Jewel Cave

Jewel Cave is a show cave in Custer County featuring more than 330 kilometers of explored underground passages. The cave impresses visitors with its shimmering calcite crystal formations that sparkle in the light.

Two gold prospectors named Frank and Albert Michaud discovered the cave in 1900 while investigating wind sounds from a rock opening. This accidental find led to decades of exploration that continues today.

The National Park Service provides guided tours with lanterns that replicate the exploration methods used by early cave investigators in the 1900s.

Access to the cave is provided through an elevator system from the visitor center, with different tour options ranging from 20 minutes to 4 hours. Visitors can choose a tour matching their interests and physical abilities.

Scientists estimate that only 3 to 5 percent of the cave system has been mapped. This low percentage suggests that thousands of additional miles of passages may still lie unexplored beneath the surface.

Location: Custer County

GPS coordinates: 43.72944,-103.82944

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:48