Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills
Recommended by 96% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Rapid City, USA
+8
- 9 hours (approx.)
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
·
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
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.
- See Mt. Rushmore illuminated by the morning sun
- Discover the striking landmarks of South Dakota’s Black Hills
- Round-trip transit via air-conditioned coach makes logistics seamless
- Explore Custer State Park, and see the Crazy Horse Memorial
What's Included
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Restroom on board
- Public transportation
- Entrance fee - Admissions to Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park and Crazy Horse all included.
- Driver / Guide Gratuity
- LunchCan be purchased when stopping at the State Game Lodge for lunch
- BreakfastCan be purchased at Fort Hays Chuckwagon in the morning
- DinnerFort Hays Chuckwagon tickets can be purchased on site if seating is available.
- Bottled waterCan be purchased at stops on the trip
- Private transportation
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Fort Hays Chuckwagon Supper & Show2255 Fort Hayes Dr, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA
The tour starts at Fort Hays Chuckwagon with checkin from 7:50-8:00am. Checkin is 45 mins before the bus departure to give you enough time to explore Fort Hays. It is conveniently located on Hwy 16 just south of Rapid City on the road to Mount Rushmore. (Just 12 minutes from downtown Rapid City)
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Start time.8:30 am
Itinerary
Wake up early and prepare for a journey to one of South Dakota’s most famous landmarks: Mount Rushmore. Meet at Fort Hays Chuckwagon Supper & Show in Rapid City, a convenient pick-up location that makes for an easy dinner choice when you’re dropped off after the tour concludes.
This full-day bus tour starts with a stop at Mount Rushmore. Because the cliffside faces the east, it’s brilliantly illuminated in the morning hours. Enjoy an hour of wandering around the site and learning about Gutzon Borglum, the site's architect.
Ride along Iron Road to Custer State Park Resort where you can purchase lunch, then it’s off to Needles Highway for a scenic drive to the equally breathtaking Sylvan Lake. Your trip ends with a visit to Crazy Horse Memorial where you’ll have an hour to learn about the world’s largest mountain carving.
This full-day bus tour starts with a stop at Mount Rushmore. Because the cliffside faces the east, it’s brilliantly illuminated in the morning hours. Enjoy an hour of wandering around the site and learning about Gutzon Borglum, the site's architect.
Ride along Iron Road to Custer State Park Resort where you can purchase lunch, then it’s off to Needles Highway for a scenic drive to the equally breathtaking Sylvan Lake. Your trip ends with a visit to Crazy Horse Memorial where you’ll have an hour to learn about the world’s largest mountain carving.
1
Fort Hays Old West Town and Dinner Show
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
3
Iron Mountain Road
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
4
Custer State Park Resort
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
5
South Dakota 87
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
6
Sylvan Lake
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
7
Crazy Horse Memorial
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Infants must sit on laps
- Service animals allowed
- Stroller accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Not wheelchair accessible
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 160 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.8
based on 437 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
It was a great tour, our driver make it fun and interesting at the same time. The places we visited were on my list. I’m definitely recommended!
Dan was a great driver and kept us entertained the whole day. We got to see the main attractions in the Black Hills without having to drive it ourselves. It was a long day, but totally worth it.
Billy our tour guide was excellent. We highly recommend his tour. The stage coach show was excellent as well.
We had a great time on the all day tour of Mount Rushmore. The driver was informative. The scenery is beautiful.
Very informative, great guide...Dan was EXCELLENT!! He made it fun, exciting and we enjoyed every minute of it.
This day trip was excellent. Our tour guide Billy was top-notch A+. He’s been doing this to her for 10 years. He is very knowledgeable and gives historical information, details on the area the entire trip. Plenty of stops for photo opportunities. Do not hesitate to take the bus tour. Do you get to be the passenger, take plenty of photos and videos while being driven, and also get a lot of information that otherwise you would not know if I just taking a private car ride through these areas. We were lucky and saw a huge heard of Buffalo in Custer State Park after lunch. Billy even inquired over lunch to find out if the buffalo were out and was going to take us to the location where they were at so we could view them. Would recommend this to her.
This is a great option to see multiple national parks/monument’s in one day and you don’t have to do the driving which is a plus in my book. Dan our tour guide/driver was very knowledgeable and hilarious!
Amazing day today with our guide, can’t remember his name but was lovely and polite, always entertaining on the bus ride and so knowledgeable about the area! Would 100% recommend
The bus tour was great and the guide was very knowledgeable! It’s not a high intensity tour-very easy to manage even with mobility issues.
Billy was super knowledgeable and shared so much information and driving skills :) So happy I signed up for this day packed tour. Highly recommend.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
We sure do like ol' Billy 'round these parts. His quick wit and smart ways make hearin' his tales a real hoot! Mighty glad you wrangled a day with us, and we sure hope ya swing by on yer next escapade to the Black Hills!
