Jewel Cave, Show cave in Custer County, United States
Jewel Cave extends through 335 kilometers of underground passages, featuring calcite crystal formations, making it the third-longest cave system worldwide.
Two gold prospectors, Frank and Albert Michaud, discovered the cave in 1900 after investigating wind sounds coming from a natural rock opening.
The National Park Service provides guided tours with lanterns that replicate the exploration methods used by early cave investigators in the 1900s.
Visitors can access the cave through an elevator system from the main center, with multiple tour options ranging from 20 minutes to 4 hours.
Scientists estimate that only 3 to 5 percent of the cave system has been mapped, suggesting potential additional passages spanning thousands of miles.
Location: Custer County
GPS coordinates: 43.72944,-103.82944
Latest update: March 8, 2025 11:42
South Dakota holds natural spaces, historical sites, and cultural locations beyond Mount Rushmore. These locations include waterfalls in Spearfish Canyon, Native American heritage sites, underground caves, and geological formations in the Badlands. Museums, parks, and historical buildings across the state present regional artifacts, art collections, and educational displays. Natural areas provide opportunities for wildlife observation, hiking, and outdoor activities.
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Black Elk Peak
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Custer State Park
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Black Hills Institute of Geological Research, Inc.
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Black Elk Wilderness
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Black Hills Playhouse
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Crazy Horse Memorial
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Wyoming Army National Guard Cavalry Stable
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Weston County Courthouse
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Peter Norbeck Summer House
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Custer County Courthouse
18.8 km
Beaver Creek Rockshelter
33.3 km
Beaver Creek Bridge
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Jewel Cave Ranger Station
1.1 km
Black Elk Peak Lookout Tower
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Mount Coolidge Lookout Tower
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Sunday Gulch Trail
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Rankin Ridge Lookout Tower
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Historic Trail and Cave Entrance
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Civilian Conservation Corps Museum
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Dogie Theater
33.2 km
Elk Mountain Campground
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Jewel Cave Visitor Center
40 m
Elk Mountain Lookout Tower
17 kmReviews
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