When most people think of a national monument, the picture things like the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC or perhaps the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery. However, there are many other national monuments around the country. One of the most spectacular is Jewel Cave National Monument in South Dakota. Located in the Black Hills National Forest and covering almost 1,300 acres, this monument is home to the second longest cave in the world.
The currently explored length of the cave is just over 141 miles in length, though new passages and new parts of the cave are still being discovered. This area is rich in beauty and in things to entice visitors to the area. You’ll discover why it’s called "Jewel" Cave. Beautiful calcite crystals "grow" like delicate pink flowers throughout the cave. Gypsum strands and incredible stone formations are found throughout the cave. In fact, this is the most diverse cave system in the world.
Visitors will find a number of ranger-guided tours through the cave, from casual walking tours discussing the formation and history of the cave to more adventurous spelunking expeditions. Enjoy hiking and walking trails above the cave, experience the immense natural beauty and rich history of the area throughout the year.