Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills
Recommended by 96% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Rapid City, USA
- 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
- 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
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.Operating hours.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
- 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 390 reviews
Felisa_W, Sep 2025
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!
Doris_K, Aug 2025
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!
Peggy_C, Aug 2025
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!
Bobbi_C, Aug 2025
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?
Nancy_F, Aug 2025
We loved letting someone else do the driving who knew where to go so we so we could sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Our driver was GARY who was absolutely fantastic! He went out of his way to find out where the buffalo and burros would be that day and drove us right to them. We saw hundreds of buffalo up close--truly an awesome experience. We were able to feed the burros as Gary had stopped prior to get the burros some treats (carrots) that he passed on to the bus riders so they could feed them. He was also extremely knowledgable about the area. and told many jokes. I can't say enough good things about Gary. I've been on a lot of tours and Gary was by far the best!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Well, partner, we sure are tickled ya let us give ya a good ol' tour of our mighty fine Black Hills! Ridin' through a herd of buffalo is a thrill that'll rustle yer boots, and them burros, they sure do love their grub! Gary's a mighty fine fella, holdin' a spot in our hearts like a warm campfire. He's kept us chucklin' fer years, makin' history as fun as a rodeo! Don’t be a stranger now, ya hear? Swing by and give us a howdy when yer back 'round!
Carmen_K, Jul 2025
It was an amazing experience. Highly recommended.!!!
We had a great time for a full day trip experience
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thanks for spending the day with us! We are glad you had a great time! Come see us again soon!
LeAnne_S, Jun 2025
Ken,our guide was excellent. The scenery exceeded our expectations. One of the most beautiful places we have ever been. Ken taught us some Lakota words and gave us a fascinating history of the Indians and settlers of the area.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
We are so happy you came out with us! Ken is one of the best! Come see us again next time you are in the hills!
Tom_G, Jun 2025
Took a tour of Mt Rushmore and crazy horse and Sylvan lake and went down needles road. Was very exciting! Driver Bill Martin was awesome!! Very knowledgeable and always telling jokes and making you laugh.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Bill is one of the best! Happy to hear you enjoyed the day! Come see us again soon!
Cathy_B, Jun 2025
This was a terrific trip. The driver was so fun and knowledgeable about the area. We went to Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State park, Sylvan Lake and Iron Mountain. I would recommend this for anyone especially if you are not familiar with the roads. Leave the driving to this company, sit back and enjoy.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thanks for letting us be the driver! We think it's better to sight see without worrying about traffic and directions. We are thrilled you had a great time! Come again soon!
Manju_M, Jun 2025
Our experience with gladiator was amazing! The tour and was great. Felt safe and secure. I would highly recommend it.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Glad you had a great day! Come see us again soon!
From $132.50
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills
390
9 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$132.50
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
More attractions near Rapid City, USA