A flexible, car-based audio guide that stitches the otherworldly Badlands with the political and artistic story of Mount Rushmore. Download the tour, go offline, and turn a drive into a layered exploration of geology, Native history, and sculpted stone.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You pull off the two-lane road and the world tilts: banded badlands rise like folded pages, wind tasting faintly of sage and fossil dust. The audio cue nudges you toward an overlook; narration fills your car with the story of seas that once covered this basin while prairie grasses lean in to listen. Later, the granite faces of Mount Rushmore loom above ponderosa and service roads, the sculptor’s original plans and controversies unfolding through a calm, expertly paced narration.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–6 hours (per park loop; multi-day flexible)
Fitness Level
Light to moderate fitness for short hikes and viewing points; be prepared for uneven terrain and short elevation gains (~200 ft).
Wildlife
History
The Badlands preserve fossil beds and were a corridor of Lakota history; Mount Rushmore reflects early 20th-century sculptural ambition and contested narratives about national identity.
Conservation
Stay on designated roads and trails, avoid collecting fossils or artifacts, and follow Leave No Trace principles — fragile badlands soils and cultural sites are easily damaged.
Reserve your spot on the Badlands and Mount Rushmore Self-Guided Audio Tour Bundle today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Download before you go
Enter your password and download the tour while on Wi‑Fi or cellular — the app runs offline after that.
Plan for park hours and fees
This audio tour does not include park entrance or monument fees; check seasonal hours for Mount Rushmore and Badlands before heading out.
Keep your distance from wildlife
Bison and prairie dogs attract visitors — observe from your car or designated viewpoints to avoid disturbance and injury.
Use the route cues and obey speed limits
The narration syncs to location — follow audio prompts but always prioritize safe driving and posted speeds.
Smartphone with Action Tour Guide app
Runs the audio tour and provides offline maps — download the tour and enter your password before arrival.
Reusable water bottle (1–2 L)
Hot, dry conditions make hydration essential during drives and short hikes.
summer
Sturdy hiking shoes
Gravelly trails and short climbs benefit from good traction and ankle support.
Layered windproof jacket
Wind and rapid temperature shifts are common — a lightweight shell adds comfort at overlooks.
spring