It was an amazing tour. Our driver was extremely knowledgeable of all aspects of our experience. The bus was very comfortable, clean, and safe. It was a mental, physical, educational, pleasurable, and spiritual journey.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Well, thanks kindly for makin' memories with us and lettin' us do the drivin'! Happy to hear y'all had a mighty fine day! Our tour drivers sure do love spinnin' yarns, showin' off the beauty of these here parts, and makin' sure you have a rip-roarin' time while you're with us! Don't keep us waitin' too long to see ya again, ya hear!
This was a full day experience. You start off seeing Mt. Rushmore. They need to increase to time you are given from 1 hour to 1.5 hours. You travel the needles highway through the black hills and Custer National Park. You end seeing the Crazy Horse monument.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Appreciate ya sharin' your day with us and lettin' us take the reins! We sure enjoy showin' off this here stunning land and spinnin' some tales! Swing by and see us again real soon!
It was great. Really recommended. Only one issue. The lady that we checked in basically told us we weren’t able to get helped with the cost of dinner due to signing up through Viator and then we were told the bus was loaded by date registered. It only seems ironic that we signed up via Viator and were the last people seated. My seat wasn’t the best as I had the bathroom on the right of me and couldn’t see a lot of stuff on the right side of the bus.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
We are really happy to hear you had a great time on tour and thank you for spending your day with us! We loved having you here no matter how you decided to book. We are sorry that we couldn't offer the promotional upgrade to include dinner. Unfortunately, when booking with a 3rd party seller, they do not offer the promotions and deals that are available through the companies themselves, and the companies themselves cannot alter the booking made by the 3rd party seller. As for boarding the bus, we board in order of paid reservation and very frequently have paid bookings months or even a year in advance. A lot of 3rd party companies offer a book now and pay later deal. So a paid reservation through a 3rd party doesn't come in to the actual company until 24-48 hours prior to the event. Again, we thank you for coming and hope you come visit us again the next time you are in the Black Hills!
This bus tour covered all of the areas that were of interest to us. Our bus driver, Ken, was phenomenal. He was the best of the best! I would highly recommend this tour to anyone.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Yup, we reckon! Ken's one heck of a fella! His drivin' and yarn-spinnin' skills are off the charts! He's got the lowdown on all the best watering holes! Much obliged for spendin' the day with us! Don’t be a stranger now!
From start to finish was a great tour. Beautiful boss, great and entertaining driver. We learned a lot we saw a lot that we never would’ve been able to do on our own. They gave us just the right amount of time to see Mount Rushmore, crazy horse, and Sylvan Lake. The lunch stop was good and everything was timed very well. I highly recommend this Tour.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Much obliged fer spendin' the day with us! Our drivers sure know the best sights fer makin' them memories! Hope to see ya again on yer next adventure!
The trip was very informative & we saw lots of sights. Our driver pointed out things to us. We enjoyed it.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
We's mighty glad to hear ya had a good day! Our cowpokes know all 'bout them best sights! Havin' ya hang out with us is a true pleasure! Swing by again on yer next adventure to the hills!
The tour guy, Dan, was fantastic. Very knowledgeable, great driver for those types of turns, narrow tunnels & really funny. I loved the music he played after lunch
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Dan's a legend behind the reins 'round here, and he spins tales better'n a campfire story you can't quit! Much obliged for ridin' with us, and we're hopin' to see your face when you next wander this way!
Our tour guide Billy was great! The additional anecdotal information he provided was excellent. We had ample time to explore all the stops on the tour…we didn’t feel rushed. The reason I gave it 4 stars was because the check in time recommended was almost an hour before the bus came at 8:50. There was very little to see or do at Fort Hayes if you didn’t want to buy breakfast there. The lunch stop buffet was very good but it should be mentioned that you can bring a picnic lunch if you choose not to have the buffet. This would be much more economical for a family. Kudos again to Billy and his excellent driving skills. I recommend this tour but the arrival time and lunch option needs to be fixed.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Much obliged for lettin' us steer the rig! Billy’s a top-notch hand, whether he’s steerin' through twists and turns spinnin' yarns, or greetin' ya at the stop with a tune to start the mornin'! We reckon we show up a mite early, but we gotta make sure our drivers are plumb ready and every soul is accounted for so nobody gets lost in the brush. Small coolers and packs are welcome if they tuck neat by your seat, so feel free to bring your grub and sarsaparilla. Sorry that info wasn't easier to find. Mighty glad y'all had a fine day overall, and we hope you ride by and say howdy next time you're driftin' through the Black Hills!
He was very knowledgeable. Had everything you can think of. The only thing is if we had a little information when we went to crazy horse, I didn’t know what to do ended up on a bus that was informative, but probably not the way to go. I never saw the “miniature” statue so that’s more for his suggestion.
Response from Host, May 2026
Glad ya had a fine time! Much obliged for ridin' with us today!
Dan was amazing, he was very informative. Shared alot of information that made the tour educational as well. The lady at the ticket desk was very friendly and welcoming. I would highly recommend this tour.
