south dakota cave tour

Opening Day for the 2023 Season is May 20th, 2023!

Guided tours, enjoy a variety of cave crystal formations up close on a guided tour.

Natural Underground Wonders

See cave formations naturally growing.

Breathtaking Experience

Enjoy an underground hike and view the caverns natural beauty.

WE ARE OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

The Black Hills Caverns was discovered in 1882 by gold seekers, however the Lakota Indians located the caverns centuries before. Even now the cave is actively explored revealing new wonders in the beautiful underground landscape.

The Adventure Tour

This is the complete tour of the Black Hills Caverns. It usually takes 1 hour to complete. It includes all 3 levels of the cave, approximately 3/4 of a mile. See the BEST VARIETY of cave formations on this tour!

Moderate walking is required to complete this tour

Children 6-12

Children 5 & under, the crystal tour.

An easy, 1/2 hour tour, 1500-ft walking tour, in the first level of the cave. See millions of Calcite Crystals and hear about the cave’s process of formation

Rock Formations Like You've Never Seen

At Black Hills Caverns we've got

• Stalagmites
• Stalactites
• Rare Frost Crystal
• Popcorn Crystals
• Dogtooth Spar Crystal
• Cave Flower
• Soda Straw Stalactites
• Nailhead Spar Crystal

Several tour options to see them all

Take a look at our affordable and family-friendly options and see which one works best for you!

More About Black Hills Caverns

• Geology & Chemistry
• Cave Conservation
• Prehistoric Area

Gift & Rock Shop

The Black Hills Caverns Gift & Rock shop features rare stones and crystals, fossils, cavern collectibles, gemstone and mining equipment so that you can continue your journey and much, much more.

Read What Other People are Saying

We're proud to have been given the Great Service Award and a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor!

Wonderland Cave SD

Open May 1st 2024 –  Start the Top of Your Summer Vacation Under the Ground!

About Wonderland Cave

Located in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. Great for families, single travelers, friends, and anyone who wants to explore an underground world. Escape the heat, the cold, or the madness of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally!

Guests are advised to bring a light jacket (the temperature inside the cave is 47 degrees), and to wear rubber-soled shoes. Please leave non-essential bags and backpacks in your vehicle.

TAKE A TOUR, VISIT THE GIFT SHOP, AND ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF VANOCKER CANYON

Greatest Show Under the Earth

Our tour guide Cadence was really awesome!

Very cool place, fair price for the 45 minute tour (ours was around an hour) of natural wonders, wonderland cave deserves a 5 star rating without a doubt, gaven was our tour guide. had lots of knowledge and knows about the cave., these caves are awe inspiring. this is a living cave., what a great cave experience.

Check Out Our Gift Shop While You’re Here

Jewel Cave National Monument Tours

Jewel Cave National Monument

Visitors are required to wear completely enclosed shoes if participating in a cave tour, like tennis shoes, sneakers or hiking boots. Any type of sandals or shoes with any openings are NOT acceptable.   

Discover One of the Last Frontiers in the World! 

Immerse yourself within the third longest cave in the world. With over 208 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 lure explorers, and its scientific wealth remains a mystery. This resource is truly a jewel in the National Park Service.   

You must join a ranger-guided tour to enter Jewel Cave. Advance reservations are highly recommended.

The surface areas do not require a reservation and consist of a ponderosa pine forest, interspersed with open meadows and fire-scarred landscapes. Lithograph and Hell Canyons offer rocky terrain, with cliffs, shelter caves, and spectacular views of the southern Black Hills. Two hiking trails are available, along with numerous picnic areas at the visitor center and Jewel Cave Historic Cabin Area. Surface recreation is available year-round, with snowshoes being available for loan during the off-season.

Wildlife in the monument consist of elk, white-tail deer, mule deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes, wild turkeys, birds of prey, and numerous species of songbirds. The diversity of flora is prevalent during the spring and early summer seasons. 

The visitor center provides engaging and interactive displays, and the park film shares the natural and cultural history of the monument. For kids, a Junior Ranger and Pee Wee Ranger Program are available.

Need to Know

Jewel Cave National Monument does not charge an entrance fee but ticket fees apply for ranger-guided cave tours.

