Black Hills Day Tour: Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Custer State Park
Difficulty
easy
Duration
9–10 hours
Fitness Level
Comfortable standing and walking short distances on paved paths; able to get in and out of a van multiple times.
Overview
From presidential granite to roaming bison, this full-day Black Hills tour stitches together Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Custer State Park with scenic roads and insider context. Expect big views, short walks, and wildlife surprises—without the stress of driving.
Black Hills Day Tour: Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Custer State Park
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Morning light pulls across the granite of the Black Hills, and the road answers with a slow, curling climb. Pine-scented air slips through the van doors at each stop, while granite spires lean in like curious onlookers. This full-day circuit threads together the region’s headliners—Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park—while the landscape keeps nudging you to look closer: at the texture of Precambrian rock, the roll of prairie meeting hills, and the way wildlife moves the day along on its own terms.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer up for swinging temps
Mornings can be cool and afternoons warm, even in summer. Wear a breathable base layer and a light windproof shell.
Give wildlife space
Stay at least 25 yards from bison and pronghorn; never exit the vehicle when bison are near the road.
Curves ahead on Iron Mountain Road
If you’re prone to motion sickness, take medication before the pigtail bridges and tight switchbacks.
Pack water and snacks
Bottled water and light snacks are included, but bring an extra bottle and a quick bite for longer stretches between stops.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- American bison
- Pronghorn antelope
History
To the Lakota, the Black Hills (Paha Sapa) are sacred; the 1874 Custer Expedition spurred a gold rush and conflict that still shapes the region. Peter Norbeck championed today’s scenic road network to immerse travelers in the landscape.
Conservation
Stay in vehicles near wildlife and never feed animals. Use pullouts, pack out trash, and respect seasonal closures to protect habitat and reduce stress on the bison herd.
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Adventure Hotspots in Rapid City, South Dakota
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Lightweight windproof layer
Mountain breezes and shaded viewpoints can feel cool even on sunny days.
Sun hat and broad-spectrum sunscreen
High-elevation sun is strong; protect face and neck at midday viewpoints.
summer specific
Binoculars (8x or 10x)
Spot bison calves, pronghorn, and distant views of Rushmore from pullouts.
Comfortable walking shoes
Paved paths and short viewpoints still benefit from supportive footwear.