Jewel Cave National Monument in South Dakota is the second longest cave in the world, named for its calcite spar crystals. Discovered in 1900, it was declared a national monument in 1908 and continues to operate as a tourist attraction. The cave’s known passages extend beyond the monument’s boundaries, and researchers believe there are still many more to be discovered. The park also offers surface hiking trails and guided tours.
Jewel Cave National Monument, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota in the United States (USA), is the second longest cave in the world. The cave is not named after any actual jewel it holds, but rather for the calcite spar crystals that shimmer like jewels along the walls and ceiling. It spans approximately 150 miles (240 km) and is second only to Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky, also in the United States, which more than doubles Jewel Cave National Monument at 367 miles (590 km). Jewel Cave was discovered in 1900 and US President Theodore Roosevelt declared it a national monument on February 7, 1908. It continues to operate as a tourist attraction under the National Parks Service, a division of the US Department of the Interior.
Jewel Cave was discovered in 1900 by brothers Frank and Albert Michaud. Thinking the cave had some significance, the two filed a mining claim under the heading of a “Jewel Tunnel Lode.” For a few years, the Michaud brothers attempted to turn the cave into a tourist site, but eventually sold it to the US government for $750. The government has continued efforts to bring tourists to Jewel Cave National Monument, while researchers have continued to explore its passageways. In 1935, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) used a $1500 government budget to create new public and park service amenities. A three-room cabin was built for use by rangers, and amenity stations with functioning restrooms were provided for tourists. The CCC also expanded the entrance to the cave.
Up until 1959, only two miles (3.2 km) of the cave had been discovered. By 1961, however, more than 15 miles (24 km) of cave passages had been carved out, thanks to an ambitious effort led by climbers Herb and Jann Conn, along with geologist Dwight Deal. While the discovery was exciting, it presented problems. The newly traced passages extended beyond the boundaries of the initial Jewel Cave National Monument and into United States Forest Service lands. This was resolved by exchanging land with the Forest Service, thus extending the boundaries of the monument. The National Park Service quickly established a new visitor center and began conducting new touring trails. Other features were also added over a five-and-a-half-year renovation period, such as an elevator, parking and maintenance area.
Even today, more than 45 percent of the cave’s known passages extend beyond the boundaries of Jewel Cave National Monument and into the Black Hills National Forest. Based on the cave’s airflow, the researchers believe there are still many more cave passageways to be discovered. Qualified volunteers continue to map an average of 3 miles (4.8km) of previously unexplored territory per year.
Jewel Cave National Monument is also home to a variety of surface hiking trails. There are 1,279 acres (5.17 square kilometers) of forest within the park for you to browse and explore. Guides offer tours inside the cave and on surface trails. Some topics the tours focus on are bird watching and wildflowers. Above ground tours are free, while tours inside the cave are offered for a fee.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
