 — Seattle, WA @ The Paramount Theatre 05/14/2025 — San Francisco, CA @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium

* with St. Vincent

• Skip to global NPS navigation
• Skip to this park navigation
• Skip to the main content
• Skip to this park information section
• Skip to the footer section

Exiting nps.gov

Alerts in effect, discovery tour.

Last updated: September 7, 2024

Park footer

Contact info, mailing address:.

11149 U.S. Hwy. 16 Building B12 Custer, SD 57730

605 673-8300 The main phone line connects visitors with staff at the visitor center. Throughout the year, the phone line is monitored by staff on a daily basis, excluding holidays and days with limited visitor services. Please be advised that after-hours messages are not taken on the system; visitors are encouraged to call the visitor center during normal operations and speak with a park ranger for assistance.

Stay Connected

Scenic Tour (Fee Free Days)

Jewel Cave National Monument Tours

NOTE: Fees are waived for this tour only on these Fee Free Days in 2024: September 28th.

The Scenic Tour begins in the Target Room like the Discovery Tour but the route continues on, providing an opportunity to visit various cave chambers and passages decorated with calcite crystals and other speleothems. This tour is considered a modern-day walking tour along a paved trail with electric lighting. The tour enters and leaves the cave by elevator in the visitor center. The Scenic Tour is moderately strenuous and lasts 1 hour and 20 minutes. 

The tour route involves walking up and down 734 stair steps along a 1/2-mile (.8 km) loop, (equivalent to 40 flights of stairs). During the Scenic Tour, you will see two types of calcite crystals known as nailhead spar and dogtooth spar, which are the "jewels" of Jewel Cave. In addition, you can view boxwork, cave popcorn, flowstone, stalactites, stalagmites, draperies, and a long ribbon drapery called the cave bacon. With each visit, you will learn more about the cave formations, discovery and continuous exploration. 

NOTE: Wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility devices are not allowed on the Scenic Tour. Individuals with physical or mobility limitations may wish to contact the monument directly at (605) 673-8300 for additional programming.

Select a date to see a list of times

Need to Know

Sneakers, tennis shoes, or hiking boots are required. Any type of sandals or shoes with any openings are NOT acceptable. This is for visitor safety to help all best navigate the cave trail. Also, all cave tours exit through a white-nose syndrome decontamination mat with a liquid solution.

There are NO REFUNDS for late arrivals or missed tours. Visitors are encouraged to plan their travel schedules carefully and be on-site at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled tour time.

All cave tour participants (of all ages) must be able to navigate the tour routes unassisted. Cave tours are moderately strenuous and not recommended for anyone with health conditions, poor balance, mobility concerns, or those with physical limitations (i.e., difficulty climbing stairs, recent surgery, and illness).

To prevent the spread of White Nose Syndrome (WNS), which is a bat disease, all cave tour participants will walk across a decontamination mat when exiting Jewel Cave.

Children may NOT be carried on any portion of the Scenic Tour route. Furthermore, strollers, diaper bags, and backpack carriers are not allowed on the Scenic Tour. Children 15 years of age and younger must be accompanied by an adult while in the park and on a cave tour.

Infants and toddlers can be carried using a front-carrier only, and the infant / toddler must remain in the carrier throughout the duration of the Scenic Tour.

Backpacks, purses, bags of any size, food, gum, candy, drinks, tobacco products, monopods, tripods, Go-Pro sticks, large flashlights, and pets are not allowed inside Jewel Cave. These items need to be left in the security of a personal vehicle.

The temperature inside Jewel Cave is 49 degrees F / 9 degrees C year-round. Visitors are encouraged to wear long pants and a sweatshirt, sweater, or light jacket.

Photography is permitted along the Scenic Tour; however, visitors are encouraged to use small cameras and/or cell phones to avoid large lenses, bags, etc. Pictures are not allowed on any stairs within the cave.

Photo Gallery

Camp, RV, and Explore Outdoors

Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. We provide tools and tips to discover new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, and reservations. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through Recreation.gov!

Get to Know Us

• Rules & Reservation Policies
• Accessibility
• Media Center

Plan with Us

• Find Trip Inspiration
• Build a Trip
• Enter a Lottery
• Checkout our Mobile App
• Get Involved
• Use Our Data
• Add Your Facility

Let Us Help You

• Help Center
• Submit Feedback
• Responsible Disclosure

Presale Tickets Available

NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS: THE WILD GOD TOUR

More nick cave & the bad seeds events near chicago, il.

The Salt Shed Indoors (Shed) | Chicago, IL

Nick cave & the bad seeds.

• Skip to global NPS navigation
• Skip to this park navigation
• Skip to the main content
• Skip to this park information section
• Skip to the footer section

Exiting nps.gov

Alerts in effect, scenic tour.

Last updated: September 7, 2024

Park footer

Contact info, mailing address:.

11149 U.S. Hwy. 16 Building B12 Custer, SD 57730

605 673-8300 The main phone line connects visitors with staff at the visitor center. Throughout the year, the phone line is monitored by staff on a daily basis, excluding holidays and days with limited visitor services. Please be advised that after-hours messages are not taken on the system; visitors are encouraged to call the visitor center during normal operations and speak with a park ranger for assistance.

Stay Connected