The Jewel Cave National Monument Custer, South Dakota

Click RV to return home.............

Jewel Cave is located on highway 16
just 13 miles west of Custer, SD. It's one of the world's longest caves and was first discovered in the 1930's. The stone staircase decending down to the entrance was built by the CCC.
We took the Lantern Tour which entailed stooping, duck walking and
navigating through large rooms and low, narrow passages for 1/2 mile using only a kerosene lantern for guidance. At one point, the ranger instructed us to extinguish our lanterns so we could experience "pure" darkness. It was at times treaturous and exciting and is re- commended only for those who are
adventurous.

Getting ready to experience darkness in a cave.

Here We Go!

Click RV to return to Sept '05........