BIG - Mt Rushmore & Crazy Horse & Bison Safari-Needles-Iron Mtn

Rapid City , United States

BIG - Mt Rushmore & Crazy Horse & Bison Safari-Needles-Iron Mtn

Active

(17 reviews)

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

During a government shutdown, Mount Rushmore remains open and accessible to the public, but all services provided by the National Park Service (NPS) are suspended. The extent of the impact can vary based on the specifics of the shutdown, but past incidents provide a clear precedent for what to expect.

Concessionaire operations: Third-party vendors who operate facilities like restaurants and gift shops (e.g., Xanterra) may remain open and provide limited services, including restrooms. These are privately-run services and are not affected by the government shutdown.

State funding: During previous shutdowns, the state of South Dakota and private donors stepped in to provide funding to keep the memorial open and restore some services.

Available options

Big - Custer/Mt Rush/CrazyH

Pickup included

What's included

Local guide

Bottled water

Snacks

Lunch

Hotel/port pickup and drop-off

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We guide you through the Memorial, explaining the history and suggest locations for best photo ops. Because of the length of the day tour (9-10 hrs) we are limited to 1.25 hours here.

Stop 2

Iron Mountain Road is an incredible unforgettable experience. It is the most unusual and captivating road in America. Everyone that has experienced this 17 mile stretch in the Black Hills leaves you in awe . . . the beautiful mountain views, the famous one way tunnels and the unusual pigtail bridges. This road was designed for all to slow down, to see and feel things that you don’t experience every day.

Huge dioramas of the Buffalo and other wildlife visible throughout the park including a map narrated by a ranger where the latest locations of the wildlife. Lots of exhibits that you can touch and feel.

We have a slow drive along the 18 mile road. Stopping for photo ops of buffalo and other wildlife (elk, deer, antelope, coyotes, prairie dogs, etc.). We stop, you stand and get great views and photos.

Stop 5

Stockade Lake is the largest of Custer State Park's five lakes. Its the most tranquil and serene and a place we stop for a lakeside picnic (included).

Sylvan Lake is probably the most recognizable of the five Custer State Park lakes, and of any of the Black Hills lakes for that matter. Its definitely a favorite of almost anyone who has seen it, especially photographers, artists or anyone that saw the Nicolas Cage movie "National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets"

The most 'interesting' of the many one way tunnels . . . this tunnel is just wide enough for vans and cars . . . but not wide enough for bus's and RV's. With us - just sit back and enjoy the fantastic view as we drive the tunnel.

We will stop and explore this huge Native American Memorial with over 14,000 exhibits. Also we visit a wonderful 20 minute movie about the memorial, why it is being built and the problems uncounted competing it.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

13 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults

Meeting point

Keystone Senior Center 519 1st St at 8:30am.

Important notes

• IMPORTANT NOTE: Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time. Upon booking please contact by phone VIA text at 605-644-6736 or email (info@bhott.info) to confirm hotel meeting/pick up location.

• Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Minimum drinking age is 21 years
• Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
• A small amount of walking is involved
• Wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time

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.