Private Tour of the Badlands with Local Experts

Rapid City , United States

Private Tour of the Badlands with Local Experts

Active

(25 reviews)

8h - 9h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The Badlands have many secrets and requires a seasoned guide to explain and reveal them. GeoFunTrek Tours' guides are local experts with decades of experience. We have no seasonal-guides, part-time guides or trainee-guides. This is a family-owned business and all tours are conducted by family members: Cindy, Christopher and John Esposti. We have the knowledge and skills to make your day one to remember. You will always get the A-Team when you tour with GeoFunTrek Tours!
All tours are PRIVATE TOURS, exclusive to the group booking the tour, and no additional guests will be included. Children must be accompanied by one adult. Children 3 years and younger are free and will have their own seat. Children's car seats must be supplied by family members when required. Our vehicles are SUV's and a van may be rented for larger groups. Please enquire about vehicles if you have any questions. This tour is great for 3-generation families with Children, multiple couples and groups of friends.

Available options

Private Tour of the Badlands with Local Experts

Pickup included

What's included

Light snacks, bottled water and apple juice

Snacks

Detailed itinerary

"What the mind does not know, the eye cannot see", is especially true of the Badlands. Here is where the veil of mystery will be lifted from the Badlands and its secrets revealed. This is the scientific institution where the geology and paleontology of the Badlands were defined and understood. The time spent here with your local experts will open your mind to what is to come. The museum is closed on Sunday and Federal Holidays.

Stop 2

The Badlands are as large and diverse as they are legendary. Fortunately this is a private tour, and you are free to determine how you spend your time there. Here is what we recommend: 1) Travel to the ghost town of Scenic, SD and the remote Sheep Mountain Table area. This is an area that few get to see and, you are ready to experience and understand; 2) Journey the Badlands Scenic Byway and stop at the park visitor center and several overlooks and trails.

Wall Drug is a classic American Roadside Attraction! It is a monument to the free enterprise system. You should see it just to restore your faith in entrepreneurs and how things can be done right. Oh yes, and you can eat and buy souvenirs there too.

This is a National Historic Site about the Cold War and the missile fields that existed here. These sites have limited days and hours of operation. We can visit the preserved missile silo and visitor center when open or spend more time in the Badlands or somewhere else. The choice is yours.

What's not included

We have time budgeted for a meal break at the guest's discretion and expense. Coolers are available for boxed lunches and picnic supples.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

13 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

12 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Wheelchair accessible

GEOFUNTREK TOURS SAFETY UPDATE COVID-19 Your comfort and safety are our primary concern. Take a private tour, limited to your group only and enjoy the day. We have only three guides: John, Chris & Cindy. They are family members from the same household. They constantly monitor each other’s health. So even when not at work “THE BOSS” is always watching. We do not have vehicles with a wheelchair lift. We can accommodate a folding wheechair and the guest must be able to enter and exit the vehicle on their own. We will gladly assist with any needed assistance and pushing.

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.