The surface areas of the monument do not require a reservation and are open according to the facility hours for visitor services (e.g., visitor center), which may change on a seasonal basis. Refer to the Jewel Cave’s Operating Hours and Seasons web page.

Assistive Listening Devices are available at the visitor center for interacting with the exhibits and displays. The park film also provides captions and audio description services for those that desire this assistance.

The park offers two surface Hiking Trails do not require a reservation. The 1/4-mile (.4 km) Roof Trail meanders through a ponderosa pine forest while the 3.5-mile (5.6 km) Canyons Trail offers very little tree cover. Hikers are encouraged to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly for sun exposure. For more information, visit the Jewel Cave Hiking Trails web page.

A water fountain and water bottle filling station is available within the visitor center. A seasonal water fountain is also available at the Jewel Cave Historic Cabin Area (1 mile/1.6 km west of the visotr center). There is not water available inside the cave.

Pets are only allowed on established roadways, sidewalks adjacent to roadways, and roadway corridors. All public use buildings, surrounding patio areas, visitor staging areas, and caves are closed to pets. All areas closed to motor vehicle use are also closed to pets, such as hiking trails and backcountry areas. NOTE : For information on service animals,visit the Service Animals page on the park website..

Charcoal grills are not allowed for use within the entire monument. The use of a gas stove is allowed in the parking lots and picnic areas of the monument, as long as it is used in a manner that does not threaten, cause damage to, or does not result in the burning of property or monument resources, or creates a public safety hazard.

Restrooms are available at the Visitor Center and seasonally at the Jewel Cave Historic Cabin Area (1 mile/1.6 km west of the visitor center). There are no restrooms inside the cave.

Booking Windows

Guided tours are the only way to experience Jewel Cave.

Advanced Reservations : Tickets are available 30 days in advance at 10 a.m. ET on a rolling daily window. 

Changes and Cancellations

A cancellation at least 2 days in advance of arrival may qualify for a refund, minus a $1 per ticket cancellation fee. There are NO REFUNDS for missed tours or late arrivals. Visitors are encouraged to plan their travel schedules carefully and be on-site at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled tour time.

Contact Information

Mailing address.

11149 US Highway 16, Bldg B12 Custer SD 57730

Phone Number

605-673-8300

Available Tours and Tickets

• Scenic Tour
• Discovery Tour
• Wild Caving Tour
• Historic Lantern Tour

Photo Gallery

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Last updated: March 13, 2024

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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.

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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.

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• 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.

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)
• This served as the "summer White House" for a US president! (President Coolidge in 1927)
• Sylvan Lake is the most popular lake in the park
• Standard hotel: Holiday Inn Express
• Cheaper standard hotel: Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn  
• Cute and unique accommodation on a budget: Chalet Motel

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 !

• Route Re-Imagined – US Hwy 385 Construction
• 1.866.601.5103

Black Hills Caverns & Caves

Discover the beauty below the surface when you take a tour of Black Hills caverns and caves in South Dakota. Discover the mystery and intrigue of stalagmites, stalactites, dogtooth spar crystals, boxwork and frostwork of these natural wonders. Most cave tours are accessible and perfect for all ages and abilities.  All caves in the Black Hills are a bit different from each other.  If timing allows, consider visiting more than one.

Book online or call one of our local travel experts at 1.866.601.5103.

Know Before You Go:

– Average cave temperature in the area is in the mid 50’s – a long sleeve shirt, jacket or sweatshirt is recommended.

– Cave tours will all have varying degrees of difficulty.  Look into each one to see if you’re booking the right one for you and your group.  Most caves  will include walking up and down stairs with occasional low ceilings.  If you or a member in your party has a preexisting health condition, check directly with the cave before scheduling your tour to ensure safety.

– Children are typically not able to be carried on cave tours.  Most do not allow backpack carriers for safety concerns, but some will allow front loading carriers for infants and toddlers.

– Wear comfortable low-heeled sturdy shoes.  Tennis shoes, sneakers, or hiking boots are typically recommended.  Sandals and open toed shoes are not recommended.  Cave surfaces may be uneven or slippery at times.

– Most caves do allow pictures to be taken on cave tours.  Visitors are often encouraged to use smaller cameras without large camera lenses, bags or tripods.

