With
more than 129 miles surveyed, Jewel Cave is recognized as the third longest
cave in the world. Airflow within its passages indicates a vast area yet
to be explored. Cave tours provide opportunities for viewing this pristine
cave system and its wide variety of speleothems including stalactites,
stalagmites, draperies, frostwork, flowstone, boxwork and hydromagnesite
balloons. The cave is an important hibernaculum for several species of
bats.
Jewel Cave National Monument was established by Presidential Proclamation
on February 7, 1908.
Operating Hours & Seasons
Daily, summer: 8:00
a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; winter: hours for visitation may vary, but generally
the Visitor Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except on
Thanksgiving Day, December 25 and January 1.
Communities
Surrounding Jewel Cave National Monument
Note: The times listed below are approximate driving times to the park.
With
more than 129 miles surveyed, Jewel Cave is recognized as the third longest
cave in the world. Airflow within its passages indicates a vast area yet
to be explored. Cave tours provide opportunities for viewing this pristine
cave system and its wide variety of speleothems including stalactites,
stalagmites, draperies, frostwork, flowstone, boxwork and hydromagnesite
balloons. The cave is an important hibernaculum for several species of
bats.