All South Dakota Tours & Excursions in 2026 - page 4

You visit Mount Rushmore, one of our nation's national treasures, and Custer State Park, one of our nation's largest and most diverse state parks. This is the perfect tour for families looking to combine sightseeing with a history of the area. You'll be provided with the history of the Black Hills in the context of the western expansion across North America. Custer State Park is home to an abundance of wildlife and a free roaming 1,500 herd of bison. You'll also be provided with the historical background for how the faces of four important founding fathers came to be carved on Mount Rushmore.

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.

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.

With nothing but lunar landscapes for miles, Badlands National Park makes for a wild cycling journey—for beginner and advanced cyclists alike. On this guided trip, you’ll pedal nearly 30 miles along the moderate Badlands Loop Road, from vista to vista and across millions of years, breaking for a picnic lunch (additional $15) along the way. Watch for wildlife, take in the views, and feel the energy of this sacred place.

Explore rugged terrain on this guided off-road adventure operated by a handpicked BRP Experiences operator, featuring premium Can‑Am side-by-side vehicles. Looking for scenic overlooks, hidden lakes, or rugged terrain? We make it easy to experience the best of the Black Hills off-road in our Can-Am UTV's. Ride right from property. Price includes helmets and gas. Your machine rental will come equipped with a full or half windshield, a roof, as well as a map and GPS. Family friendly.

Don’t get crammed into a huge tour with travelers you don’t know—instead, prebook this Badlands National Park Private Tour and visit the national park with a private group. Make additional stops at South Dakota’s Museum of Geology, Wall Drug Store, and Minuteman Missile Visitors Center, as well as the national park. You choose what you’ll do or have your guide plan the day for you.

Buy your tickets in advance to the Cosmos Mystery Area to guarantee your admission, even on sold-out days. With tickets in hand, you can breeze by the ticket-purchase line and get started exploring right away. Embark on a 30-minute tour that showcases the family-friendly displays and activities focused on the intersection of science, mystery, and comedy.

Preserve your cherished moments with a professional photography session at the iconic Dinosaur Park on top of beautiful Skyline Drive. Led by skilled photographers from Rushmore Reflections Photography, this experience offers personalized sessions that highlight your unique experience to Rapid City. Whether you're celebrating a milestone or simply seeking stunning family portraits, the breathtaking surroundings provide the perfect canvas for unforgettable images. Embrace the beauty of Rapid City and the Black Hills while creating lasting memories that you can treasure forever.

Explore rugged terrain on this guided off-road adventure operated by a handpicked BRP Experiences operator, featuring premium Can‑Am side-by-side vehicles. Our renters receive a laminated map with highlighted routes that include numerous points of interests, restrooms and places to stop to grab a bite to eat or snacks. We include GPS- equipped tablets to easily navigate our routes. Helmets are included in the price of the rental and available to all. Renters leave right from our location with easy access to many trails. Our machines are street legal and equipped with all permits so no additional cost for that. We have additional drinks, eyewear and clothing for purchase in our office.

Explore the Black Hills with a former National Park Ranger on a private, personalized tour designed around your interests. Visit landscapes where your guide lived and worked as a ranger and conducted master’s research, gaining firsthand insight into the wildlife and landscapes of the region — including the iconic buffalo herds of Custer State Park. Explore Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse National Memorials going beyond the typical stops with deeper stories of wildlife, geology, and history, plus scenic viewpoints and insights most visitors never experience. Fully private, completely personalized, and led by someone who calls these parks home — this is the Black Hills experience you won't find anywhere else.

Explore rugged terrain on this guided off-road adventure operated by a handpicked BRP Experiences operator, featuring premium Can‑Am side-by-side vehicles. Our renters receive a laminated map with highlighted routes that include numerous points of interests, restrooms and places to stop to grab a bite to eat or snacks. We include GPS- equipped tablets to easily navigate our routes. Helmets are included in the price of the rental and available to all. Renters leave right from our location with easy access to many trails. Our machines are street legal and equipped with all permits so no additional cost for that. We have additional drinks, eyewear and clothing for purchase in our office.

Explore rugged terrain on this guided off-road adventure operated by a handpicked BRP Experiences operator, featuring premium Can‑Am side-by-side vehicles. Looking for scenic overlooks, hidden lakes, or rugged terrain? We make it easy to experience the best of the Black Hills off-road in our Can-Am UTVs. Ride right from the property. Price includes helmets and gas. Your machine rental will come equipped with a full or half windshield, a roof, as well as a map and GPS. Family friendly!

Explore rugged terrain on this guided off-road adventure operated by a handpicked BRP Experiences operator. Our Aventon Pace 4s give you the perfect level of assist to help navigate the ups and downs of the Mickelson Trail. With the average battery life lasting of up to 70 miles, you can plan a full day or just a few hours without the worry of not having enough battery life.

