Ultimate Small Plane Aerial Tour to See Badlands National Park

South Dakota , USA

Ultimate Small Plane Aerial Tour to See Badlands National Park

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(6 reviews)

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

Unlike traditional ground-based tours, this scenic flight offers a bird’s-eye view of South Dakota’s striking landscapes—something you simply can’t experience from a car or a trail. From the air, you’ll see the full scale and dramatic contrast between the rolling prairie of Buffalo Gap National Grassland and the jagged cliffs of Badlands National Park.

✈️ Exclusive Access – Cover more ground than any vehicle or hike can, including remote areas not visible from roads or overlooks.

Incredible Photo Opportunities – Capture stunning aerial shots of layered rock formations, winding rivers, and wildlife.

Wildlife Spotting – Spot bison herds, prairie dogs, and more from a unique, non-intrusive vantage point.

Personal Experience – Led by a local pilot who shares stories, highlights, and insider knowledge throughout the flight.

This isn’t just a tour—it’s an aerial adventure designed for travelers who want something unforgettable, immersive, and off the beaten path.

Available options

Ultimate Flight for Two

2 Person Flight

Ultimate Flight for Three

Flight Tour for 3 People

Ultimate Solo Flight Tour

Solo Person

What's included

Souvenir Polaroid to Take Home

Use of Noise Dampening Headsets for Your Comfort

Photo Opportunities on the Ground and in the Air

Detailed itinerary

Take your Badlands adventure to new heights literally with your Ultimate Aerial Tour over Badlands National Park. This immersive flight goes beyond the basics, giving you panoramic views of the park’s dramatic North and South ridges, expansive valleys, and unique geological formations. With more time in the air, you'll have greater chances to spot wildlife and capture incredible photos from above. It’s no wonder this is your pilot’s favorite tour to give!
Perfect for photographers, nature lovers, and thrill-seekers alike.

Bonus:
Every guest on this tour receives a FREE branded T-shirt—a perfect souvenir to remember your incredible experience from the sky!

Sights You May See:
Minute Man National Historic Site
Yellow Mounds
Burns Basin
White River Valley
Saddle Pass
Bigfoot Pass
Interior (gateway to the park)
Toadstool Rock
Sheep Mountain Table
The Pig Dig (archaeological site)
Quinn Road Prairie Dog Town
Sage Creek Wilderness
Badlands Gunnery Range

What's not included

Tips (optional)

Snacks and Drinks Available for Purchase (optional)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

6 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, head north on Main Street. Take a left on 4th Street, and a right on Airport Road. Take a left at Charlie Best Way (dirt road.) Drive past some hangars on your left. You will see our office on your right. 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.