– Any and all food is typically prohibited on cave tours, including:  candy, gum, water bottles and more.

– Most cave tours will not allow guests to carry large bags, purses or backpacks.  This includes diaper bags and camera bags.

** As always, check with the cave staff or park ranger directly for any and all questions regarding safety questions, accessibility, and any other additional information you may need prior to your visit.  We want everyone to enjoy the beauty of the Black Hills in a safe and responsible way.  We love it here… and you will too!

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Experience the Black Hills

South dakota’s great 8.

The Black Hills of South Dakota and Yellowstone National Park are bucket list destinations. Together they make for a great American road trip. Explore South Dakota’s Great 8 and Yellowstone with this seven-day trip itinerary. 

Native American Culture Tour

Native American culture is rich in the Black Hills. Learn about the heritage of the Great Sioux Nation, as you explore Crazy Horse Memorial®, the Oglala Lakota College, Bear Butte State Park and the Journey Museum.

Spearfish Canyon of Colors

Take in one of the Black Hills’ most colorful locales with this trek through Spearfish Canyon. No matter the time of year, you’ll find beautiful waterfalls, picturesque views, and charming local restaurants and breweries.

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The Longest Caves in the World

A cave or cavern refers to a natural opening on the Earth’s surface that extends beyond the light zone and has a height and width that allows at least a single person to enter by crawling. Ranging widely in size, caves are formed by varied geological processes, and depending on their location and mode of formation, they are classified into different types . The longest caves in the world are found in areas with karst landforms whose rocks dissolve quickly. The highest number of such long caves are seen in southern Kentucky’s Pennyroyal Plateau, the Black Hills of South Dakota , and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula . The following article discusses the ten longest caves in the world.

Mammoth Cave – 426.0 mi

Located in the Green River Valley and rolling hills of south-central Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park preserves Mammoth Cave, the world’s longest-known cave system with over 426 miles of surveyed passageways. Two layers of rocks underline the national park’s hilly woodlands: the lower Mississippian-aged limestone strata capped by a layer of sandstone. The above sandstone layer contains leaks at places referred to as sinkholes , from which surface water continuously moves underground, leading to the dissolution of the limestone and the formation of caverns. The Mammoth Cave features large horizontal passages with massive chambers, vertical shafts, stalactites, stalagmites, gypsum flowers, gypsum needles, etc. Mammoth Cave is home to over 130 species of subterranean faunae , of which 14 species of troglobites and troglophiles are known to exclusively exist here.

In the early 19 th and 20 th centuries, several Native American remains, including mummified bodies possibly of pre-Columbian origin, were recovered from Mammoth Cave and other adjacent caves in the region. Over the years, the entire region developed into a popular tourist destination. At present, access to the Mammoth Cave is strictly controlled, and visitors are mainly restricted to 10 miles of developed passageways. In addition to cave visits, canoeing, hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and camping are some well-known activities offered by the Mammoth Cave National Park.

Sistema Ox Bel Ha – 270.8 mi

Sistema Ox Bel Ha or the Ox Bel Ha system, which means “Three Paths of Water” in the native Yucatec Maya language, is the world’s longest explored underwater cave and the 2nd-longest cave system having a total surveyed length of 270.8 miles of underwater passages. This complex system of limestone caverns and passageways is located immediately south of the Mayan town of Tulum in Mexico’s Quintana Roo state, close to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. A team of experienced cave divers first discovered and explored the Sistema Ox Bel Ha cave system in 1996.

Ox Bel Ha encompasses many interconnected underwater cave systems, having over 150 cenotes, including Jailhouse cenote, cenote Naharon, Cenote Corazon del Paraiso o Chupich, etc. The principal feature of this cave system located close to the Caribbean Sea is that a higher freshwater layer flows at the top of a near-static-salt-water layer. This results in the formation of a halocline, which occurs at different depths. A change in water level due to daily tides is also clearly visible in several cenotes. As the freshwater moves closer to the ocean, the low flow that characterizes the cave on this side of the Yucatan Peninsula intensifies greatly. Therefore, advanced cave diving techniques are necessary for cave divers who wish to dive through the labyrinth of this cave system.

