Jewel Cave National Monument
Custer, SD, 49°F inside, from $16
A national park cave known for its boxwork formations, seen only on ranger-guided tours that start at the visitor center.
The story
In 1881 Tom and Jesse Bingham heard wind blowing out of a small hole while riding up a draw; Charlie Crary is believed to be the first person to go down into the cave, and Frank Herbert wrote the first known account of a trip inside that year. A 1959 National Speleological Society expedition mapped about 3 miles, and cavers have kept extending it since, adding around 7 miles a year since 1999.
- Found
- 1881
History source: nps.gov/wica.
What you'll see
- Elk's Room
- Post Office room
Tickets and timing
- Adults
- Natural Entrance Tour: $16 for adults ages 16 to 61; $8 for adults ages 62+
- Kids
- Natural Entrance Tour: $8 for children ages 6 to 15; free for ages 5 and under
- Booking
- About half the tickets for the Garden of Eden, Natural Entrance and Fairgrounds tours can be reserved on Recreation.gov (from about 120 days to 2 days ahead); the rest are sold same-day at the visitor center. Candlelight and Wild Cave tours are booked by phone (605-745-4600). Cards and digital payment only.
Getting around underground
- Wheelchairs
- There is a dedicated Accessibility Tour.
Dogs, weather and what to wear
- Dogs
- Pets must be leashed (max six feet) and are allowed only in grassy areas near the visitor center, Elk Mountain Campground, Prairie Vista Trail, and Elk Mountain Campground Trail. Not permitted on cave tours, in public buildings, or backcountry. Pet boarding available in Hot Springs and Custer.
Good to know
- Best time to go
- Tours often sell out March through October and on holiday weekends throughout winter; busy summer months.
- Wildlife
- Bison, elk, prairie dogs, and other wildlife roam the park.
- On site
- campground, visitor center
Special tours and events
Candlelight and Wild Cave tours run in summer only.
Getting there
26611 US Highway 385, Hot Springs, SD 57747
- Rapid Cityabout 37 miles
Distances are straight-line from each city center.
Before you go
- Tours often sell out March–October and on winter holiday weekends; same-day tickets can go 1–2 hours before tour time.
Questions people ask
Can you visit Wind Cave National Park in a wheelchair?
There is a dedicated Accessibility Tour.
Are dogs allowed at Wind Cave National Park?
Pets must be leashed (max six feet) and are allowed only in grassy areas near the visitor center, Elk Mountain Campground, Prairie Vista Trail, and Elk Mountain Campground Trail. Not permitted on cave tours, in public buildings, or backcountry. Pet boarding available in Hot Springs and Custer.
Do you need to book Wind Cave National Park in advance?
About half the tickets for the Garden of Eden, Natural Entrance and Fairgrounds tours can be reserved on Recreation.gov (from about 120 days to 2 days ahead); the rest are sold same-day at the visitor center. Candlelight and Wild Cave tours are booked by phone (605-745-4600). Cards and digital payment only.
When was Wind Cave National Park discovered?
1881, according to the cave's own history.
Where is Wind Cave National Park?
26611 US Highway 385, Hot Springs, SD 57747
Listed in: wheelchair-accessible caves, lantern and flashlight tours, caves with camping or lodging
Checked on 2026-10-22 against nps.gov/wica (home and guided tours pages). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.