Mount Rushmore Theodore Roosevelt and Badlands Self-Guided Tour

Rapid City , United States

Mount Rushmore Theodore Roosevelt and Badlands Self-Guided Tour

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the wonders of the American heartland with our Mount Rushmore & Great Plains Audio Tour Bundle! Marvel at the iconic Mount Rushmore, where our guides share fascinating stories about the presidents carved into the mountain and the history behind this monumental project. Then, journey through the vast Great Plains, exploring wide-open prairies, historic landmarks, and diverse wildlife. Learn about the Native American history, pioneer trails, and natural beauty that define this region. Perfect for families, history buffs, and adventure seekers, this bundle offers a captivating and educational experience. Simply download, plug in your headphones, and set off on a remarkable journey through Mount Rushmore and the Great Plains!

*Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*

Available options

Mount Rushmore Theodore Roosevelt and Badlands Self-Guided Tour

What's included

Tours NEVER expire

Freedom to explore at your own pace

Offline map (no wifi or data needed)

Turn-by-turn directions using GPS

Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music

Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive

What's not included

Meals and Refreshments

Private Transportation

Entrance Fees

Parking Fees

Cosmos Mystery Area: $14 per adult

Custer State Park: $20 per vehicle

Available languages

Audio guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Mount Rushmore Starting Points: • Rapid City • Three Forks • Highway 16 • Highway 385 • Highway 87

Theodore Roosevelt Starting Points: • I-94 E (Sentinel Butte) • Highway 85 (Northbound) • Highway 85 (Southbound) • Dickinson, North Dakota

Badlands Starting Points: • Wasta, SD • Kadoka, SD • Conata, SD • Interior, SD

Get Started Easily: • Book Your Tour: Receive a confirmation and easy instructions via email. • Download the App: Follow the simple steps in your email. • Redeem the Tour: Use the redeem code in your email to redeem the tour in the app. • Prepare Ahead: Download the tour using strong Wi-Fi.

Begin Your Journey: • Select Your Tour: Go to the My Stuff tab in the Shaka Guide app to launch the tour. • Start the Tour: Select the tour starting point and follow the GPS instructions. • Follow Shaka Guide: Stick to the suggested route and speed for the best experience.

Why Choose Our Audio Tour: • Cost-Efficient: One tour for the entire vehicle—no per-person fees! • Ultimate Flexibility: Start, pause, and resume on your schedule. • Convenience: Use the tour any day, over multiple days if needed.

Top Features: • Hands-Free: The tour works automatically - GPS-activated stories, directions, and music play as you drive for a seamless experience. • Works Offline: No need for continuous wifi or data. • Reliable Support: Get help via call, chat, or email.

Private and Personalized: • Crowd-Free: Enjoy a private tour with just your group. • Customizable Stops: Pick the stops you want and skip the ones you don’t!

The Ultimate Guided Tour: • Detailed Itinerary: Includes travel tips and recommendations. • Engaging Narration: Captivating stories and history.

What Our Users Say: • “A fantastic way to explore! Easy to use and very informative.” • “Loved the flexibility to stop and go as we pleased. Highly recommend!”

Meeting point

Tours' start is customizable. Check the app for directions.

Important notes

HOW TO REDEEM YOUR TOUR:

Thank you for purchasing the Great Plains Bundle.

Before you start your adventure, you'll need to redeem and download the tour in the Shaka Guide app. Follow the instructions below:

*Please Note: The redeem code is the 10-digit booking reference number on your ticket (located under the barcode).

How to Redeem Your Tour(s):
1. Download the Shaka Guide app from the App Store or Google Play
2. Open the app and sign up or sign in
3. Tap Support
4. Tap Retrieve Purchases
5. Tap Redeem Purchase
6. Enter the 10-digit Booking Reference number (under the barcode on their Viator ticket)
7. Hit Redeem Purchase and download the tour(s)

Once you've redeemed your tour, you'll find it under "My Stuff" in the app.

For a smooth ride, download the tour with wifi before you go.

We can't wait for you to explore with Shaka Guide!

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to aloha@shakaguide.com or call (808) 201-8138

DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE: www.shakaguide.com/download

About Rapid City

Rapid City is the second-largest city in South Dakota, known as the gateway to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The city offers a unique blend of outdoor adventures, historical sites, and cultural attractions, all set against the backdrop of the stunning Black Hills.

Top Attractions

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

A massive granite sculpture featuring the 60-foot heads of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. It's one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States.

Historical 2-3 hours Free (parking fee applies)

Badlands National Park

A stunning landscape of layered rock formations, deep canyons, and towering spires. The park offers hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.

Nature Full day Free (parking fee applies)

Crazy Horse Memorial

A massive mountain carving honoring the Lakota leader Crazy Horse. The memorial includes a museum and cultural center.

Historical 2-3 hours $12 per adult, $6 per child (ages 6-12), free for children under 6

Reptile Gardens

A family-friendly attraction featuring a wide variety of reptiles, amphibians, and birds. The park also offers live animal shows and a petting zoo.

Nature 1-2 hours $18 per adult, $10 per child (ages 4-12), free for children under 4

Must-Try Local Dishes

Chislic

Cubed, deep-fried meat, typically made from lamb or venison, seasoned with garlic salt. A South Dakota specialty.

Appetizer/Snack Not vegetarian/vegan

Bison Burger

A burger made from bison meat, often served with local toppings and sides.

Main Course Can be made gluten-free and vegetarian options available

Kuchen

A German-inspired dessert, similar to a coffee cake, often made with fruit and topped with a crumbly streusel.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking Rock climbing Mountain biking Spa treatments Scenic drives Picnicking Museum visits Art galleries

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather and all attractions open. It's ideal for outdoor activities and festivals.

20-30°C 68-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-6 (Central Standard Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Rapid City is generally safe with low crime rates. However, visitors should take standard precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious when using ATMs
• Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas

Getting there

By air

Rapid City Regional Airport • 10 miles from city center

By bus

Jefferson Lines

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and convenient bus service covering major areas of Rapid City. Fares are reasonable, and schedules are available online.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Downtown Rapid City West Blvd Black Hills

Day trips

Deadwood

35 miles • Half day to full day

A historic gold rush town with a rich Wild West heritage. Deadwood offers a variety of historical sites, casinos, and entertainment options.

Custer State Park

30 miles • Full day

A beautiful state park with scenic drives, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to a large herd of bison and offers a variety of outdoor activities.

Wind Cave National Park

45 miles • Full day

A unique national park known for its extensive cave system and surface features. The park offers cave tours, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

Festivals

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally • August Days of '76 Rodeo • July

Pro tips

Visit Mount Rushmore early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat.
Check for special events and festivals before planning your trip.
Explore the Black Hills National Forest for stunning scenic drives and hiking trails.
Try local specialties like chislic and bison dishes.
Use the Rapid Ride bus service for convenient and affordable transportation around the city.