Visiting Jewel Cave
When visiting Jewel Cave National Monument there are a few things visitors should keep in mind. All cave tours are considered moderate to strenuous and The Discovery Talk is the only handicap accessible tour. Oxygen tanks are only allowed on the Discovery Tour. Cave tours are not recommended for anyone with claustrophobia, heart or respiratory problems, recent surgeries or illnesses and/or other physical limitations.
All cave tours are ranger guided. The cave temperature is 49 degrees Fahrenheit (9 degrees Celsius). A light jacket and low-heeled rubber-soled, closed-toe walking shoes are recommended for all tours. Please keep in mind that there are no restroom facilities in the cave.
There is no food, drink, candy, tobacco or gum allowed in Jewel Cave. You are also not allowed to bring large purses, bags or backpacks on the cave tours. Baby backpacks or slings are permitted in the cave. Because all tour participants need to have their hands free to grip the handrails, carrying children through the cave is not recommended. Flash photography is allowed on the Scenic Tour and Discovery Tour, but tripods are not.
No pets are allowed in the cave, with the exception of service animals.
There is no cell phone reception at Jewel Cave National Monument.
During 2008 Jewel Cave National Monument will celebrate its centennial through a series of events, programs and exhibits that will highlight the theme "Generations of Discovery." In anticipation of this significant milestone in the history of Jewel Cave, the monument staff has been working on improvements to park programs and facilities that will engage the local communities, as well as the many visitors to the Black Hills.