Three prehistoric human remains were discovered within Sistema Ox Bel Ha’s Naranjal subsystem. A skeleton of an 18 to 20-year-old woman and a 44 to 50-year-old woman were found around 1,207 ft and 1.2 mi away from the Jailhouse cenote entrance, respectively. The remains of a 40 to 50-year-old man were also discovered in Muknal Cave, which is a part of this Naranjal subsystem. A detailed analysis of these skeletons revealed that Sistema Ox Bel Ha was most likely used as a significant burial site. In addition, the Sistema Ox Bel Ha cave system is home to numerous subterranean life forms that have perfectly adapted to the cave's eternal darkness and unique conditions. The presence of these rare and endemic species has made Sistema Ox Bel Ha a crucial hotspot for scientific research and conservation activities.

Shuanghedong Cave Network – 249.0 mi

Located close to Suiyang County’s Wenquan town in China’s Guizhou province is the Shuanghedong Cave, Asia’s and China’s longest as well as the world’s 3 rd -longest cave with a total length of about 249.0 mi. Forming a part of the Suiyang Shuanghedong National Geopark, this cave features about 105 entrances, several waterfalls, and underground rivers that serve as crucial habitats for cave shrimp, blind fish, tadpoles, salamanders, leeches, spiders, and bats. The Shuanghedong Cave network was first discovered in 1987, and since then, about 20 expeditions have been conducted by exploration teams from France and Japan . Recent laser mapping has also revealed that the cave is more extensive than initially expected. This cave network is tourist-friendly, and entry is allowed after a safety briefing at the Suiyang Shuanghedong National Geopark.

Sistema Sac Actun/ Sistema Dos Ojos – 239.9 mi

Sistema Sac Actun, or the Sac Actun system, which means “White Cave System” in the native Yucatec Maya language, is the world’s 4th-longest cave system with a total length of 239.9 mi. The discovery of Sistema Sac Actun’s connection with the adjacent Sistema Dos Ojos underwater cave complex in 2018 made it the world’s 2nd-longest underwater cave system. This extensive underwater cave system is located to the northeast of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo along the Yucatan Peninsula’s Caribbean coast on a sedimentary platform of Mesozoic and Cenozoic rocks. The Sac Actun cave system’s coastal sections are characterized by low horizontal tunnels forming mazes parallel to the coast and rudimentary conduits broken by fracture-controlled rooms. Access to the Sac Actun cave system is provided by multiple cenotes, such as Cenote Sac Actum, Cenote Dos Ojos, Cenote the Pit, etc., that dot the area. Over the years, teams of scientists and explorers have studied several miles of this cave system and discovered various archaeological and paleontological remains. For those who wish to explore Sac Actun, hire a local expert scuba guide having detailed knowledge about the different routes of this cave system.

Jewel Cave – 217.3 mi

The Jewel Cave National Monument , placed approximately 13 miles west of Custer in the Black Hills of southwestern South Dakota, preserves Jewel Cave, the world’s 5 th -longest cave with 217.32 miles of mapped passageways. Geological studies have revealed that a significant portion of the cave was formed within the Mississippian Pahasapa Limestone, deposited about 350 million years ago. The Jewel Cave features a succession of chambers joined by narrow passages. The cave is noted for its magnificent speleothems, including sparkling jewel-like calcite crystals or spar, stalactites, flowstone, frostwork, helictites, hydromagnesite balloon, etc.  In addition, the Jewel Cave is also home to about 9 species of bats, among which 5 species are permanent residents. The ponderosa pine forest above the cave surface is inhabited by different fauna like elk, coyotes, white-tailed deer, and numerous avian species.

In 1900, two local prospectors, Frank and Albert Michaud, first discovered and explored the Jewel Cave. The Michaud brothers tried to capitalize on their discovery and opened the cave as a tourist attraction. However, even though their attempt was unsuccessful, President Theodore Roosevelt designated the Jewel Cave a National Monument on February 7, 1908. Systematic exploration of the passageways began only in the late 1950s. The National Park Service currently offers three tours to the Jewel Cave all year round: the hour-long scenic tour, the lantern-guided historic tour, and a four-hour-long wild caving tour.

