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Improved Safety At Jewel Cave National Monument Clears The Way For Younger Tour Participants

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Published Date

February 13, 2016

Installation of fencing in strategic spots along the Scenic Tour at Jewel Cave National Monument has led to the decision to let children under the age of 5 to once again go on the tour.

The age restriction was implemented last July 28 in response to safety concerns along the tour route. A chain-link fence has been installed in key locations along the tour route and around the various platforms to provide a safer environment for visitors and staff, a park release said.

"Over the past six months, considerable work and effort has been made to increase and enhance the safety measures along the Scenic Tour route. Safety is of prime importance, and we appreciate the public's patience while we completed the improvements," said monument Superintendent Bonnie Schwartz. "The lifting of the age restriction comes at a time, when the NPS is celebrating its Centennial in 2016, and the Monument is gearing up for what we feel will be an exciting and memorable summer season."

In 2015, 117,399 people visited the Monument, of which about 45 percent took part in the Scenic Tour. Families comprise the majority of park users, and tour popularity occurs in June, July, August, and early September.

Although the Scenic Tour is available for children under the age of five, there still is an inherent risk while visiting any natural environment. For this reason, additional safety guidance is available to accommodate youth on guided cave tours. For more information, you can visit the Monument online at www.nps.gov/jeca and click on the Plan Your Visit –Safety icon or call the visitor center at (605) 673-8300.

The Monument, located in Custer, South Dakota, is currently open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Guided cave tours are only offered on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays each week during the winter months.

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