Top Rapid City How to Get Around

If you’re planning a trip to Mount Rushmore, but don’t want to be packed on a big tour bus full of people, try booking this Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Black Hills Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour. This tour takes you through the Black Hills to stops inside both Badlands National Park and Custer State Park, as well as many other noteworthy highlights of the area. Plus, you’ll explore at your own pace with an easy-to-use, downloadable app.

Discover some of South Dakota’s top landmarks—including the iconic Mt. Rushmore—and leave the driving to someone else on this seamless, full-day bus tour. Meet in the morning in Rapid City, hop aboard your air-conditioned coach, and head to Mt. Rushmore to see the larger-than-life sculpture. Next, drive through the Black Hills, stop for lunch (own expense) in Custer State Park, thread the Needles Highway, see the Crazy Horse Memorial, and more.

Experience Mount Rushmore in its most powerful setting — illuminated against the evening sky with your private guide who served as a National Park Ranger and once delivered the official evening program. Your private evening begins with scenic travel into the Black Hills and ascending Iron Mountain Road, where granite tunnels frame distant views of the the presidents faces. Upon arrival, you’ll explore the memorial in person. You’ll hear the deeper stories of engineering challenges, the unfinished chamber behind the faces, tools still embedded in the granite, and the human drama behind the carving of the mountain itself. As twilight settles, you’ll attend the official Evening Lighting Ceremony — a moving program of history, film, illumination, and tribute. Watching the sculpture emerge from darkness into light is a powerful and reflective moment. You'll return through the quiet Black Hills with memories lingering long after the lights fade.

What makes this tour unique is the combination of three of Western South Dakota's most iconic destinations – Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park Wildlife Loop – into a single, comprehensive, and fully narrated experience. Over 8-9 hours, you'll not just see these landmarks, but gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for their history, cultural significance, and natural beauty. We always give the guest time to buy their lunch during the tour.

Experience the magic of Badlands National Park like never before on this exclusive private sunset and stargazing tour, led by a former National Park Ranger. As the sun dips below the horizon, watch the otherworldly spires and jagged pinnacles ignite in brilliant shades of orange, red, and gold. For those who want to go deeper, optional short hikes take you off the roadside and into the heart of the Badlands, where your guide's expertise brings the geology, wildlife, and history to life. When darkness falls, sink into a zero gravity chair and let the universe open up above you — a vast, unpolluted sky blazing with thousands of stars, sweeping meteor trails, and the luminous arc of the Milky Way stretching from horizon to horizon. Peer through a telescope to explore distant planets, star clusters, and galaxies with the naked eye impossible to see. Fully private, completely personalized, and led by a local former park ranger — this is the Badlands experience you won't find anywhere else.

Discover the beauty of the Dakotas with this bundle of self-guided driving and walking tours in North and South Dakota. Pay a visit to the awe-inspiring Mount Rushmore. Cruise through the lush greenery of the Black Hills. Experience views like nowhere else in Badlands National Park. And journey through wilderness that inspired one of America’s greatest presidents in Teddy Roosevelt National Park. This bundle is the ultimate Dakota experience. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.

Explore the Black Hills with this self-guided walking and driving tour, weaving through landmark sites steeped in monumental art and history. Walk through the majestic Mount Rushmore, delve into the natural splendor of Custer State Park, experience the cultural resonance of Crazy Horse Memorial, and relax at the picturesque Sylvan Lake. Each location enriches your journey with its unique story and breathtaking vistas, creating memories that echo through the landscapes of South Dakota. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.

This Northern Black Hills Shared Tour is unique because it combines breathtaking scenery with a fascinating glimpse into the Wild West history that shaped the region. You'll experience the natural beauty of the northern Black Hills while also uncovering the stories and historical points that bring the legendary Wild West days to life. It's a perfect balance of natural wonder and historical intrigue!

Hop aboard 'Buff,' a Jeep Wrangler specially modified to resist excited bison, with this private tour through Custer State Park. You'll visit all corners of the park, including Mt. Coolidge, Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway, Sylvan Lake, and the Custer State Park Wildlife Loop, with a stop along the way for a picnic lunch served with beer/wine (on request) at Stockade Lake.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a massive sculpture carved into Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. Completed in 1941 under the direction of Gutzon Borglum and his son Lincoln, the sculpture’s roughly 60-ft.-high granite faces depict U.S. presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. The site also features a museum with interactive exhibits.

Make exploring the Black Hills’ many sights effortless with this private half-day tour. Picked up from your Rapid City hotel by your personal driver/guide, you’ll wander amongst giant Presidents—Mount Rushmore, that is—traverse the spectacular Needles Highway, gaze upon Sylvan Lake, witness the wildlife of Custer State Park, and more. With no worries about driving, navigation, or parking, you’ll be free to relax, take pictures, and enjoy the view.

