Just You & Your Group: Rushmore, Custer State Park & Crazy Horse

Discover the Black Hills with a Private Tour from Rapid City

This private tour from Rapid City, USA, costs $459 per person and offers an 8 to 9-hour journey through South Dakota’s most iconic sights. Led by knowledgeable guides from My XO Adventures, this experience promises a personalized exploration of Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and the Crazy Horse Memorial. The tour includes pickup, air-conditioned transportation, snacks, and bottled water, making it a comfortable and convenient way to see the highlights without the hassle of large group tours.

What sets this experience apart is its private and flexible nature—only your group participates, allowing for a tailored pace and direct interaction with your guide. Review scores are exceptionally high, with a perfect 5.0 out of 5 based on 91 reviews, emphasizing the quality of guides like David and Cecilia. A common compliment is the depth of knowledge, which enriches the sightseeing with engaging stories and background. This tour is ideal for those seeking an intimate, informative, and luxuriously flexible way to explore the Black Hills, though it requires most travelers to be able to transfer independently into the vehicle.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience with only your group
• Includes visits to Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and Crazy Horse Memorial
• Guides are highly praised for their knowledge and friendliness
• Flexible stops, with plenty of wildlife viewing and scenic photo opportunities
• Duration of 8-9 hours, leaving ample time at each site
• Cost: $459 per person, with full cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance

Start Your Day in Rapid City and Explore the Black Hills

The tour begins in Rapid City at 8:30am, where your guide introduces you to the area’s history and highlights. The first stop lasts about 30 minutes, providing an overview of Hay Camp and explaining why Rapid City is the region’s largest city. This initial introduction sets the tone with local insights before heading to Keystone, a town known for its museums and historic sites like the National Presidential Wax Museum and Big Thunder Gold Mine. This stop offers a fun, educational glimpse into the area’s past.

Next, the tour transitions to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a must-see for its famous presidential carvings. The guide leads you through 1.5 hours of exploration, sharing stories about George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The admission is included, ensuring you can enjoy the site without additional costs.

Journey Along the Scenic Iron Mountain Road

After visiting Mount Rushmore, your group heads along Iron Mountain Road, famous for its pigtail curves, bridges, and tunnels. The 1-hour drive offers stunning views and a chance to appreciate the engineering marvel of this route. Travelers note that accessibility might be weather-dependent during winter, so check conditions if visiting in cold months.

Wildlife and Natural Beauty in Custer State Park

An important highlight is the visit to Custer State Park, starting with a visitor center stop for restroom breaks and park information. Then, your guide leads you on Wildlife Loop Road to spot American Bison, with over 1,500 living in the park. Alongside bison, expect sightings of pronghorn, antelope, big horn sheep, prairie dogs, and birds.

Further, the Cathedral Spires are visible from various viewpoints. These granite rock formations rise hundreds of feet into the air, creating an otherworldly landscape that photographers love. The 15-minute stop allows time to admire these natural sculptures.

Panoramic Views from Mount Coolidge Fire Lookout Tower

Another favorite is the Mount Coolidge Fire Lookout Tower, built in the 1930s. Standing 60 feet tall, this tower offers panoramic views of the Black Hills and the surrounding prairie. Visitors can climb the steps for a breathtaking perspective, with the Badlands sometimes visible on clear days. The 45-minute stop is perfect for photos and soaking in the scenery.

Traversing Needles Highway and Scenic Byways

The Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway and Needles Highway showcase some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Black Hills. The 1.5-hour drive along these winding roads takes you through tunnels, rock formations, and scenic overlooks, including the famous Needles Eye rock formation. The tunnels are narrow and require careful driving, but the views are worth the effort.

Wildlife Encounters in Custer State Park

Back on the Wildlife Loop Road, expect more chances to see mega-fauna, especially bison. The over 1500 bison in the park make this one of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing. The guide may stop at the visitor center before continuing into the wildlife-rich areas of the park.

Visiting the Needles Eye and Sylvan Lake

The journey continues through the Needles Eye Tunnel to reach the Needles Eye formation, a natural rock sculpture. The 10-minute stop allows for photos of this iconic feature. Then, the tour takes you to Sylvan Lake, known as the most beautiful lake in the Black Hills. Surrounded by rock formations and trails, this 30-minute stop offers a peaceful setting to relax or take photos.

Exploring Crazy Horse Memorial

The tour concludes at the Crazy Horse Memorial, dedicated to the Native American warrior Crazy Horse. Visitors can view the mountain, watch a short film, and explore Native American artifacts. During winter, if the museum is closed, the guide still shares the story of Crazy Horse and the carving process. The 45-minute visit is a powerful cultural experience that adds depth to the day’s sightseeing.

Included Amenities and Practical Details

Throughout the day, bottled water and snacks are provided, along with private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. The tour is designed to be accessible, with service animals allowed and public transportation nearby. Guests should be able to transfer independently into the vehicle, ensuring a comfortable experience for most travelers.

Booking, Cancellation, and Flexibility

Booking is straightforward, with an average of 111 days in advance, and a full refund available if canceled at least 24 hours before the start. The tour operates in good weather, with options for rescheduling or refunds if canceled due to poor conditions. The meeting point is in Rapid City, with pickup included.

Final Thoughts on the Private Black Hills Experience

This tour offers a well-rounded and flexible way to see South Dakota’s top sights without the stress of navigating narrow roads or large groups. The knowledgeable guides and customized approach ensure a personalized and informative experience. Visitors particularly value the scenic drives, wildlife sightings, and cultural insights that make this tour stand out.

While it requires moderate physical mobility for transfers, the comfort of private transportation and tailored pacing make it suitable for most travelers. The value lies in the personalized service, comprehensive itinerary, and the opportunity to see everything comfortably in one day.

In summary, if you want a convenient, guided exploration of the Black Hills with friendly, knowledgeable guides and exclusive attention, this private tour from Rapid City is an excellent choice for an unforgettable day of sightseeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes admission tickets to Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse, private transportation, snacks, and bottled water.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 8 to 9 hours, providing plenty of time at each stop.

What stops are included in the itinerary?
Stops include Rapid City, Keystone, Mount Rushmore, Iron Mountain Road, Custer State Park Visitor Center, Cathedral Spires, Mount Coolidge Fire Lookout Tower, Needles Highway, Wildlife Loop Road, Needles Eye, Sylvan Lake, and Crazy Horse Memorial.

Are the routes accessible in winter?
Some routes, like Iron Mountain Road and Needles Highway, may be affected by weather and road closures during winter months.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but guests should be able to transfer independently into the vehicle.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

What makes this tour different from other Black Hills excursions?
The private, personalized approach, expert guides, and comprehensive itinerary set this tour apart, providing a more intimate experience.

Is food included during the tour?
No, but snacks and bottled water are provided. Guests can bring additional snacks if desired.

Can I customize the stops or pace?
As a private tour, the itinerary can be tailored to your interests and preferred pace.

What is the best time to book?
Most bookings are made about 111 days in advance, so early planning is recommended for peak seasons.