Jewel Cave National Monument

The logomites or popcorn stalagmites this explorer sits near are hollow and sometimes grow taller than a person.
Immerse yourself in one of the longest caves in the world. With over 220 miles of mapped and surveyed passages, this underground wilderness appeals to human curiosity. Its splendor is revealed through fragile formations and glimpses of brilliant color. Its maze of passages lures explorers, and its scientific wealth remains a mystery. This resource is truly a jewel in the National Park Service.
Map showing location of park.
Twelve smiling people sit in chairs surrounded by rock walls and red, white, and blue flags.
Jewel Cave National Monument Hosts Naturalization Ceremony Welcoming 12 New U.S. Citizens
On Sept. 11, 2026, Jewel Cave National Monument hosted a naturalization ceremony for 12 new citizens in partnership with the United States District Court, District of South Dakota and the Denver Field Office of the Department of Homeland Security. 
Trees and plants on a rocky surface with evergreen trees above.
Jewel Cave Announces Operations for 2026 Winter Season
Jewel Cave National Monument is changing its operations for the winter season. Starting Tuesday, September 8, the monument will be open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  
A small brown bat on a grey rock wall.
Bat tests positive for rabies at Jewel Cave National Monument
A bat at Jewel Cave National Monument has tested positive for rabies. Trained park personnel collected the live bat along the Historic Lantern Tour route on July 29. No human contact with this bat has been reported.
One adult and two youth standing in a dimly lit exhibit area viewing an interpretive sign.
Jewel Cave Announces Operations for Summer Season
Jewel Cave National Monument is changing its operations to prepare for visitors this summer season. The monument will be open every day starting Sunday, May 24, with extended hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The target room inside Jewel Cave.
Photo by NPS Staff Photo
A cave explorer sits on some rocks and looks at a clear blue lake in Jewel Cave.
Photo by NPS Photo / Dan Austin
A park ranger is standing on a metal platform within a long passageway with a vaulted ceiling.
Photo by NPS Photo / Dan Austin
A caver squeezes through a very small and tight opening, surrounded by multi-colored rocks.
Photo by NPS Photo
A park ranger stands as a silhouette in a large room in Jewel Cave.
Photo by NPS Photo / Dan Austin
White-colored crystals with blunt tips sparkle against a black background.
Photo by NPS Photo
A bighorn sheep ram stands in the highway, with a camper stopped in the other lane.
Photo by NPS Photo / Bradley Block
A small red squirrel stands on a dead pine branch.
Photo by NPS Photo / VIP Melissa Oehler
Fog filters through a stand of pine trees, with red and yellow foliage on the forest floor.
Photo by NPS Photo / Bradley Block
Snow covers the ground and flocks pine trees.
Photo by NPS Photo / Bradley Block
A paved path with steps heads down a hillside, with rock overhangs and pine trees nearby.
Photo by NPS Photo / VIP Connie McKinney
A look-alike Theodore Roosevelt speaks to visitors on the patio of the visitor center.
Photo by NPS Photo / Bradley Block
A small, dark-brown cabin sits on top of a hill with a walking path leading to its front porch.
Photo by NPS Photo / Quentin Bucker
A wall mural showing red-colored rock transitions into a room with a large cave map on the wall.
Photo by NPS Photo / Bradley Block
White to light purple flowers with yellow centers poke through pine needles.
Photo by NPS Photo / Bradley Block
A small brown bat rests on a red-orange colored rock.
Photo by NPS Photo / VIP Connie McKinney