9 pm Lighting Ceremony: May 22nd - August 9th We would pick you up from your Rapid City hotel at 7:30-7:45 pm in 7 or 12 passenger van depending on if we have others going. It is a 45 minute drive to Mt Rushmore. You would have half an hour to get to the amphitheater to get a seat for the program that starts at 9:00 pm. There is a 10 minute Ranger Talk about some topic about the 4 presidents. After the talk is a 20 minute video about the growth of the country in relation to the 4 presidents. At 9:30 pm, the Star Spangled Banner is sung and the lights go on the faces. Veterans and military are invited to the stage to help retire the flag and be honored. It is about a 45 minute program. We do have blankets for you in your vans if it is a chilly night. But, plan on bringing a jacket as it cools off once the sun goes down. We would get you back to Rapid City around 10:45 pm.

We would pick you up from your Rapid City hotel at 6:30-6:45 pm in 7 or 12 passenger van depending on if we have others going. It is a 45 minute drive to Mt Rushmore. You would have half an hour to get to the amphitheater to get a seat for the program that starts at 8:00 pm. There is a 10 minute Ranger Talk about some topic about the 4 presidents. After the talk is a 20 minute video about the growth of the country in relation to the 4 presidents. At 8:30 pm, the Star Spangled Banner is sung and the lights go on the faces. Veterans and military are invited to the stage to help retire the flag and be honored. It is about a 45 minute program. We do have blankets for you in your vans if it is a chilly night. But, plan on bringing a jacket as it cools off once the sun goes down. We would get you back to Rapid City around 9:45 pm.

What makes this Badlands and Wall Drug Store tour unique is the depth of knowledge and storytelling it offers. It's not just a scenic drive, but a fully narrated experience that brings the Badlands and prairie areas to life with abundant information and captivating stories. This ensures a richer and more engaging experience compared to self-guided tours or those with less historical and cultural context, especially since it spans a substantial 7-8 hours.

This Rapid City tour is unique because it offers a concentrated experience designed to maximize your time and provide a comprehensive overview of the city's highlights. In just 4-5 hours, you'll not only get a glimpse of Rapid City's role as the gateway to Mount Rushmore, but you'll also delve into its own distinct character with an up-close encounter with the "City of Presidents" statue collection, giving you a richer understanding of the area's history and culture beyond just the iconic monument. It's the perfect introduction to Rapid City for those on a tight schedule.

Experience the very best of South Dakota's Black Hills on this unforgettable self-guided driving tour along the legendary Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway. Travel winding mountain roads, cross famous pigtail bridges, drive through narrow granite tunnels, encounter free-roaming bison, and visit some of America's most iconic landmarks, including Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial. Along the way, discover the fascinating stories of the pioneers, engineers, Native American history, and conservationists who shaped this remarkable landscape. With stunning overlooks, wildlife encounters, and breathtaking scenery around every curve, this GPS-guided driving tour is one of the most scenic road trips in the United States.

Don't waste your precious vacation days booking separate tours through the Black Hills. This comprehensive adventure combines visits to Mt. Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park's famous bison herds into one efficient trip. You’ll explore the scenic Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road, and beyond, all with convenient hotel pickup and no planning stress.

Uncover the hidden beauty and history of South Dakota with this combo tour of Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park! Get the full story behind one of America’s largest sculptures at Mount Rushmore. Learn who designed it, how they carved it, and why these four presidents were selected for the monument. Then, take a trip back to the Badlands, where a landscape of alien beauty hides ancient fossils, geological marvels, and Lakota history. After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

The annual Buffalo Roundup takes place on the last Friday of September. View the roundup and watch the branding and sorting of bison. After pickup from Rapid City, head to the South Parking Lot, where a folding chair, hot beverages, and continental breakfast await. Enjoy a picnic lunch at Stockade Lake and sightseeing including Needles Highway, Sylvan Lake, and Iron Mountain Road.

Badlands National Park is a huge park that can be intimidating if you’re thinking about exploring it on your own. Instead, book this Badlands National Park Private Full-Day Tour from Rapid City and follow a guide through the most beautiful areas of the park. With many stops incorporated, you’ll spot wildlife and fossils and go for a hike. Lunch and a visit to the Minuteman Missile Visitors Center are included.

Discover the wonders of the American heartland with our Mount Rushmore & Great Plains Audio Tour Bundle! Marvel at the iconic Mount Rushmore, where our guides share fascinating stories about the presidents carved into the mountain and the history behind this monumental project. Then, journey through the vast Great Plains, exploring wide-open prairies, historic landmarks, and diverse wildlife. Learn about the Native American history, pioneer trails, and natural beauty that define this region. Perfect for families, history buffs, and adventure seekers, this bundle offers a captivating and educational experience. Simply download, plug in your headphones, and set off on a remarkable journey through Mount Rushmore and the Great Plains! *Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*

Explore one of South Dakota’s incredible national parks and other highlights with this day tour from Rapid City to Badlands National Park. Your private guide will share their expertise about the region’s history, geology, and more as you drive through the beautiful park, possibly spotting wildlife like buffalo. You’ll have lunch a local restaurant of your choice, stop at famous roadside store/attraction Wall Drugs, the ghost town of Scenic, and the Minuteman Missile Site.

Maximize your time in South Dakota by seeing Black Hills’ highlights all in one day. An air-conditioned vehicle loaded with snacks takes you to famous carved monuments Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, as well through some of Custer Park’s 71,000 scenic acres. You might even spot resident bison, elk, and other wildlife. There are also stops at Sylvan Lake and Iron Mountain Road, for more Rushmore views.