Optymistychna Cave – 164.4 mi

Also referred to as Peschtschera Optimistitscheskaya in the native Ukrainian language, Optymistychna Cave, with a total of 164.4 miles of mapped passageways, is Eurasia’s longest, and the world’s 6th-longest cave. Located close to Korolivka village in Chortkiv Raion within western Ukraine’s Ternopil Oblast, Optymistychna is also the world’s longest gypsum cave. The entire cave network lies underneath an area of about 2 sq. km in less than 98ft thick gypsum layer belonging to the Neogene period. Optymistychna is sometimes called a ‘maze cave,’ where the small cave passages form a dense network on several levels that are often clogged with mud. The cave’s gypsum bed is capped by a limestone layer that leaks into the cave through erosion, forming the calcite speleothems.

On May 8, 1966, a group of Lviv speleologists led by Myron Savchyn of “Cyclope,” the Lviv speleological club, first discovered the Optymistychna cave complex. Since then, there have been several expeditions to the cave. However, over the years, exploration activities have slowed down, and extremely few surveys are currently carried out. Optymistychna Cave was recognized as a “Natural Wonder of Ukraine” in 2008.

Wind Cave – 161.7 mi

The first cave to be designated as a national park, the Wind Cave National Park , located about 10 miles north of Hot Springs in the western portion of South Dakota, contains Wind Cave , the United States’ 3 rd -longest and the world’s 7 th -longest cave with 161.7 miles of explored passageways. Wind Cave is noted for its two unusual features: the reversible wind that continually flows in and out of the cave, equalizing the atmospheric pressure of the cave and the outside air; and an outstanding display of boxwork and frostwork calcite formations. Wind Cave is also considered the world’s densest cave system, with the greatest passage volume per cubic mile.

The Wind Cave National Park also includes the country’s largest remaining natural mixed-grass prairie that serves as an essential habitat for various native wildlife species such as bison, pronghorn, coyotes, elk, prairie dogs, raccoons, black-footed ferret, whooping crane, and many more. It is believed that the indigenous Native American tribes who lived in the area knew about an opening and regarded it as sacred for centuries. However, the first recorded discovery of the Wind Cave was by Jesse and Tom Bingham, who were attracted to the cave’s only natural opening by a loud whistling noise. From February 1892 onwards, the cave was opened for tourists. At present, various scheduled ranger-led tours to the Wind Cave are offered all year round.

Clearwater Cave System – 159.0 mi

Also known as Gua Air Jernih in the native Malay language, the Clearwater Cave System, located in Malaysia’s Gunung Mulu National Park , is the world’s 8th-longest cave, Southeast Asia’s most extended cave system, as well as one of the world’s largest interconnected cave systems by volume. The Clearwater Cave System is situated mainly beneath the western margins of the limestone mountain Gunung Api between the Cave of the Winds and Melinau Gorge. The first exploration of the Clearwater Cave System took place during the Royal Geographical Society Mulu Sarawak Expedition of 1977/78 when about 15 miles of cave passages were surveyed. Over the years, the Mulu Caves Project has conducted several expeditions that have increased the explored length of the cave.

It is interesting to note that the Clearwater Cave has an underground river, a portion of which is navigable by boat. One can reach the Clearwater Cave by trekking along a 2.48-mile-long nature trail or traveling by a long boat along the Melinau River. About 200 steps lead up through the forest to the cave’s mouth. A crystal-clear pool at the base of the steps offers visitors opportunities to take a refreshing dip.

Lechuguilla Cave – 150.4 mi

The remote desert terrain of the Guadalupe Mountains in southeastern New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns National Park is home to the 150.4-mile-long Lechuguilla Cave, the world’s 9th-longest explored cave and the continental United States’s 2nd-deepest cave, reaching a depth of about 1,604 ft below the surface. Famed for its uncommon geology, stunning formations, and unspoiled condition, the cave has been named after the canyon through which it can be entered that, in turn, is named after the native plant species – Agave lechuguilla . Lechuguilla Cave contains a wide variety of rare carbonate and sulfate speleothems, such as hydromagnesite balloons, 20 ft gypsum chandeliers, 15 ft soda straws, lemon-yellow sulfur deposits, cave pearls, etc.

