The Cave Guide

Black Hills Caverns

Rapid City, SD
1 hr
on the main tour
$21.50
adult ticket

A cave on Highway 44 west of Rapid City with a one-hour tour of all three levels or a half-hour Crystal Tour.

The story

The Black Hills Caverns was discovered in 1882 by gold seekers, though the Lakota Indians located the caverns centuries before. Only a select few Black Hills residents knew the caves existed, and those that did were careful to preserve what they found. Walking surfaces, steps, hand rails and lighting have been added to the cave, and tours aim to give visitors an idea of what the original explorers experienced. The cave is described as actively explored, revealing new wonders.

Found
1882

History source: blackhillscaverns.com.

What you'll see

  • Calcite Crystals
  • Crystal formations
  • Limestone tunnels
  • Underground stream

Tickets and timing

Adults
$21.50 Adventure Tour, $18.50 Crystal Tour
Kids
$14.50 / $12.50 (ages 5–12), free under 5
How long it takes
1 hour (Adventure, 3/4 mile) or 30 minutes (Crystal, 1,500 ft)
Hours
Mon–Fri 9am–4pm, Sat–Sun 9am–5pm. Last Adventure Tour 2:20pm; Crystal Tour 3:30pm.
Booking
Tickets online; walk-ins welcome.

Getting around underground

The walk
Moderate walking on both tours.

Dogs, weather and what to wear

Temperature
Between 48 and 50 degrees

Good to know

Elevator
No elevator; the cave is free of elevators or escalators.
Wildlife
A few bats near the natural entrance, moss around the electric lights, and bacteria in the underground stream.
On site
Gift & Rock Shop, Gemstone Panning, Crystal Mining

Getting there

2600 Cavern Road, Hwy 44 West, Rapid City, SD 57702

Directions in Google Maps

Distances are straight-line from each city center.

Questions people ask

How long does a visit to Black Hills Caverns take?

1 hour (Adventure, 3/4 mile) or 30 minutes (Crystal, 1,500 ft)

How cold is it inside Black Hills Caverns?

Between 48 and 50 degrees.

Do you need to book Black Hills Caverns in advance?

Tickets online; walk-ins welcome.

When was Black Hills Caverns discovered?

1882, according to the cave's own history.

Where is Black Hills Caverns?

2600 Cavern Road, Hwy 44 West, Rapid City, SD 57702

Checked on 2026-10-22 against blackhillscaverns.com (official site). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.

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