Mount Rushmore Tour Only: Explore Rapid City’s Black Hills
Difficulty
easy
Duration
9.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels as the tour involves mostly sitting with short, easy walks at stops.
Overview
Discover the stunning Black Hills and iconic Mount Rushmore on a private 9.5-hour sightseeing tour from Rapid City. Join expert guides for a memorable day filled with history, wildlife, and breathtaking views.
Mount Rushmore Tour Only
Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating 9.5-hour sightseeing tour through the stunning Black Hills, featuring iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial. Enjoy scenic drives, wildlife sightings, and insightful commentary from expert guides, all while creating unforgettable memories in this breathtaking region. A perfect adventure for history and nature enthusiasts alike!
Sightseeing Tour Only
Duration
9.5 hours
About
Every day from mid-May through mid-October our sightseeing tour carves its way through the Black Hills beginning at Fort Hays, Dances with Wolves Film Set for a cowboy breakfast. Departing mid-morning, the tour winds its way along scenic highways visiting attractions like Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Custer State Park, and Crazy Horse Memorial. Our informative tour guide drives you through 100 miles of the Black Hills National Forest stopping for pictures of wildlife and more. Returning to Fort Hays the tour ends but you’re welcome to purchase tickets for our famous Chuckwagon Supper and Live Music Show at the door!
Itinerary
Departs daily from May 9th through October 9th
8:15 AM – Check in at Fort Hays Dances with Wolves Film Set. Feel free to come early and eat the “All You Can Eat” Cowboy Breakfast at our chuckwagon
9:00 AM – Board the coach at Fort Hays Dances With Wolves Film Set
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
We’ll spend at least an hour visiting Mount Rushmore. There is plenty of time to see all the park has to offer including the sculptors studio & the Lincoln Borglum Museum.
Iron Mountain Road
We’ll wind over the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway as it takes you over Iron Mountain through scenic tunnels and pigtail bridges. Bring your camera for potential kodak moments here!
Custer State Park
Keep your camera ready and your eyes on the lookout for wildlife like buffalo, burrows, antelope, elk, and rocky mountain bighorn sheep. We’ll stop when its safe.
State Game Lodge
Our lunch stop is the presidential summer white house to former president Calvin Coolidge and Dwight D. Eisenhower. Here you can purchase lunch from a menu or buffet. Try the buffalo stew!
Needles Highway
We continue through Custer State Park up Needles Highway passing through scenic tunnels and by scenic overlooks. Check your camera, there are great pictures here! For a sneak peak at what we have in store, search “Charter Bus in Rock Tunnel” on YouTube!
Sylvan Lake
Stop for pictures and a restroom break at the spectacular man-made lake located at the bottom of Harney Peak. This picturesque lake is a local favorite for campers, rock-climbers, and hikers.
Crazy Horse Memorial
Staying for at least 1 hour we’ll visit the largest mountain carving in the world. You can visit the memorial & museums and learn much about the sculptor Korzak Ziolkowski in his home studio museum.
Return to Fort Hays Chuckwagon: 5:30pm
Adventure Tips
Bring water and snacks
Carry enough water and light snacks to stay hydrated and energized during the full-day tour.
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Prepare for some walking at Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse with sturdy, comfortable footwear.
Use sun protection
Sun can be strong in the Black Hills; wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for protection.
Charge your camera
Ensure your camera or phone is fully charged to capture stunning photos of the monuments and wildlife.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- White-tailed deer
- Wild turkeys
History
Mount Rushmore was carved between 1927 and 1941 as a tribute to four U.S. presidents, blending art with the natural landscape of the Black Hills.
Conservation
Efforts in the region focus on protecting local wildlife habitats and minimizing visitor impact to preserve the area's natural and cultural resources.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Rapid City
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Ideal for walking short distances during monument visits.
Sunscreen
Protects skin from UV rays during outdoor portions of the tour.
spring specific
Water bottle
Keeps you hydrated throughout the long tour day.
summer specific
Camera or smartphone
Capture the stunning sculptures and landscapes throughout the trip.