South Dakota , USA

Badlands Small Plane Air Adventure Tour

Active

(13 reviews)

40m

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

At Fly Badlands, we take your Badlands experience to new heights—literally. Unlike ground-based tours, our aerial adventures offer a unique and unmatched perspective of the region's dramatic geology and vast prairies. From the sky, you’ll witness the full scale and grandeur of the Badlands' rugged beauty—something you simply can’t grasp from the ground.

Our flights are personalized and intimate, led by experienced local pilots who are passionate about the area’s natural history and striking formations. You won’t be packed into a bus or jostling for a photo spot—we ensure every seat is a window seat, and every guest enjoys uninterrupted views.

Whether you're looking to capture stunning photographs, celebrate a special occasion, or just want a one-of-a-kind adventure, Fly Badlands delivers an unforgettable, bucket-list-worthy experience that stands above the rest.

Available options

Badlands Air Adventure for 3

Add a Third Person

Badlands Air Adventure for Two

Badlands Solo Air Adventure

Solo Flight for One

What's included

Souvenir Polaroid to Take Home

Photo Opportunities on the Ground and in the Air!

Use of Noise Dampening Headsets for your Comfort

Narrated Tour

Detailed itinerary

Take to the skies on a stunning 40 minute scenic flight over Badlands National Park, where dramatic landscapes and rugged rock formations create a view like no other. Whether you're traveling solo, with a partner, or bringing the whole family, this quick yet unforgettable aerial adventure is the perfect way to see the beauty of the Badlands from a whole new perspective.

Highlights of your flight include:

Sweeping scenes of the White River Valley

Iconic vistas from Pinnacles Overlook

Wildlife sightings at Roberts Prairie Dog Town

The winding Cheyenne River

The charm of Quinn Road Prairie Dog Town

The colorful terrain of Yellow Mounds

Expansive views of Sage Creek Basin

A glimpse into history at the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

The rugged beauty of Burns Basin

Bring your camera, your sense of adventure, and prepare for a flight you’ll never forget.

Flying over Wall, South Dakota, offers a breathtaking aerial view of the Badlands' dramatic and colorful terrain. The landscape unfolds as a tapestry of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires, each layer of sedimentary rock telling a story of millions of years of geological history. The iconic "Wall" itself—a towering escarpment rising over 200 feet—marks the boundary between the Upper and Lower Prairie, creating a striking visual contrast.

What's not included

Tips (optional)

Snacks and Drinks Available for Purchase (optional)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

11 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

From Wall Drug on Main Street, take a left onto W 4th Ave, then a right onto Airport Rd. Follow the signs for Fly Badlands.

About South Dakota

South Dakota is known for its rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and iconic monuments. It offers a unique blend of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and historical sites that make it a compelling destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

A massive sculpture carved into Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills, featuring the faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

Historical 2-3 hours Free (parking fee may apply)

Badlands National Park

A stunning landscape of layered rock formations, steep canyons, and towering spires, offering hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.

Nature Half to full day Free (parking fee may apply)

Crazy Horse Memorial

A massive mountain carving honoring the Lakota leader Crazy Horse, still under construction. The site includes a museum and cultural center.

Historical 2-3 hours Moderate (entry fee applies)

Custer State Park

A large state park known for its scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping.

Nature Full day Moderate (entry fee applies)

Deadwood

A historic gold rush town with a rich Wild West history, featuring preserved buildings, museums, and gambling casinos.

Historical Half to full day Moderate (some attractions require entry fees)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Chislic

Cubed, deep-fried meat, traditionally made with lamb but sometimes with venison or beef, seasoned with garlic and other spices.

Appetizer/Snack Contains meat, not vegetarian or vegan.

Knoephla Soup

A creamy soup with dumplings, often made with chicken or vegetables, and flavored with herbs and spices.

Soup Can be vegetarian if made without meat.

Fry Bread

A type of bread made from deep-fried dough, often served with powdered sugar or honey, and sometimes used as a base for Indian tacos.

Bread/Dessert Vegetarian, but may contain allergens like wheat.

Popular Activities

Hiking Rock climbing Cave exploring Scenic drives Fishing Picnicking Visiting museums Attending powwows

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the most popular time to visit due to warm weather and outdoor activities. All attractions are open, and the weather is generally pleasant.

20-35°C 68-95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English, Lakota
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-6 (Central Time Zone), GMT-5 (Mountain Time Zone during daylight saving time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

South Dakota is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates in most areas. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious when using ATMs or making transactions at night.
• Avoid leaving valuables unattended in your car or accommodations.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in remote areas and when hiking or exploring alone.

Getting there

By air

Sioux Falls Regional Airport • 5 km from city center
Rapid City Regional Airport • 15 km from city center

By train

Sioux Falls Station

By bus

Sioux Falls, Rapid City

Getting around

Public transport

Bus service is available but not extensive. Best for travel between major towns and cities.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Downtown Sioux Falls Downtown Rapid City Black Hills

Day trips

Wind Cave National Park

50 km from Rapid City • Full day

A unique national park known for its extensive cave system and stunning above-ground landscapes, offering hiking, wildlife viewing, and cave tours.

Spearfish

50 km from Rapid City • Half to full day

A charming town known for its historic downtown, outdoor activities, and scenic beauty, offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Bear Butte State Park

40 km from Rapid City • Half to full day

A state park known for its sacred mountain, Bear Butte, offering hiking, rock climbing, and cultural significance to Native American tribes.

Festivals

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally • August Black Hills Powwow • June Festival of Trees • December

Pro tips

Visit Mount Rushmore early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
Explore the Badlands at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting and photography opportunities.
Drive the Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park for a chance to see bison and other wildlife up close.
Try local specialties like chislic, knoephla soup, and fry bread for a taste of South Dakota's unique cuisine.
Book accommodations and activities in advance, especially during peak season and for popular events like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.