This tour allows you to experience the rare and exquisite beauty the Black Hills has to offer. This is a guided tour, and the guide will share the incredible history of the area.

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. Explore distant planets, star clusters, and galaxies on a fully private, completely personalized tour led by a local former park ranger — this Badlands experience you won't find anywhere else.

Sunrise in the Badlands: Sturgis Rally Edition Escape the roar of the rally and embrace the serenity of the Badlands with this early-morning adventure designed for those who rise with the sun. Perfect for Sturgis visitors looking to beat the traffic and experience the breathtaking beauty of the region, this tour offers an unforgettable start to your day. Begin with a spectacular sunrise over the dramatic landscapes of Badlands National Park. As the first light dances across rugged peaks, sweeping prairies, and ancient formations, you’ll witness nature’s artistry at its finest—a moment made even better with opportunities for stunning photography. After the sunrise, we’ll guide you through the park’s lesser-known treasures and iconic highlights. Learn about the unique geology, diverse wildlife, and rich history that make the Badlands a place like no other.

See a different side of Badlands National Park, at sunset and under the night sky, with this experience. Your guide will take you and your party out at dusk, a great time to spot wildlife. After the sun sets, you'll head over to the park ranger-led Night Sky Program, where you'll learn about the universe and maybe even get to see the sky through a telescope.

Enter another world with the only e-bike tour of the Badlands, this is truly a unique way to experience this wonderful National Park. Ride along with the prairie dogs chirping and spectacular views. A private tour means we go at your pace and comfort level. A once in a lifetime opportunity awaits! If some in your group prefer regular bikes, we can arrange a mixed tour. Please contact us to discuss this option.

Capture the stunning wildlife of Custer State Park on this guided photography tour, perfect for photographers of all skill levels. Discover prime habitats as you observe herds of bison, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep, while learning expert techniques to enhance your photography. Your knowledgeable guide will help you find the best vantage points for wildlife encounters, ensuring you get frame-worthy shots without disturbing the animals. Midway through the tour, enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the park's natural beauty, providing a serene moment to recharge and reflect on your day’s captures. - Explore Custer State Park’s diverse wildlife and landscapes - Perfect for photographers of all skill levels, with expert guidance - Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch in a scenic setting - Learn tips on composition and lighting to enhance your photography skills

Discover the best of the Black Hills on this unforgettable evening adventure. Your tour begins with a scenic drive along the world-famous Iron Mountain Road, a winding masterpiece with pigtail bridges, mountain vistas, and tunnels leading to Mt. Rushmore. Along the way, your guide shares insightful stories of the region’s history, people, and natural beauty. Arriving at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, we’ll stroll the Avenue of the Flags for a first close-up view of the monument. Your guide will bring the story of its creation to life with engaging details about the vision, artistry, and challenges behind this American landmark. As night falls, you’ll take part in the moving Evening Illumination Ceremony, where patriotic music and storytelling culminate in the dramatic lighting of the monument. This tour blends breathtaking scenery with cultural heritage and national pride, making it one of the most memorable ways to experience Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills.

Experience the beauty of the Black Hills on this private afternoon and evening tour, featuring scenic drives and the Mount Rushmore Lighting Ceremony and Custer State Park. Visit Sylvan Lake, journey along the stunning Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road, and enjoy breathtaking views and photo stops. End the day at Mount Rushmore, exploring the monument before witnessing the patriotic and inspiring Lighting Ceremony.

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.

This isn’t a tour—it’s a scientific expedition designed for curious minds. Unlike standard sightseeing trips, this experience puts you in the shoes of a field biologist. You’ll go beyond the overlooks, entering areas few travelers explore. With your guide—an expert in ecology and geology—you’ll use real research tools to track wildlife, study ancient formations, and analyze one of the richest fossil environments in the world. Rather than passively observing, you’ll actively participate.Track animal behavior using field signs and biological patterns. Study geology hands-on, examining exposed strata millions of years old. Explore off-the-beaten-path zones like Sage Creek Wilderness, where bison, burrowing owls, and prairie dogs shape the ecosystem. This tour is ideal for inquisitive travelers, families with budding scientists, and anyone craving more than just surface-level experiences.

This tour covers the three major areas of the Black Hills and Badlands. You can put down the planning, and relax as we take you to the significant points of interest. At times, we may deviate from the itinerary for some surprise visits. We can spend more or less time at each location based on your interests. Our guides are trained in a way that enhances your experience on so many levels. We care about your time here most of all and are willing to go out of our way to ensure you have an excellent experience. Photography is something we love as well, and photos will be provided at the end of each day, free of charge.