This is the original entrance to Jewel Cave used by rangers and visitors alike until 1972 when the modern Visitor Center and elevators opened. The Historic Entrance is still used for access to the Historic Lantern Tour and is currently the only known natural entrance to Jewel Cave.
Jewel Cave National Monument Historic Area Signage is located 13.5 miles from Custer, South Dakota, and 23.8 miles from Newcastle, Wyoming, the replica historic cabin signage visible from U.S. Route 16 marks 600 feet until the original ranger station. Journeying down this historic driveway, you travel on the same route utilized by both guests and federal employees since the creation of Jewel Cave’s original entry station and Visitor Center in 1935.
Begin your visit to the monument at the visitor center where there is an information desk, park store, exhibits, drinking fountain, restrooms, a theater for the park film, and elevators for the Scenic Tour and the Discovery Tour. The visitor center hours, kiosk, theater, and tour times vary by season.
Open seasonally, the park theater offers seating for approximately 30 people. Throughout the summer, the 23-minute park movie, "Discovery in the Darkness", is played at scheduled times. The park theater may be used for other special events or programs throughout the year.
Ranger guided cave tours are required for access to Jewel Cave and all visitors who participate in a tour must have a ticket. Tickets are sold on-site at the Ticket Kiosk on a first come first serve basis on the day of the tour. Tickets are limited by tour type, and tours often sell out by mid to late morning during the summer season (May through September).
A map of Jewel Cave National Monument, showing the locations of the Cabin, the Canyons Trail, and available amenities: information, seasonal parking, picnic area, and seasonal restroom.
