Badlands Scenic Flight and Stargazing Tour Experience
Active
7h - 8h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Explore the Badlands like never before with a unique combination of a scenic flight and guided stargazing. Begin your adventure soaring above the park’s stunning geological formations, including buttes and pinnacles, while your pilot shares captivating stories about the area's wildlife and history. After landing, transition to an exclusive stargazing site, where you can witness the brilliance of the night sky with minimal light pollution. Your professional guide will reveal the wonders of the cosmos, helping you identify planets, constellations, and deep-sky objects using telescopes and binoculars. This immersive day-to-night experience promises to leave you in awe of both the earth and the heavens.
- Scenic flight around Badlands National Park lasting 30–45 minutes
- Guided stargazing program highlighting constellations and celestial objects
- Includes use of binoculars laser and light refreshments
- Total tour duration is approximately 8 hours with private pickup included.
Available options
Badlands Scenic Flight and Stargazing Tour Experience
Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
Soda/Pop
Bottled water
Snacks
Air-conditioned vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
A landscape of dramatic contrasts, Badlands National Park stretches across South Dakota with jagged peaks, colorful rock layers, and vast prairies. Known for its fossil beds and striking sunsets, the park is also home to bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs. It’s one of the best places in the world to witness both ancient geology and thriving wildlife in the same space.
2
From this overlook, you can see some of the park’s most pristine and untamed landscapes. Rugged spires and ridges stretch to the horizon, untouched by development. It’s a reminder of the Badlands’ wild spirit and offers one of the quietest, most contemplative views in the park.
3
One of the most famous stops in the park, the Pinnacles showcases towering rock formations sculpted by millions of years of erosion. These jagged spires glow with shifting colors at sunrise and sunset, making it a favorite for photographers and nature lovers alike.
4
Here, you can gaze across the broad White River Valley, a dramatic sweep of land framed by sharp ridges and sculpted spires. It’s a breathtaking spot that captures the interplay between erosion, time, and the vastness of the prairie ecosystem.
5
Conata Basin stretches out in a colorful display of red, orange, and yellow rock layers. Known for its vivid hues at sunrise and sunset, it’s one of the most photogenic areas in the park and a favorite for visitors seeking dramatic contrasts of color and form.
What's not included
Gratuities are a part of how we provide excellent guide service, and is very much appreciated!
Dinner
Airplane Ride Above the Badlands. This is a mandatory fee to be collected by the airplane provider directly.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
