There are more than 100 known caves in the Black Hills surrounding Mount Rushmore – this hidden network of underground wonders is one of America’s last great frontiers, waiting to be explored. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of a wild caving expedition, tracing the footsteps of 19th-century gold miners, or simply looking to cool off on a hot summer day, there’s a subterranean adventure here for everyone. Each cave is unique, so if you have time, it’s worth it to explore more than one.
Here’s your guide to caves in the Black Hills of South Dakota – a world of stalactites, stalagmites, and shimmering crystals beneath your feet.
Jewel Cave National Monument
One of the world’s longest caves (with more than 220 miles of mapped passages), Jewel Cave is among the Great 8 Wonders of South Dakota – and a true hidden gem for travelers seeking something extraordinary. Calcite crystals glimmer along the cave walls, while fragile formations shaped over millennia create a breathtaking underground landscape.
Jewel Cave offers several tours to choose from. The Discovery Tour is a 20-minute intro to the cave’s first chamber on an accessible route, making it a good option for families with young children or those short on time. The Scenic Tour lasts 1.5 hours, covering a 0.5-mile route that involves walking up and down 734 stairs along a paved, well-lit trail. Step back to the 1940s on the Historic Lantern Tour (summer-only), a 1-hour 45-minute journey along a half-mile rustic trail lit by lanterns, with 600 steep, narrow stairs and plenty of bending and ducking through tight passages. For serious adventurers, the Wild Caving Tour offers a 3- to 4-hour challenge, navigating the cave with rope climbs, rock scrambles, and belly crawls through tight passages.
Managed by the National Park Service (NPS), Jewel Cave offers both underground adventures and scenic surface trails. The Visitor Center, Park Store, and picnic area are open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Above ground, easy-to-moderate hiking trails invite visitors to stretch their legs and enjoy wildflowers and wildlife. Surface trails are free to explore, but guided cave tours require a ticket (not covered by the Annual Pass). Reservations are recommended on recreation.gov, as same-day tickets are limited and sold first-come, first-served at the Visitor Center.
Wonderland Cave
This cave came to light in 1929 when two loggers were searching for a lost dog. After its rediscovery and a short-lived gold-mining attempt, the same men opened Wonderland Cave for tours in the summer of 1930 – and visitors have been descending into its glittering depths ever since.
Known for having the largest variety of crystals in the region, the cave also features more than two dozen chambers filled with classic stalactites and stalagmites. Tours last around two hours, and the on-site gift shop sells local crystals as sparkling souvenirs. The cave operates seasonally from May through October, Wednesday to Sunday, and no reservations are required (though they can be made by phone at 605-578-1728).
Black Hills Caverns
Rediscovered by gold seekers in 1882, Black Hills Caverns in Rapid City offers a perfect family-friendly experience, allowing visitors to explore three levels of the caverns and see the most variety of formations in the area. Formed from Paha Sapa Limestone some 340 million years ago at the bottom of an ancient sea, the caverns feature winding passageways lined with flowstone, boxwork, and crystals.
Walking surfaces, steps, handrails, and lighting make the cave accessible for exploration while preserving its natural state. Choose from two guided experiences: the Adventure Tour, which lasts one hour and showcases the best variety of cave formations, or the Crystal Tour to see millions of calcite crystals. Tours depart every 20 minutes, but hours vary seasonally, so check the Black Hills Caverns website before visiting.
Wind Cave National Park
Another of South Dakota’s Great 8 Wonders, and long held sacred by the Lakota, Wind Cave is one of the world’s most complex cave systems. Guided tours shed light on its beautiful calcite boxwork and underground lakes located deep inside the caves.
Managed by the NPS, the park offers several tours led by park rangers, including the Garden of Eden, Natural Entrance, Fairgrounds, and Accessibility Tours. Tickets can be purchased in advance from recreation.gov. The Candlelight and Wild Cave Tours (summer-only) must be reserved by phone (605-745-4600) up to one month in advance during Visitor Center hours. Learn more about the specific tours here.
Wind Cave National Park does not charge an entry fee; however, to enter the cave, a ticket for a guided tour must be purchased. Advanced reservations are available and recommended as tours often sell out. Otherwise, tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis from the Visitor Center during caving season.
Above ground, visitors can hike the Rankin Ridge Nature Trail, which offers panoramic views of the Black Hills and the chance to spot bison, elk, and pronghorn antelope roaming the grasslands.
Rushmore Cave
If you’re looking for a family-friendly day out near Mount Rushmore, explore Rushmore Cave at Rush Mountain Adventure Park. The cave itself was the park’s original attraction and remains one of the most accessible caves in the Black Hills.
Inside, you’ll wander through subterranean passageways, past limestone formations and stalactite rooms, including the Big Room, home to more stalactites than any other cave in the Black Hills. Guided tours last about one hour, and an expert guide shares insights into local history, geology, and the hidden world that lies beneath our feet. Cave tours depart regularly during the summer; no reservations are required. But the last tour leaves one hour before closing.
After your underground adventure, enjoy a mountain coaster, zipride, interactive shooting gallery, gemstone mining, challenge course, and snack bar for an all-day outing packed with fun and thrills.
What to Know Before You Go
Caving in the Black Hills is generally safe and incredibly rewarding, but it’s important to know how to prepare:
- Wear closed-toe shoes like tennis shoes, sneakers, or hiking boots.
- Bring a light jacket. Caves hover around 50 °F, even in the summer.
- Leave large bags behind. Most caves don’t allow large purses or backpacks.
- Note restrictions for children. Some cave tours have age restrictions. Small children are typically not allowed to be carried, although some tours permit front-facing carriers.
- Check tour difficulty. Find the one that’s right for you and check directly with the cave staff if you’re unsure.
- Protect and preserve these underground wonders. Don’t touch or sit on cave surfaces.
- Most caves allow photos to be taken on tours.
- Each cave has its own rules and reservation systems. Check ahead for updated hours, prices, and safety requirements.
Glamping in the Black Hills
After a day of underground adventure, return to the fresh air and forested slopes of Under Canvas Mount Rushmore, just four miles from Mount Rushmore National Monument. Tucked among ponderosa pines and juniper on an original gold mining settlement, the camp combines nature and comfort with upscale safari-inspired tents, on-site dining, and nightly campfires under the stars. With majestic views of Mount Rushmore and easy access to the region’s most spectacular caves, Under Canvas is the ideal basecamp for adventures in the Black Hills of South Dakota from April through September.