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All 25 Custer Attractions »

Jewel Cave National Monument

11149 US Hwy 16, Custer, SD 57730
605-673-8300
Ranked #7 of 22 attractions in Custer
4.5 of 5 stars 96 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
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96 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    68
    20
    5
    2
    1
Date Rating
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 28, 2012 NEW

Have done this twice, this year and two years ago and is amazing area and place to hike. (Make sure you bring your tic spray and check yourself totally when done.) But a great hike through some interesting country. More

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See 4 more reviews by jaimzee for Custer
Brooklyn NY
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 26, 2012 NEW

The Ranger-led tour is interesting. It felt like we could have used more time down there but they do work on a schedule. Make reservations in advance because they book up and sell a limited number of tickets per tour. You are not permitted to go into the caves without a Ranger. More

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See 3 more reviews by Mayasbubbe for Custer
Rapid City, South Dakota
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 13, 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

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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
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 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

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Vermillion, South Dakota
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 4, 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

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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
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 27, 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

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Hollywood, Florida
Top Contributor
136 reviews 136 reviews
Reviews in 46 cities Reviews in 46 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 25, 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

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Saint Charles, Iowa
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 23, 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

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Tel Aviv, Israel
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 20, 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

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Colorado Springs, Colorado
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 28, 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

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See 3 more reviews by Gail W for Custer

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