Located in South Dakota, it was established on this date in 1908.
It is the third longest cave system in the world; with over 208 miles of mapped and surveyed passages.
Jewel Cave was formed by the gradual dissolution of limestone by acid-rich water. The water enlarged a network of cracks formed during the uplift of the Black Hills roughly 60 million years ago. The layer of calcite crystals that covers much of the cave walls was created by the re-deposition of calcite from water saturated with the mineral.
After the water drained, speleothems (cave formations) began to form. Jewel Cave contains all the common types of calcite formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone and frostwork.
The dry parts of the cave contain some formations created by the deposition of gypsum such as gypsum needles, beards, flowers and spiders.
Finally, Jewel Cave contains a very rare formation called a hydromagnesite balloon. Those are created when gas of an unknown source inflates a pasty substance formed by the precipitation of the magnesium carbonate hydroxide mineral.
Jewel cave really is worth visiting. Otherworldly, in places.
Wind Cave is nearby. Although not as spectacular in some ways, they offer a "candlelight tour" which is amazing in its own way. When everyone blew out their candle lantern, the darkness was so complete... it's incredible how much light one little candle flame throws once your eyes are accustomed to the dark.
It’s amazing what nature can do. 208 miles is a pretty long distance. Can you explore the cave end to end? Is there a trail or a pathway like the one shown in the second pic that connects both ends?
@SW-User It is my understanding they have designated specific areas you can see. Some are short and easily accessible. Others are longer and more strenuous
I happened upon it many years ago on a family vacation. It was amazing! We've been in a fair number of caverns, but this one is completely unique and memorable.
@sciguy18 Yes, purely by accident, seeing the sign along the road. It is spectacular. At one point they had the lights off and shown flashlights around. The walls shone like diamonds.
Another amazing find was the Cody Museum in Cody Wyoming.
@sciguy18 I don’t either but the ones who told me said it seemed like a long road trip just to see Mt. Rushmore and basically nothing else in the area worth seeing. I knew about Carlsbad and the caves in southern Missouri but nothing about South Dakota.
@cherokeepatti I don’t know when your friends went, but these days you can check online to find attractions. I know there are a number of state and federal parks there. There is also a spot with tons of mammoth bones - if you’re into that sort of thing.
