Black Hills Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Black Hills. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Black Hills

• Mount Rushmore Extended Expedition Tour

• Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Black Hills and Mt Rushmore

• Badlands Premium Hard Top Van Tour

• Icons of the West: Black Hills and Badlands 3-Day Tour

While it’s technically free to visit the Black Hills on your own (apart from travel costs, such as gas and lodging), tours make exploring this area much, much easier. You can base out of Rapid City and from there, your guide can take you to Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, Spearfish Canyon, and more, depending on the tour. Self-guided audio tours start at US$30; full-day guided tours start at US$295.

Yes, the Black Hills are worth visiting. In a relatively small area, they comprise national monuments and parks, gorgeous lakes, narrow canyons, granite mountains, epic wildlife, Wild West vibes, historic towns, and so much more. Halfway between the rugged Rockies and the gentler Midwest, it's got a feel all its own.

Per one customer who booked the Icons of the West: Black Hills & Badlands 3-Day Tour, "I'd never been to the Black Hills or the South Dakota Badlands before and went in without a clear idea of what to see. My guide Daniel thoughtfully provided a wide-ranging itinerary that covered not only the major landmarks but also back-road sites I never would have discovered on my own... He was adept at selecting scenic routes that don't follow the typical tour path. He also seemed to know where best to spot wildlife—we had great sightings of bison, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats (and, of course, prairie dogs)."

September is an ideal time to visit Black Hills. The crisp autumn air blankets the hills in vibrant colors as the summer crowds disperse, creating a breathtaking scene. September also offers mild temperatures and fewer tourists.

A day spent in the Black Hills is nothing short of spectacular. Head toward the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and stop in the historic town of Keystone for a look around on the way. If you have time, take Iron Mountain Road to Custer State Park.

The closest town to the breathtaking Black Hills is charming and quaint Keystone. With a vibrant main street and plenty of history (and restaurants), this town is the perfect place to stop and recharge before heading into the wild expanse of the Black Hills.

There are plenty of day tours that take in the famous sights of the Black Hills. From group bus tours to private guided tours, you can get around to Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park—along with other monuments—all in a day from Rapid City or elsewhere.

If you want to see the dark shadows of the hills and bright light, consider visiting the Black Hills in the early morning. The sun's rays will display the gorgeous colors of the terrain—and there are usually far fewer crowds than you'll find in the afternoon.

It depends on what you want to see and experience. A tour of the Black Hills can range anywhere from a charming afternoon drive from Rapid City to an epic weeklong adventure, taking in other nearby sights.