The Black Hills of South Dakota offer breathtaking views, and not all are above ground. Out of the 72 calcite crystal caves in the world, 68 of them are located in the Black Hills. Circling the Black Hills like a moat, these caves comprise the second longest chain of cavern systems on the planet.

The whole family will marvel at how stone mixed with the cool dampness can over eons of centuries make such wonderful and varied shapes. Young and old alike can learn much from a tour under the earth, then rest above and watch eagles soar and antelopes romp in their natural habitat. Easily planned as a day trip, the caves are just minutes from Rapid City. For vacationers, there are many facilities from campgrounds to lodges in the State Parks nearby.

Many of the caverns are “ wild caves”, still being explored and plotted by professional spelunkers and geologists Cave tours are available at eight “show” caves, designed with stairs, railings and lighting systems so tourists can experience the crystal formations, cool 50-degree temperatures and dripping ponds. Expect to find unusual formations of limestone stalagmites in shapes of helicopters, ribbon-like draperies and even popcorn. Tours generally take about an hour or two and are approximately a mile to a mile and a half in length. Please note the tours vary in physical difficulty. 

One of the most popular caves is Jewel Cave National Monument. Discovered in 1900, its majestic underground scenery urged President Theodore Roosevelt to declare it a national monument just eight years later.  Over 133 miles of the cave have been surveyed by spelunkers, making it the second longest cave known to man. But don’t worry. The public tours are geared to accommodate all types of visitors with a variety of physical capabilities.  The most popular tour is held in one room with only fifteen steps and still provides ample sights and wonders.

The Scenic Tour is a half-mile loop comprising of 723 steps scattered throughout the cave. Lasting about an hour and twenty minutes, it is offered year round by expert guides.

A Lantern Tour is offered for those who do not mind a more strenuous tour involving a lot of stooping, bending and walking on steep wooden steps. Carrying 1930-style lanterns, the tour is limited to twenty participants at a time from 6 years of age up and is offered from June to September. It lasts just under two hours.

Finally, spelunking tours lead hardhat, headlamp treks crouching and belly crawling through rooms such as the Brain Drain and Martha’s Kettle. Cavers squeeze through about two-thirds of a mile for about 3-4 hours.