Jewel Cave is the second longest cave in the world.  To date, over 135 miles of passages have been explored and surveyed, and airflow studies indicate that most of the cave has yet to be found.  Each year, explorers discover and map about two additional miles of cave passages.

The cave is well known for its natural beauty and unusual features. However, there is much more to the Monument than just the cave. Jewel Cave National Monument is also home to a variety of plants and animals, and has a fascinating wildfire history.