Private Tour: Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse & Custer State Park (from Rapid City)
A private six-hour loop through the Black Hills that pairs the monumental faces of Mount Rushmore with the cultural scale of Crazy Horse and the living landscape of Custer State Park. Expect scenic drives, short walks, wildlife viewing, and local context from an experienced guide.
The Experience
Before You Go
Carry Park Fee & Small Cash
Custer State Park and Crazy Horse charge separate admissions and donation options; have a card or small bills ready for parking, fees, or onsite purchases.
Start Early to Beat Crowds
Mount Rushmore and Iron Mountain Road are busiest mid-morning to mid-afternoon—early departures mean cleaner light and smaller crowds at viewpoints.
Respect Wildlife Distance
Bison and pronghorn appear close on Wildlife Loop but are unpredictable—observe from the vehicle or designated overlooks and never approach.
Motion Sickness Prep
Roads through the Black Hills include tight switchbacks on Iron Mountain Road; if you’re prone to motion sickness, sit forward and bring medication.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Pull-outs along Iron Mountain Road that frame Mount Rushmore through the pigtail bridges
- •Sylvan Lake’s shoreline ledges—less crowded at midweek and great for reflection shots
Wildlife
- •American bison
- •Pronghorn (antelope)
Conservation Note
Custer State Park operates wildlife management programs, including annual bison roundups that balance tourism with herd health; visitors are asked to follow Leave No Trace practices to protect fragile prairie and forest habitats.
The Black Hills were historically Lakota territory; Crazy Horse Memorial was begun to honor native leaders while Mount Rushmore reflects 20th-century national monument-making.
Photographer's Notes
- • Mount Rushmore viewing terrace
- • Iron Mountain Road switchbacks framing the presidential faces
- • Sylvan Lake shoreline and western ledges
What to Bring
Layered ClothingEssential
Temperature swings are common between valley and ridge—layers keep you comfortable during drives and short hikes.
Reusable Water BottleEssential
Staying hydrated is important during drives and quick walks, especially in summer heat.
Sturdy Walking ShoesEssential
Paved terraces and rocky shoreline trails around Sylvan Lake require supportive footwear and good grip.
Camera with Telephoto
A telephoto lens captures distant wildlife on the Wildlife Loop and tight framing of the presidential faces from viewing platforms.
Common Questions
How long is the tour and what does it include?
The tour is approximately six hours and includes private transportation, a professional local guide, hotel pickup/drop-off, and guided stops at Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park (including Wildlife Loop), Sylvan Lake, and Iron Mountain Road; admissions are not included.
Is this tour suitable for children and infants?
Yes—infant seats are available and the tour is rated easy with minimal walking, but keep children supervised around overlooks and wildlife areas.
Are park entrance fees or monument admissions covered?
No—admissions and donations to sites like Crazy Horse or Custer State Park entrance fees are not included, so bring payment for those.
Will I see wildlife on the tour?
Likely—Custer State Park’s Wildlife Loop is an 18-mile stretch where bison, pronghorn, elk, and prairie dogs are commonly seen, though sightings depend on season and time of day.
Can the itinerary be adjusted for accessibility or special requests?
Pickup details and special requirements are requested at booking; the operator can accommodate many mobility needs but notify them in advance to plan accessible stops.
What happens if weather or traffic affects the schedule?
The route and timing can change due to traffic, special events, or weather; the operator notes that duration may be adjusted and refunds are not provided for schedule changes.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
6 hours
Location
Rapid City, South Dakota
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Light activity level; suitable for most fitness levels with short, paved walks and modest elevation gains.
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