we only did the 20 min tour. they had trouble with power. 20 min only takes you down 1 set of stairs to a platform. cheesy delivery from the guide and back up the steps. would have liked to have seen more.
Jewel Cave National Monument, Custer
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Jewel Cave National Monument
11149 US Hwy 16, Custer, SD 57730
605-673-8300
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Ranked #6 of 22 attractions in Custer
Type: Caverns/ Caves, National Parks
Activities: Group tours/day tour, Group tours/walking tour, Hiking
Owner description:
Jewel Cave National Monument is home to one of the longest caves in the world. Offering an assortment of cave formations and recreational...
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Owner description:
Jewel Cave National Monument is home to one of the longest caves 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. NOTE: Due to road construction in the immediate area and a parking lot project near the visitor center, advanced tour reservations will not be available in 2013. Cave tour tickets will only be made available on a first come first serve basis at the Monument. Interested park guests are welcome to call the visitor center directly for planning assistance.
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Springfield, Missouri
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Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Senior Contributor
We did the scenic tour of the cave, which was quite amazing! It was really interesting, and our guide Melissa made it a lot of fun. The tour is about an hour and 20 minutes, and there are quite a few steps, so it is a little tiring; but it is so worth it.
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NPSParkRanger, Public Relations Manager at Jewel Cave National Monument, responded to this review
May 22, 2013
Dear Sir and/or Madam:
We wanted to send a quick note of THANKS for your kind words toward Park Guide Melissa. This is the first week of seasonal orientation for new staff members, and many of them are made aware of techniques that provide high quality visitor services. It is wonderful to see the positive feedback ... and be able...
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Tucson, Arizona
Senior Reviewer
Jewel Cave is such a unique and fascinating place. We went off-peak so our tour group was small, but there are so many unbelievable things to see. I would highly recommend Jewel Cave.
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Chicago, Illinois
Contributor
Jewel Cave is an amazing opportunity to get a new perspective on nature. Tucked away in the hills of SD, Jewel Cave is just another great stop to add to your trip.
The cave has a variety of different tours, allowing you to pick the one that's right for you or your group. Everyone at the park is extremely friendly...
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Pinedale
Contributor
The interpretive center is not that large, but very well done. Make sure you reserve the cave tour you want early. Kid friendly. Nice areas to hike.
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Johnson City, Tennessee
Contributor
This cave is famous for its beautiful crystals, stalactites, and other cave formations. Like the near-by wind cave it is one of the four largest cave systems in the country.
There are a lot of tour packages so you can spend less than a half hour visiting or multiple hours. You get to see more crystals during some tours and...
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Delafield, Wisconsin
Top Contributor
While this was not surprising based on our research, when we arrived at Jewel Cave the lantern tour was booked out until later in the day. So, we bought our tickets then headed back to town for a while, then back to Jewel Cave. It was well worth the wait and we were happy we got tickets! The cave was...
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New Jersey
Top Contributor
Loved the tour. Our Guide was so informative and patient with the kids. He even let my little one hold a flashlight. Amazing views of the caves. Make sure you dress warm. It is very cold in the caves. A sweater is a must.
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Trenton, Florida
Senior Contributor
This was our first visit to Jewel Cave. We had visited the visitor center this past June, but did not take a tour due to the wait. In December 2012, we did take the tour and I have to say it is one of the very best cave tours I have taken. The Ranger Tyler did an excellent job. The...
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Dayton, Ohio
Top Contributor
Having toured or explored over 30 caves, Jewel cave would rank as my # 2 in sheer beauty after Carlsbad, in New Mexico. It is awesome in size, and the name of the cave reflects some of the visual highlights to be found. Not far from Custer, SD, parking is plentiful. The number of tours off-season falls dramatically, so call...
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4.0 out of 5, 1,605 reviewsLast reviewed May 24, 2013
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