Mount Rushmore and Black Hills Tour with Two Meals and a Music Variety Show

The Mount Rushmore and Black Hills Tour with Two Meals and a Music Variety Show offers a comprehensive and hassle-free way to explore South Dakota’s most iconic sights. For $164.30 per person, this full-day adventure makes visiting Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Iron Mountain Road, Sylvan Lake, and Custer State Park effortless. With a 9-hour duration, the tour includes breakfast, dinner, and a lively evening show, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a well-rounded experience without the stress of driving or planning logistics. The tour departs from Rapid City and features a comfortable, air-conditioned coach with restroom facilities, ensuring a relaxed day of sightseeing. Its consistently high rating of 5.0 from over 900 reviews speaks to its popularity and quality.

While the tour promises a packed itinerary and all-included entrance fees, it’s worth noting that lunch is not included, so travelers should be prepared for that stop. The tour’s timing is designed to maximize sightseeing while allowing enough time at each location, though some reviews suggest the pacing can be tight at certain stops like Sylvan Lake. This tour suits visitors looking for a comprehensive, guided experience that combines sightseeing, storytelling, and entertainment, all in one convenient package.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Day Trip: Includes mountains, monuments, meals, and a music show for a complete Black Hills experience.
• Hassle-Free Logistics: Guided tours remove the stress of navigation; all entrance fees are covered.
• Comfort and Convenience: Travel in a luxurious coach equipped with restroom facilities and air conditioning.
• Multiple Iconic Stops: Visit Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Sylvan Lake, and travel along Iron Mountain Road and Needles Hwy.
• Meals and Entertainment: Enjoy a cowboy breakfast, dinner, and a live variety show at Fort Hays.
• Highly Rated: The tour maintains a 5.0 rating with 923 reviews, highlighting consistent satisfaction.

Starting the Day at Fort Hays Old West Town

The adventure begins at Fort Hays Headquarters around 7:30-7:45 am, where guests receive their paper tickets for breakfast, bus assignment, and the Chuckwagon Supper and Show. This early start ensures a full day of exploration, with a lively Old West atmosphere setting the tone for the trip. The check-in process is smooth, and the included cowboy breakfast provides a hearty start before hitting the roads.

Mount Rushmore: The Ultimate Photo Opportunity

The bus departs at 9 am for Mount Rushmore, where visitors have over an hour to walk around, take photos, and admire the famous granite carvings. The tour’s guides share insightful stories about the monument’s history, adding depth to the sightseeing. This stop is ideal for capturing memorable pictures and soaking in the grandeur of America’s most recognizable monument.

Traveling Iron Mountain Road for Scenic Views

Leaving Mount Rushmore, the tour takes you along Iron Mountain Road, a 17-mile route known for breathtaking scenery and three distinctive one-lane tunnels. These tunnels are specially designed to frame Mount Rushmore perfectly in the background, creating an iconic photo opportunity. The guide highlights the area’s natural beauty and engineering marvels during the drive.

Lunch at Custer State Park’s Game Lodge

Inside Custer State Park, the tour stops at the Game Lodge—a historic site that once served as President Calvin Coolidge’s summer White House. Guests can enjoy a lunch stop with buffalo stew recommended as a top dish. The setting provides a chance to relax amid scenic surroundings before heading to more Black Hills highlights.

Scenic Drive along South Dakota 87 and Needles Highway

After lunch, the journey continues on South Dakota Highway 87, a 14-mile scenic route known for stunning views and dramatic landscapes. The trip includes a rest stop at Sylvan Lake, a sparkling jewel of Custer State Park. This brief coffee break offers a chance to appreciate the lake’s crystal-clear waters and natural beauty.

Exploring Sylvan Lake and Its Beauty

At Sylvan Lake, visitors have around 20 minutes to enjoy the scenery, take photos, or simply rest amid the area’s peaceful atmosphere. The lake’s picturesque setting and surrounding granite formations make it one of the most photographed spots in the Black Hills.

Crazy Horse Memorial: An Ongoing Monument

The tour’s next highlight is Crazy Horse Memorial, where guests spend about an hour exploring the ongoing carving project. The site features educational exhibits and a visitor’s center, with the future completion expected to be the largest mountain carving in the world. The guide’s explanations help visitors understand the significance of this Native American tribute and its ambitious scope.

Fort Hays and the Chuckwagon Supper Show

The full-day adventure concludes back at Fort Hays, where guests enjoy a hearty chuckwagon dinner paired with a Branson-style live music variety show. The 2-hour entertainment offers a lively and fun end to the day, with performances that appeal to all ages. The meal itself is designed to satisfy, leaving everyone full and happy before heading home.

Logistical Comfort on the Coach

Throughout the tour, travelers ride in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach equipped with restroom facilities, ensuring convenience and comfort during the approximately 9-hour journey. The group size is capped at 160 travelers, maintaining a lively but manageable atmosphere. The guide provides local insights and entertaining commentary, making the experience both educational and fun.

The Value of All-Accessible Sightseeing

All entrance fees for Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Custer State Park are included, meaning no surprise expenses. The tour’s comprehensive itinerary and food inclusions provide good value, especially considering the high praise from over 900 reviews. The only extra costs are lunch, gratuities, and bottled water—available at stops along the way.

Considerations for Potential Travelers

While the tour offers a well-organized and enriching experience, some reviews suggest that timing at certain stops, like Sylvan Lake, can be a bit tight. Visitors should be prepared for a fast-paced day with limited free time at each location. Also, lunch is not included, so bringing snacks or small meals is advisable for those with specific dietary needs.

Final Thoughts on the Mount Rushmore and Black Hills Tour

This guided tour excels at providing a full-day overview of South Dakota’s most iconic sights without the hassle of driving or planning. The inclusion of meals and entertainment adds to the value, while the knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation ensure an enjoyable and informative trip. Perfect for visitors wanting a structured, comprehensive experience with ample opportunity for photos, learning, and fun.

The high ratings and positive reviews reaffirm its quality, especially for those who appreciate good storytelling, scenic drives, and lively shows. While some may find the pacing a little brisk or prefer more free time at certain stops, overall, this tour offers a memorable Black Hills adventure that covers all the highlights in one well-organized day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the price of $164.30 per person worth it?
Yes, considering the inclusion of meals, entrance fees, transportation, and entertainment, many find it to be a good value for a full day of sightseeing.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes breakfast, dinner, the Chuckwagon Supper and Show, transportation in an air-conditioned coach, and all entrance fees for Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Custer State Park.

Are there any downsides to this tour?
Some reviews mention that timing at stops like Sylvan Lake can be tight, and lunch is not included, so travelers should plan accordingly. Plus, weather can affect certain outdoor views, but the tour guides do their best to make the most of every situation.

Is this tour suitable for all ages and physical abilities?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour is designed for ease and comfort. However, those with mobility issues should consider the walking involved at stops and the limited free time.

How do I book or cancel this tour?
Bookings are made through Mount Rushmore Tours, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance are non-refundable.