Big 3 Must See Black Hills 100 Mile Mini Road Trip
Active
8h - 10h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This road trip has become popular because it DOES NOT go to Mount Rushmore or Crazy Horse. This Mini Road Trip is for visiting and seeing the beauty of the Southern Black hills and the ever changing landscape of forests, canyons, towering rock formations and more. Explore unhurried at your pace a customizable 7-8 hour approximately 100 mile mini road trip led by local expert Mike Trike. This relaxed Southern Black Hills road trip takes you over the Norbeck Scenic Byway to iconic sites like the Iron Mountain Road Pigtails, Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Rd. & the Needles Highway. Travel in comfort aboard a classic 2000 Custom Suburban Woody, making unplanned stops at unique natural and man made attractions along the way. This mini road trip offers an experience tailored to your interests, ensuring you enjoy every moment of your adventure.
- 7-8 hour custom tour of the Southern Black Hills with local guide
- Comfortable travel in a custom classic air-conditioned Suburban Woody
Available options
Trip details
Climate controlled vehicle<br/>Driver suggested stops <br/>Private adventure.<br/>Duration: 9 hours: This can be a 9-10 hour road trip.<br/>Traveler supplied munchies: Cold bottled water included. Traveler supplies non alcohol beverage and munchies according to dietary tastes or needs.<br/>Varies by traveler's intrests : Travel is over much of the Peter Norbeck Scenic By Way with multiple stops according to traveler's interests.<br/>2000 Classic Suburban Woody<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Bottled water is provided
Seat cover blankets for your pet
A refrigerated dry cooler is provided to keep your drnks & perishables cold.
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Ride over the "Impossible road' Pigtail Loops and Bridges. See Mount Rushmore from three picture frame tunnels and different distances and angles. Gutzan Borglum himself felt that the "Rushmore Experience" was not complete without traveling Iron Mountain Road. Stop at the Peter Norbeck Overlook before going down the other side of Iron Mountain and heading into the forest and mountain prairie wilderness.
2
Stop 2
See and travel around Historic Custer State Park at your discretion and interests as your driver tells you about what is along the way or up ahead. You can choose what you would like to see and visit during your trip through the largest stat park in South Dakota. The Custer State Park Visitor Center is not like most visitor center as there are fun and informative displays, A 20 minute movie about the park and up to date information on where in the park the Fluffy Cows and wild donkeys may be found. Time varies from 2-4 hours depending on what you want to do and see. "The Badger Hole" home of Cowboy Poet Badger Clark and other architectural points of interest. Wildlife and Buffalo jams are quite common and can bring travel to a stop as the road can be filled with buffalo doing buffalo things. The Begging Burros are a favorite stop and the only wildlife that is safe for petting and selfie picture taking with them.
3
Stop 3
Travel the Needles Highway (SD 87) See amazing rock formations and tunnels.
What's not included
Meals and snacks are not included.
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Important information
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For safety reasons the minimum age is 10 years old.
Sometime bumpy off road travel is required for wildlife viewing.
Meeting point
If you are staying at accommodations OUTSIDE of KEYSTONE you will need to go to the tour home base at the Keystone Trading Post, 402 First St, Keystone, SD 57751 to park and then board the Tour Woody for your adventure.
Important notes
Show digital or paper ticket to tour host
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