This deep hypogenic cave was formed by the oxidation of hydrogen sulfide from hydrocarbons in the adjacent Delaware Basin. The hydrogen sulfide was absorbed into oxygenated water on bedrock surfaces and oxidized to sulfur and sulfuric acid. The acidified groundwater then infiltrated upward into the Capitan Formation’s carbonate rock, forming the Lechuguilla Cave. The reduction in aquifer level after the cave formation made it hydrologically isolated from phreatic groundwater. Moreover, the impermeable rock of the Yates Formation that overlies the Capitan Formation also makes the cave hydrologically isolated from above. Studies have reported the presence of rare chemolithoautotrophic bacteria in the cave. These bacteria are believed to feed on minerals (sulfur, iron, etc.), helping to enlarge the cave and determine the shape of the uncommon speleothems.

Until 1986, the Lechuguilla cave was considered an insignificant historic site at the Carlsbad Caverns National Park’s backcountry. The entrance passages were mined for small quantities of bat guano, while the cave’s 90 ft entrance pit named Misery Hole led to 400 ft of dry, dead-end passages. In 1984, a group of cavers from Colorado Grotto led by Dave Allured started digging, and extensive walking passages were successfully discovered on May 26, 1986. Since then, explorers have mapped over several miles of passages. However, currently, as a crucial conservation measure, access to the Lechuguilla Cave is restricted to only NPS-approved scientific researchers and exploration teams.

Fisher Ridge Cave System – 131.8 mi

The world’s 10 th -longest and United States’s 5 th -longest cave, the Fisher Ridge Cave System is a 131.8-mile-long cave system located in Kentucky’s Hart County close to the Mammoth Cave National Park. It is believed that the Archaic Native Americans were the earliest visitors to the Fisher Ridge Cave System. In January 1981, the cave was rediscovered by a group of Michigan cavers belonging to the Detroit Urban Grotto of the National Speleological Society.

The Fisher Ridge Cave System comprises two massive segments linked by a 1000-foot-long crawl in between. The cave’s Northtown Ridge portion is about 80 miles long and includes numerous sizeable dry tunnels similar to the nearby spectacular and storied Mammoth Cave system. The 50-mile-long Fisher Ridge section contains many active streams and two principal mid-level trunk sections. An uninterrupted set of deserted trunk passages spans about 5.5 miles, stretching from one end of the cave to another.

However, despite a separation of only 600ft between the closest cave passages, it is yet to be ascertained whether a connection exists between the Fisher Ridge Cave System and the Mammoth Cave system. The closest connection between the two cave systems is situated high in the ridges between the discrete passages, which is most likely not favorable for any connection. Moreover, a drainage divide exists between a significant part of these two cave systems. Therefore, even if a link exists, it is thought to be located quite deep in the active base-level streams. The Fisher Ridge and Mammoth Cave explorers have been conducting continuous explorations in search of a connection or favorable passageways between the two cave systems.

Being one of the most awe-inspiring formations on the Blue Planet, caves have evoked an immense interest in mankind through centuries. These delicate natural resources house an array of archeological as well as paleontological records that provide a glimpse into the Earth’s evolutionary past. Therefore, exploring such a subterranean cavern opens a completely new world to researchers and enthusiastic travelers. So, whether you are a pro spelunker or an avid adventurer, you must not miss a chance to visit any of the world’s longest caves and gather memories of a lifetime.

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What is South Dakota Known For? 5 Things South Dakotans Love About Themselves

D id you know that the amazing state of South Dakota is home to six national parks? With a population of around 895,000 people and an area of over 77,000 square miles, this state has plenty of natural beauty to take in. South Dakotans celebrate the history of their state, including many discoveries related to its earliest formation. Whether it’s a dig site showcasing prehistoric fossils, historic towns and businesses, or monuments to leaders in American history, South Dakota is known for its historic preservation. Even the geology of the land tells a story.

Badlands National Park

This National Park is a true treasure for nature lovers who are interested in everything from animals and plants to geology to prehistoric fossils. Badlands National Park covers around 244,000 acres and has places to camp, hike, drive, stargaze, and more. Astronomy is a popular pastime at the Badlands because the night sky is so dark and offers fantastic views of the cosmos. Even if you do not have experience or equipment, you can join a guided tour through the National Park Service.