Response from Host, May 2026
Dan’s got the wits and the grit to be top-tier! Nothin' beats havin' a grand old time without even knowin' you're learnin'! Appreciate ya ridin' with us, and we'll be lookin' for ya come your next trek to the hills!
Our driver was very skilled driving the bus through those narrow tunnels. He had so much knowledge of Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse.
Response from Host, May 2026
We're shore proud o' our drivers' skills and smarts, and kinda fond o' their grit too! Thanks fer lettin' us make some memories with ya, and hope to meet ya down the trail agin soon!
Bring a jacket. Even the bus was freezing. The scenery was amazing and the tour guide/driver was friendly and informative. The drive was beautiful and we saw things I am certain I would have missed had I done the driving!
Response from Host, May 2026
Howdy, partner! Much obliged for lettin' us show ya 'round these here parts! Our drivers are top-handers with their skills and know-how, givin' 'em the edge to know just where to take ya! Sorry to hear it was a mite chilly! We're fixin' to start our summer season, but sometimes Mother Nature's got some leftover arctic temps she's lookin' to ditch! We sure hope ya come back and see us again soon!
Crystal, the owner of Mount Rushmore Tours, was excellent to deal with. She was always responsive to my questions and available to talk, all with a positive attitude.
Dan, our tour guide, was excellent as well. Very knowledgeable and knew when to talk and not to talk.
Response from Host, May 2026
Krystal's the sweetest gal 'round these parts! She's always fixin' to make sure ya have a grand ol' time! Dan's one of my favorites, and his skills and know-how ain't beat by nobody! Thanks for lettin' us make some memories with ya, and hope to see ya again before long!
Very Educational tour. The Tour Guide con Driver is very knowledgeable in history of South Dakota. Smooth Driver.
Response from Host, May 2026
Howdy, partners! Thanks fer lettin' us show ya 'round and spin a yarn or two! This here's the best history class, bar none! We reckon our drivers are somethin' special! Can't beat their skills and know-how! Much obliged fer ridin' with us today!
The Mr. Rushmore tours/travel was a fantastic company. Our tour guide Daniel was top notch & extremely knowledgeable about South Dakota. Thumbs up.
Response from Host, May 2026
Howdy, partner, and much obliged for them kind words! We're tickled to hear ya had a grand ol' time with us! Dan's a real gem, ain't he? Showin' folks 'round or gettin' 'em hoppin' when he's on stage with the band! Ya'll come back and see us on yer next trip to the hills, ya hear?
This was a beautiful tour. In addition to the breathtaking Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Crazy Horse Memorial monuments, Custer State Park was absolutely stunning as well. We saw lots of bison and some deer along the way, which made the experience even more special. The guide was very informative, friendly, and made the tour enjoyable from start to finish.
Response from Host, May 2026
Howdy, partner! Thanks fer lettin' us be a part o' yer memories! Glad thet bison 'n' critters put on a show fer ya! We reckon this here land's a real beauty, 'n' our drivers are top-notch with their smarts 'n' savvy! Come on back 'n' see us when yer in the Black Hills again!
A busy day with lots of stops. The driver made drop offs and pick ups very convenient. Our driver (Bill Martin) was very knowledgeable and has a wonderful sense of humor.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Bill's one o' the best hands around, reckon! Glad ya had a rip-roarin' time, and hope ya mosey on back when ya're next in these parts!
Very informative, loved all the history. Our tour guide Billy was the best, great scenery and views.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Billy's a real marvel! He knows a heap 'bout the Black Hills' story and loves sharin' this here beautiful land with others! Much obliged for lettin' us do the drivin', and don't you forget to mosey on in and say howdy next time you're around these parts!
Billy our tour guide did an exceptional job of providing history and other information about the areas we were visiting.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Billy's a real gem, and he sure loves yappin' 'bout this here land! We're plumb thrilled you had a grand ol' time with us, and we're hopin' to see ya ride back soon!
Great day, while long it was enjoyable because the bus driving kept us laughing with Jokes and information about the area. The crazy roads and small tunnels provided an experience all by itself!!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Much obliged fer lettin' us do the drivin' and spendin' the day with us! We're mighty glad y'all had a rip-roarin' good time! Swing by again real soon, ya hear?
Member Pricing
From
$125.87
per personWas $132.50(-5%)
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Member Pricing
Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills
437
9 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$132.50
$125.87
5% savings
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
- Sporting Events
- Extreme Sports
- Nature and Wildlife Tours
- Full-day Tours
- 4WD Tours
- Bus Tours
- Tickets & Passes
- Day Trips
- Outdoor Activities
- Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
- Private and Luxury
- Rapid City
- Extreme Sports - Custer
- Nature and Wildlife Tours - Custer
- Bus Tours - Custer
- Nature and Wildlife Tours - Fort Collins
- Sporting Events - Estes Park
- Extreme Sports - Estes Park
- Nature and Wildlife Tours - Estes Park
- Full-day Tours - Estes Park
- 4WD Tours - Estes Park
- Bus Tours - Estes Park
More attractions near Rapid City, USA