The National Park Service (NPS) protects and preserves so many unique environments and landscapes, including caves. Jewel Cave National Monument in South Dakota is one such unique cave system within the NPS purview. At 220 mapped miles (354 km), Jewel Cave is considered one of the longest caves in the world. There’s even speculation (no proof … yet) that it might be connected to 167-mile-long (268.8-km) Wind Cave in Wind Cave National Park, 29 miles (46.7 km) away, although there are reasons why this may not be the case.

Discovered in 1900 by gold prospectors and brothers Frank and Albert Michaud, Jewel Cave became the first cave to ever be protected as a national monument in 1908. Further investigation has led to the belief there are another 5,000 – 7,000 miles (8,047 – 11,265 km) left to explore.

Both above and below ground, this national monument’s landscape provides habitat for birds, bats (10 species, 5 of which make their home year-round in the cave), mammals, and reptiles.

While wandering above ground, you will notice remnants of charred and downed trees, the result of the 2000 Jasper Fire which burned approximately 90 percent (>83,000 acres / ~34,000 hectares) of the land area of Jewel Cave National Monument. You will also notice saplings protected by white net tubes dotting the hillsides, part of an ongoing U.S. Forest Service reforestation project.

Jewel Cave is indeed a jewel among caves and an overlooked gem of the National Park System. While this national monument may not be the final stop on your national park trip, it should still be on your radar and is worth a visit – not only to take one or more of the cave tours offered, but also to explore the landscape and history above ground without the crowds and congestion prevalent in so many other parks.

Traveler’s Choice For: cave formations, bats, history, geology