Operating Hours & Seasons - Jewel Cave National Monument (U.S. ...

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Operating Hours & Seasons

Advance cave tour reservations are available on recreation.gov and are strongly recommended. Same day tickets are not guaranteed. The booking window closes at noon the day before, and can close earlier if the tour sells out. All cave access is by guided tour only. The Visitor Center, Park Store, surface trails, and picnic areas are currently open Mondays to Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time. Please be advised that the main entrance gate is closed promptly at 4:30 p.m.; visitors and hikers should plan their day accordingly. The Jewel Cave Historic Area is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time. Visitor Center hours and tour times are subject to change due to staff availability, inclement weather, emergency situations, construction projects, and/or special events. In the event of inclement weather during the off-season, visitors are advised to contact the visitor center at (605) 673-8300 for updated information.   Cave Tour Times For more information about ticket prices, please visit Fees & Passes. Contact the Visitor Center at (605) 673-8300 for more information. Please be advised that all tours are weather dependent and may be delayed or cancelled due to inclement weather. Visit Guided Tours for tips on preparing for a visit to Jewel Cave. October 2024 to May 4, 2025 Visitor Center: Open Monday through Saturday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Please note the Visitor Center will be closed on December 25 and January 1. Scenic Tour: 9:00 am, 9:30 am*, 10:45 am*, 12:45 pm*, 2:15 pm*, & 2:45 pm Discovery Tour: 9:45 am*, 11:45 am*, 1:45 pm, 3:45 pm* * = Same day tickets only available when staffing allows, interested parties are recommended to arrive early for same day availability. May 5, 2025, to May 24, 2025 Visitor Center: Open Monday through Saturday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Scenic Tour: 9:00 am, 9:20 am*, 10:00 am*, 10:20 am*, 12:00 pm*, 12:20 pm*, 1:00 pm, 1:20 pm*, 2:20 pm*, 2:40 pm Discovery Tour: 9:35 am, 11:35 am*, 12:35 pm*, 1:35 pm, 3:35 pm* * = Same day tickets only available when staffing allows, interested parties are recommended to arrive early for same day availability. May 25, 2025, to September 1, 2025 Visitor Center: Open Daily, 8:00 am to 5:30 pm Scenic Tour: 8:20 a.m., 8:40 a.m.**, 9:20 a.m.**, 9:40 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 10:20 a.m.**, 10:40 a.m., 11:20 a.m.**, 11:40 a.m.**, 12:20 p.m., 12:40 p.m.**, 1:20 p.m., 1:40 p.m.**, 2:20 p.m.**, 2:40 p.m.**, 3:20 p.m., 3:40 p.m.** Discovery Tour: 8:55 a.m., 10:55 a.m.**, 11:55 a.m., 12:55 p.m.**, 1:55 p.m., 2:55 p.m.**, 3:55 p.m. Historic Lantern Tour: Tour times will be starting June 1st: 9:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2:15 p.m.**, 3:30 p.m. Wild Cave Tour: 9:30 a.m. on select Fridays through Mondays (beginning May 30) Reservations through Recreation.gov Required ** = First come, first served tour only available when staffing allows. Interested parties are recommended to arrive early for same day availability. September 2, 2025, to September 27, 2025 September reservations are delayed while the park awaits more information on dates of a generator installation. This installation may impact tour availability. Call 605-673-8300 if you have further questions and we appreciate your patience. Visitor Center: Open Monday through Saturday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Scenic Tour: 9:00 am, 9:20 a.m.*, 10:00 a.m., 10:20 a.m.*, 10:40 a.m., 11:00 a.m.*, 11:20 a.m., 12:00 p.m. *, 1:00 p.m.*, 1:20 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 2:20 p.m.*, 2:40 p.m. Discovery Tour: 9:35 a.m., 11:35 a.m.*, 12:35 p.m.*, 1:35 p.m., 3:35 p.m.* Wild Cave Tour: Available at 9:30 a.m. on select days * = First come, first served tour only available when staffing allows. Interested parties are recommended to arrive early for same day availability.   September 28, 2025, to May 2026 Visitor Center: Open Monday through Saturday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Please note the Visitor Center will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, December 25 and January 1. Scenic Tour: Tour times will be updated in early September. Discovery Tour: Tour times will be updated in early September. ** = First come, first served tour only available when staffing allows. Interested parties are recommended to arrive early for same day availability.

Last updated: September 1, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

11149 U.S. Hwy. 16 Building B12 Custer, SD 57730

Phone:

605 673-8300 The main phone line connects visitors with staff at the visitor center. Throughout the year, the phone line is monitored by staff on a daily basis, excluding holidays and days with limited visitor services. Please be advised that after-hours messages are not taken on the system; visitors are encouraged to call the visitor center during normal operations and speak with a park ranger for assistance.

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