Jewel Cave and Wind Cave are not very far apart, yet are very different caves. Unlike Wind Cave, Jewel Cave has traditional stalactites and stalagmites, and other common formations. It also has formations that resemble pearls and other gems, giving the cave its name.

Jewel Cave was the first National Monument, so designated by President Roosevelt in 1908. At over 200 explored miles, it is longer than neighboring Wind Cave and the second longest in the United States. Experts believe that there remain many more miles.

Do Jewel Cave and Wind Cave link together somewhere? So far, no link has been found. Some feel it is inevitable, though others think they do not given the differences in the caves' environments.

We did not take an actual tour of this cave, having seen Wind Cave earlier. However, we did take in the park video and exhibit room.