Jewel Cave National Monument
The moderately strenuous 80-minute Scenic Tour descends into the cave by elevator and follows a lighted trail for a half-mile. There are 723 stairs along the trail. The Discovery Talk visits one room within the cave for a brief introduction to its cultural and natural history. This easy 20-minute program is ideal for those who have small children or are unable to participate in the more strenuous Scenic Tour.
The 1.75-hour, half-mile Historic Lantern Tour enters the cave through its historic entrance. The tour is conducted along an unpaved trail and is strenuous; participants must carry lanterns, which are provided. The 3- to 4-hour Wild Caving Tour follows unimproved passageways and is only for the hardiest explorer. Hard hats and battery-operated headlamps are provided; ankle-high, lace-up, lug-soled hiking boots, knee and elbow pads and work gloves are required. There is a minimum of two and a maximum of five people per tour.
Dress warmly, as the cave temperature is 49 degrees Fahrenheit year-round; comfortable, closed-toe, rubber-soled shoes are recommended. Picnicking on the monument grounds is permitted. Two trails are available for hikers. Visitor center open daily 8-5:30, mid-June to late Aug.; 8:30-5:30, Memorial Day through mid-June and late Aug.-Labor Day; 8:30-4:30, mid-Mar. through day before Memorial Day and day after Labor Day-late Nov.; Tues.-Sat. 8:30-4:30, rest of year. Closed Jan. 1, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Phone ahead to confirm hours.
Scenic Tour and Discovery Talk available year-round; Historic Lantern Tours conducted Memorial Day weekend-Labor Day; Wild Caving Tour conducted mid-June through Labor Day and occasionally in winter. Tour tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis; plan to arrive early.
Scenic Tour $12; $8 (ages 6-16 and Golden Age or Golden Access passport holders). Historic Lantern Tour $12; $8 (ages 6-16; $6 (Golden Age or Golden Access passport holders). Discovery Tour $4; free (ages 0-16 and Golden Age or Golden Access passport holders). Wild Caving Tour $31; $15.50 (Golden Age or Golden Access passport holders). Ages 0-5 are not permitted on the Lantern Tours, and ages 0-15 are not permitted on the Wild Caving Tour. Reservations are required for the Wild Caving Tour. For more information, phone (605) 673-8300.