Jewel Cave
- South Dakota
photo: National Park Service
Why go there?
Jewel Cave is a journey into the past with a spectacular view. Once a mining claim filed by Frank and Albert Michaud in 1900, the brothers described the entrance as a hole that was too small for human entry. After subsequent enlargement with dynamite, they entered the cave with Charles Bush, a friend of the family, discovering crawlways and an interesting formation they called The Chimney. It wasn't until 1907 that actual mining of the cave began. Although no jewels or precious minerals were found, the mineral interesting calcite crystals were discovered. The beauty of the calcite found inside Jewel Cave led to it being declared a National Monument in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt. Today, Jewel Cave is open to the public for tours year-round, and it's definitely worth a visit!
