Private Half Day Mt Rushmore & Black Hills Tour
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Take in the best of the Black Hills on this half-day tour. We visit the must-see's of Mt Rushmore, Needles Hwy, Sylvan Lake and Iron Mountain Road.
Experience Mt Rushmore with a local expert and make the most of your time in the Black Hills.
Available options
Private Half Day Mt Rushmore & Black Hills Tour
Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
Bottled water
Snacks
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Expert local guide who will love to show you around!
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Make the very most of your time and visit the famous faces at Mount Rushmore with an expert! Take your time enjoying all that the National Monument has to offer; museums, trails, gift stores - even Thomas Jefferson's family ice-cream recipe!
Our guide will talk you through the building of the project, its place in history and a local's perspective.
We normally spend between 1hour 1.5 hours here.
2
Stop 2
Iron Mountain Road is a Black Hills experience not worth missing! This famous scenic route was built especially to compliment Mt Rushmore. Enjoy the perfectly framed tunnels facing the faces, and the pigtail bridges.
We make our way to the top of Peter Norbeck Overlook for a spectacular view of the Black Hills.
3
Spectacular Sylvan Lake is our first stop in Custer State Park.
A must see in the hills, this is the beginning of our journey onto Needles Hwy.
4
Stop 4
The jewel of the Black Hills, Needles Hwy is like nothing you have very seen before. This scenic drive is cradled by the heart of the mountain range; magnificent spires and sparkling rock formations (really, the mica makes it sparkle!), this is a drive you must see.
What's not included
Gratuities
Meals
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
16 reviews
5★
16
4★
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Tripadvisor
5.0
20 reviews
5★
19
4★
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3★
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
As much as we love good doggos, this tour is not pet friendly.
Meeting point
We pick up at most Rapid City, city limit hotels (including those in Box Elder).
If you are staying in other town and are able to meet us in Rapid City, we meet at the Rapid City civic center/Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn. There is free all day parking here and a central location.
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
