From Rapid City: Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Tour

Travelers visiting South Dakota often dream of seeing Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial — two of the most recognizable symbols of American history and Native culture. While there are many ways to experience these landmarks, this guided tour offers a balanced combination of convenience, storytelling, and immersive stops. It’s designed for those who want a comprehensive day trip without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

What makes this tour particularly appealing are the knowledgeable guides, the well-paced itinerary, and the chance to explore additional sites like the North American Indian Museum and the Native American Cultural Center. The reasonably moderate price of $254 per person for a full 7-hour adventure seems fair considering the inclusions like park fees, museum visits, and expert narration.

However, a potential consideration for travelers is the duration — with two major stops and some walking involved, it’s a fairly full day. Those with mobility issues might want to evaluate the walking demands, especially at Mount Rushmore. This tour is best suited for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, or anyone eager to see these iconic landmarks with a small group that ensures personalized attention.

Good To Know

• Expert-guided experience with narrations that enhance the understanding of each site.
• Balanced itinerary with ample time at both Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse.
• Cultural insights through visits to Native American museums and centers.
• Comfortable transportation with hotel pickup and bottled water included.
• Small group size (limited to 12 participants), ensuring a personalized touch.
• Cost-effective considering included park fees and museum admissions.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Discovering Mount Rushmore: What to Expect

The tour kicks off with a pickup from your Rapid City hotel, setting a relaxed tone for the day. The ride to Mount Rushmore takes about 30 minutes, giving you time to settle in and enjoy your guide’s narration about the Black Hills and the carving’s history.

The Iconic Memorial

Once at Mount Rushmore, you’ll spend about two hours exploring. Your guide will introduce you to the “Carved in Stone” video, a 23-minute film that reveals the story behind the sculpture, the sculptor Gutzon Borglum, and the skilled workers who brought the monument to life. This multimedia element makes the visit more engaging than just standing in front of the faces.

Walking and Photo Opportunities

Most visitors love taking the Presidential Trail, a gently inclining walk that offers stunning close-up views of the carved faces and the chance to snap memorable photos. One review mentions that the trail is accessible enough for most visitors, and the views from underneath the faces provide a unique perspective.

The Avenue of Flags and Gift Shop

A visit to the Avenue of Flags is a highlight, where all 50 states and territories are represented with their flags, alongside admission dates. The large gift shop offers a variety of souvenirs, which many travelers find perfect for keepsakes or gifts.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Refreshments and Extra Stops

A quick stop at the Carvers Café allows you to sample Thomas Jefferson’s original vanilla ice cream recipe, a fun and tasty addition. Some guests, like Trudy, wish they had more time here, but the tour’s schedule keeps most on track.

Additional Photos

A side profile of George Washington provides one more picturesque spot to capture memories. For those who want a full-face shot of Crazy Horse, an optional $5 bus ride takes you close to the mountain’s base, perfect for a panoramic photo.

Crazy Horse Memorial: More Than Just a Sculpture

After a scenic drive, you arrive at the Crazy Horse Memorial, which is still a work in progress but awe-inspiring in scale. The 23-minute video about the sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski shares insights into the project’s background and the community effort involved.

Cultural and Educational Highlights

You’ll explore the North American Indian Museum, home to items donated by Native tribes, with 90% donated, adding authenticity to the experience. The Laughing Water Restaurant offers a chance to refresh, while the gift shop sells Native-made items, supporting local artisans.

Workshops and Cultural Center

A walk through Ziolkowski’s workshop and his log home, filled with antiques, offers a glimpse into the artist’s life. The Native American Cultural Center showcases live demonstrations, providing an authentic cultural context that enriches the visit.

Crazy Horse’s Face

For a closer—and more comprehensive—view of the face of Chief Crazy Horse, the bus ride offers a convenient way to capture the full profile without strenuous hiking.

How the Tour Works: Practical Details

The tour, priced at $254 per person, includes all park fees for Crazy Horse and Custer State Park, museum admissions, and bottled water. Given the inclusions, the cost provides good value, especially considering the guided narration and small group size, limited to 12 travelers.

Transportation is comfortable, with hotel pickup in Rapid City, but note that surrounding cities may incur an extra fee. The tour is designed to run for 7 hours, with timing flexible depending on the day’s schedule.

What to Bring

Travelers should wear comfortable shoes and bring essentials like a hat, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water. Since photography is encouraged, having a good camera or phone is a must for capturing the stunning views.

Accessibility and Limitations

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, mainly due to walking and terrain at some sites.

Cancellation and Booking

Flexibility is available with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. You can reserve now and pay later, making it easier to plan your trip.

Authentic Experiences and Real Traveler Insights

Reviewers consistently praise the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. Bruce was specifically highlighted for delivering engaging historical context, while others appreciated the personalized attention from guides like Ann and Flo. Many comments reflect that the scenery and site visits exceeded expectations, with one traveler from Australia noting the value of the Native American cultural insights.

However, not all experiences were perfect. Dora shared her disappointment about weather conditions blocking views of Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse, emphasizing the importance of weather considerations when booking.

Another reviewer mentioned the small group size made the experience more intimate, allowing for better interaction and photo opportunities. Many felt that the two hours at each site struck a good balance between sightseeing and free time.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This tour offers a comprehensive, well-organized way to see two of South Dakota’s most famous landmarks with less hassle and more insight than exploring solo. It’s perfect for travelers who value guided storytelling, cultural context, and small-group intimacy.

If you’re looking for a full-day adventure that combines iconic American monuments with Native American culture, this trip provides a rewarding experience at a reasonable price. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy walking, photos, and learning in an engaging environment.

While the schedule is tight, the variety of sites and knowledgeable guides make it a worthwhile choice for most visitors wanting a curated, enriching Black Hills experience.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers free pickup from hotels or AirB&Bs in Rapid City. Additional surrounding cities may have a fee.

How long is the overall tour?
The entire experience lasts about 7 hours, including travel, site visits, and breaks.

Are park fees included?
Yes, the tour fee covers all park admission costs for Crazy Horse and Custer State Park.

Can I buy souvenirs during the tour?
Absolutely. Each major site has gift shops with Native-made items and souvenirs.

Is there time for photos?
Yes, travelers can take photos at various scenic spots, including the Presidential Trail, George Washington’s profile, and Crazy Horse’s face.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water are recommended.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s best for those comfortable walking and standing; unfortunately, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users due to terrain and walking distances.

This guided tour from Rapid City strikes a great balance between educational value, cultural insight, and stunning scenery. It’s a fantastic option for anyone wanting an organized, enriching day trip to some of South Dakota’s most remarkable sights.

You can check if your dates are available here: