Jewel Cave Programs, Facilities and Services
Surface Activities and Ranger Programs
In addition to the cave tours and Discovery Talk, there are many opportunities for exploring the surface of Jewel Cave National Monument. The 1,279-acre park is located in a Ponderosa pine forest. The Jasper Fire of August 24, 2000 has changed the scenery of the monument but it is an opportunity to see firsthand the forest recovery process.
There are two surface trails that allow you to take a walk on the “roof” of Jewel Cave to discover the relationship between the cave and the monument’s ponderosa pine forests, meadows, hills and canyons. A variety of ranger talks, demonstrations and guided walks are offered on the surface as well. Program topics include cave exploration, wildlife, fire ecology, Jasper Fire and wildflowers and plants of the area. These programs are regularly scheduled from mid-June through mid-August. Some are offered year-round. These programs are free of charge.
Wildflower Viewing
There are 393 plants that grow around Jewel Cave National Monument. Visitors can find wildflowers at the visitor center, the historic area and along all surface trails. We ask that visitors enjoy the flowers but please do not pick or otherwise disturb them.
Bird Watching
There are approximately 120 species of birds that can be seen at Jewel Cave National Monument. Some are abundant, like the red-breasted nuthatch, while others, like the bald eagle, are uncommon but are seen occasionally. You can pick up a bird list at the visitor center.
Wildlife
Wildlife is abundant at Jewel Cave National Monument. Most live in the forest and open meadows of the surface but some also live in the cave itself. Over 1,000 bats hibernate in Jewel Cave during the winter and some stay into the summer. Many packrats also make the cave their year-round home. They can sometimes be seen on the Lantern Tour. On the surface, you can see herds of white-tailed deer, mule deer, rabbits, red squirrels and birds.
Facilities
The Visitor Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with extended summer hours. The visitor center features exhibits of cave formations and explorations; cave tour information and tickets; and bookstore. Rangers are available to orient you to the monument and answer questions.
Services
Food, gas, lodging and camping are available in the gateway towns of Custer and Newcastle, WY.
Directions
Jewel Cave National Monument is located in the Black Hills National Forest. It is located just off Hwy 16, 13 miles west of Custer, SD and 23 miles east of Newcastle, WY.