Badlands National Park is also home to a fossil preparation lab. Because the site is home to so many fossils, not to mention the fascinating history of the land chronicled through geology, it is a prime location for researchers to work. During a visit, you can go on your own fossil hunt or take a guided tour through the lab at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.

Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills

Get up close with the larger-than-life figures of four amazing Presidents carved into stone in South Dakota’s Black Hills region. Mount Rushmore National Monument features the busts of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Carved over 14 years from 1927 to 1941, Mount Rushmore memorializes American ingenuity and work as much as it does the historic significance of the four Presidents.

The Black Hills also have cultural significance to Indigenous American tribes. 21 tribal nations collaborate with the National Park Service to preserve the history and access to the area surrounding Mount Rushmore. A carving of Lakota leader Crazy Horse is now underway in the Black Hills.

Historic Deadwood and Wall Drug

To experience what life was like in South Dakota during the gold rush of the late 19th century, visit Deadwood, South Dakota. This town on the western side of the state combines the history of the Wild West with modern amenities and activities. You can see the graves of famous figures such as Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickock. Later in the day, ski down one of South Dakota’s premier slopes. Winter is a great time to visit this part of South Dakota.

Wall Drug is another spot that is a famous attraction in South Dakota. This store dates back to the 1930s. Much of its appeal to visitors today is in how well it showcases that history. It began as a humble spot for travelers to stop for free water, a tradition that they continue today. If you are traveling across South Dakota, a visit to Wall Drug will allow you to travel the same route and the same way as tourists have for almost 100 years. if there’s one thing that South Dakotans love, it’s their state’s rich history.

Jewel Cave National Monument

One of the coolest places to visit in South Dakota lies underground. Jewel Cave National Monument has more than 200 miles of underground passages and caverns mapped. There are countless more still waiting to be discovered and explored. There are four different cave tour routes available, all guided by a knowledgeable park ranger, at various levels of difficulty.

This is a great place to visit to learn more about the formation of the fascinating rocks of South Dakota. Some of the oldest geological formations in the state formed as early as 2 billion years ago. Jewel Cave formed as a result of acidic groundwater moving through slowly beginning around 40 million years ago.

Prehistoric Mammoths

This South Dakota history predates even the earliest tribes of people living in the region. The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs was discovered in the 1970s when a housing development began construction. The team unearthed mammoth tusks and other fossils. Today, as many as 60 mammoths have been discovered. The site is one of the leading locations for mammoth research in the world. You can visit to see the researchers in action, tour the dig site, and learn more about mammoths at the interpretive displays.

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Driving from North Dakota to De Smet... - South Dakota Forum

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Driving from North Dakota to De Smet...

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Any thoughts are welcome, including "IDK, why aren't you asking the North Dakotans?".

2 replies to this topic

I would start this trip by heading east from Dickinson to Gladstone so that you can drive the Enchanted Highway from Gladstone to Regent. Along that route are 7 large metal sculptures that should “enchant” everyone in the family. Take your time driving this route and park at each sculpture to get out to see it up close and to do the accompanying activity, which should particularly appeal to the kids. For example, the Deer Crossing has a small maze and the Grasshoppers have some small ones on springs that the kids can ride ( like those at a playground). In the gift shop in Regent, you can get some ice cream. See: https://www.ndtourism.com/best-places/7-ways-be-awed-enchanted-highway

Once you leave Regent to drive to DeSmet, you will have a long drive through small towns on not-particularly-scenic roads. I just checked my AAA map of South Dakota and North Dakota. AAA maps designate scenic routes with a dotted line and there are no dotted lines on any route to DeSmet.

IMO, the roads east of the Missouri in SD are ho-hum. Good time to let your spouse drive and take a nap, lol. A few other things, though: *Check SD 511 for road construction closures. Summer is road construction season, and detours can be long. *The DeSmet attractions are run by two different groups. The historical society runs the surveyor’s house and Pa’s house in town. It looks like these sites are still closed on Sundays, if that makes a difference in your plans. A private group runs the homestead site, which consists of replicas. Pa’s trees are near the homestead site.

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