Mt Rushmore Night Ceremony and Tour - with Tunnels and Stargazing
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Please note - This tour is NOT what TripAdvisor displays on their description. THIS TOUR is a Night Tour to Mt Rushmore and stargazing after the Ceremony. This is NOT a day tour to Custer State Park. TripAdvisor has several errors. Please contact us to confirm info.
Black Hills Open-Top-Tours is the only tour company offering a Mt Rushmore tour that also includes the Night Lighting Ceremony, a tour of the Iron Mtn Tunnels and night stargazing (depending on weather).
We tour in a variety of unique vehicles. All are comfortable and safe convertible top vehicles. They offer great elevated views and photo ops without needing to exit.
This 5 hour tour departs from Rapid City between 5:00pm and 5:30pm. Private Tours Available for Groups.
*The Night Ceremony at Mt Rushmore is only available from MAY 26th to AUGUST 10th: ceremony starts 9 PM
*August 11th to SEPT 30th: ceremony starts 8PM
*October 1 to May 25th we provide the tour of Mt Rushmore with a Mountain Sunset and Stargazing.
Available options
Mt Rushmore Nite/Starz/Tunnels
Pickup included
What's included
Bottled water
Driver/guide
Fees
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
After the stargaing on our return home, we drive Iron Mountain Road and its pigtail bridges, magnificent views through the one-way tunnels that frame the lighted national monument. We pause for photos.
2
Stop 2
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a massive sculpture carved into Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. Completed in 1941 under the direction of Gutzon Borglum and his son Lincoln, the sculpture's roughly 60-ft.-high granite faces depict U.S. presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. The site also features a museum with interactive exhibits.
At sunset the rangers provide a progam that honors our veterans, including a patriotic movie and the lighting of the mountain.
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
40 reviews
5★
34
4★
3
3★
0
2★
3
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.4
25 reviews
5★
18
4★
3
3★
1
2★
1
1★
2
Important information
Service animals allowed
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Other rates apply only when sharing with 2 paying adults
A minimum of 2 Adults per booking is required
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Layered clothing, comfortable shoes, and a hat are recommended
Meeting point
East side parking lot.
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
