A mechanical assessment of Jewel Cave National Monument's elevators has been put off for rescheduling, and cave tours will be available January 30-February 10/NPS

Jewel Cave National Monument in South Dakota will be fully open to visitors with regular cave tours from January 30 through February 10, as a mechanical assessment of the monument's elevators is being rescheduled.

"The work will be rescheduled as soon as possible in a way to minimize service disruptions to visitors, yet also providing the monument with valuable maintenance and safety information," said Chief of Interpretation Bradley Block, who said the change was needed due to an unexpected scheduling conflict by the contractor.

Previously, the park had announced that the elevator assessment would require all cave tours to be canceled for nearly two weeks. The elevator shafts and much of the related elevator system at Jewel Cave dates to the construction of the visitor center in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Over the past 50 years, the elevators have witnessed thousands of trips into the cave. Like any mechanical product, wear and tear has gradually occurred, and a proactive condition assessment is needed to ensure the best possible service for staff and guests, park officials said in announcing the maintenance check.

At this time, new dates for the assessment have not yet been set.

This project is the first step toward determining whether a new elevator system is needed, or if updates to certain aspects of the system will provide long-term viability. The monument has had some intermittent elevator issues in past years, which at times has caused a delay in visitor services. Furthermore, new technology is available that may create a more efficient system, enhance safety features, and offer energy savings.

For more information about cave tour times, fees, and program availability, contact the visitor center at 605-673-8300. Specific tour information is also online. Interested visitors are also welcome to follow the monument using social media at www.facebook.com/JewelCaveNPS or www.instagram.com/jewelcavenps.