Top Rapid City Nature and Wildlife Tours

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.

Visit Devils Tower National Monument and the surrounding area with a professional guide with this tour. You'll make plenty of stops along the way at spots such as the Old Fort Meade Museum, Bear Butte State Park, and the Geographic Center of the Nation Monument, while your guide tells you all about the region's history.

Explore Custer State Park on an all-day, small-group Jeep tour. After a convenient pickup from your Rapid City hotel, cruise scenic Iron Mountain Road and marvel at hundreds of bison on a 19-mile safari.  Ascend Mt. Coolidge and get amazing views of Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills. You won't have to bring food with you as a picnic lunch is included in the tour price.

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.

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*

There’s nothing “bad” about touring the Badlands with a guide who’ll drive you to the national park, teach you the history of the area, and make sure you don’t miss any of the best spots for photos. The tour is a highly curated route that takes you to places you’d otherwise miss. From scenic overlooks to the famous Wall Drug Store, and even to the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, where you’ll get to experience ‘duck and cover drills,’ it’s good fun in the Badlands.

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.

Check out the natural wonders of Devils Tower, Spearfish Canyon, and Northern Black Hills on this private adventure, where all the details are taken care of for you, so you won’t have any hassles along the way. This full-day tour includes a picnic lunch when weather permits or a meal in a local restaurant to keep you energized for the tour.

Visit Mount Rushmore with a guide on this group bus tour to the national monument from Rapid City. Not only does this tour let you skip navigating the hairpin turns and packed parking lot leading to your visit, but you also get to learn the history of South Dakota from your guide. After, continue exploring Black Hills sights including the Crazy Horse Monument, Iron Mountain Road, Sylvan Lake, and more. End your day with the Chuckwagon Supper and Show, included.

This isn’t just a tour—it’s a deeply personal exploration of the natural world, guided by a professional wildlife biologist who brings every moment to life. Designed exclusively for your group, the experience is entirely private and tailored to your interests, pace, and curiosity. What sets it apart is the focus on nature in its purest form—no monuments, no crowds, just the living heartbeat of the Black Hills. You’ll explore vast prairies, winding byways, underground caves, and wildlife-rich habitats with a guide who reads the landscape like a storybook. Rather than simply pointing out animals or naming plants, your guide offers insight into the complex relationships that tie geology, ecology, and wildlife together. You’ll walk away with not only stunning photos but a meaningful connection to the land itself. Unhurried, immersive, and rich with discovery—this tour invites you to slow down, look deeper, and experience South Dakota as few ever do.

Discover the grandeur of Mount Rushmore National Memorial with our engaging and amusing audio tour! Marvel at the colossal faces of four iconic U.S. presidents while our witty guides share fascinating stories, fun facts, and historical insights. Learn about the incredible artistry and engineering behind this monumental achievement, as well as the legends and lore surrounding it. Perfect for families, history buffs, and curious travelers, our audio tour adds a delightful twist to your visit. Simply download, plug in your headphones, and embark on a memorable adventure through Mount Rushmore! "Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours"

Custer State Park is one of the country’s best state parks, partly thanks to the fantastic wildlife here. But you can't experience its best views from your car: With this open-air Jeep tour, you’ll share the breezes with creatures like buffalo and pronghorn—from a safe distance, of course. You’ll also hit the trails with your guide, discovering some of South Dakota’s most beautiful terrain.

Take in fantastic views of Custer Park and increase your chances of getting perfect wildlife and nature shots by taking a tour in a convertible-top safari van. Take in the views from a fire lookout, and spend time driving around in search of wildlife. You'll also stop at scenic Stockade Lake for an included picnic lunch and visit the scenic Sylvan Lake during your tour.

If you have a limited amount of time to explore Badlands National Park, prebook this Badlands National Park Private Tour from Rapid City that’s perfect for travelers short on time. Your own private group goes with a guide who knows the area well, and teaches you about the culture, geology, wildlife, and land. You’ll also stop at Badlands Wall to see the stunning sunset.

Avoid the crowded bus tours and discover the best of South Dakota with your own tour guide on this private excursion from Rapid City. Spend your day observing local wildlife like American Bison, bighorn sheep, and antelope at Custer State Park. Then, visit the iconic Mount Rushmore before finishing at the unfinished Crazy Horse Memorial that pays tribute to the Native American warrior.

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 stunning Black Hills with an authentic, nature-focused tour that prioritizes outdoor experiences over traditional monument visits. This guided adventure takes you along scenic drives, including Iron Mountain Road, where you can enjoy views of Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial from the road. Engage in short hikes, wildlife observation, and insightful discussions about the region's ecology, geology, and cultural stories. Perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts, this tour offers a relaxed pace and personal connection to the landscape. - See Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial from scenic drives - Observe wildlife in Custer State Park and enjoy interpretive conversations - Picnic lunch at scenic sites, with professional photos included - Private for a personal experience with flexible timing

Enjoy the best of the Northern Black Hills on this day tour. As a private outing, enjoy the area at your time and pace. Wander through beautiful Spearfish Canyon, enjoying the lush greenery and waterfalls. Take in historic Deadwood, understanding its importance during the Black Hills gold rush, and how it served wild west celebrities like Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok. In Lead, see one of the largest goldmines in the world, and understand how it has found a place in a modern economy. Options include visits to Devils Tower (+$ fee), and a selection of museums in historic Deadwood.

Get off the beaten path and onto your bike to see the real beauty of the Black Hills! This day tour takes you to some of the quieter and most beautiful areas of the Mickelson trail (where the locals ride) and a taste of South Dakotan produce. A true balance of effort and reward and a great day out! We give the option to stop at one of few breweries up in the Hill City area, with the outdoor Lost Cabin Beer Garden at the Mickelson Trail Burlington Trailhead being a favorite.