From Rapid City: Mt Rushmore-Crazy Horse-CSP Wildlife Loop

If you’re looking to tick off some of South Dakota’s most famous sights in one go, this tour from Rapid City might just be your best bet. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it’s a well-rounded experience that balances stunning scenery, history, and wildlife.

What makes this tour stand out? For starters, it combines three legendary attractions—Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and the Custer State Park Wildlife Loop—into a single day, making it perfect for travelers with limited time but big ambitions. We love the fact that it’s a small-group tour, often led by knowledgeable guides like Bruce, Nick, and Flo, who seem to go above and beyond in sharing stories and insights. Plus, the comfort of door-to-door hotel pickups and drop-offs removes much of the hassle of self-navigation.

One potential downside? The full-day schedule means you’ll spend around 10 hours on the bus, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with long days of sightseeing. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to spend more time at each site, consider this when booking.

This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and anyone eager to see iconic American landmarks without the stress of planning every detail themselves. It suits travelers who appreciate guided insight, scenic drives, and a taste of local culture—all in one package.

Good To Know

• All-In-One Experience: Combines Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park in a single day
• Expert Guides: Guides like Bruce, Nick, and Flo are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and flexibility
• Comfort & Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics simple and stress-free
• Wildlife & Scenery: Drive through Custer State Park’s 18-mile Wildlife Loop, spotting bison, pronghorn antelope, deer, and more
• Historical Insights: Learn about the carvings, the sculptors, and Native American culture from your guide
• Value for Money: At $291 per person, the tour offers access to major attractions, guided commentary, and transport—making it a good value for a full-day experience

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

Starting at Mount Rushmore

The day kicks off with a visit to the iconic Mount Rushmore, where you’ll see the faces of four presidents carved into the granite mountain. One of the highlights here is watching the 23-minute video, Carved in Stone, which explains the history behind the sculpture, Gutzon Borglum’s vision, and the efforts of the workers who brought it to life.

After the film, you’ll have ample time to explore the Lincoln Borglum Museum, which showcases exhibits about Borglum’s work, the machinery used, and the people behind the project. Walking along the Presidential Trail, you’ll get up close to the faces and find perfect spots for photos. The Avenue of Flags, displaying all 50 states, adds a patriotic touch and offers additional photo opportunities.

Many reviewers, like Michelle, appreciated the ease of having a guide handle everything, noting, “It was so nice to have someone else drive us and not have to worry about directions or missing these sites.” The accessibility of the site, combined with guided commentary, makes it a memorable start.

Next Stop: Crazy Horse Memorial

Leaving behind the busy rush of Rushmore, you’ll head to the Crazy Horse Memorial, where you might find the most inspiring stories. A 25-minute video introduces you to Korczak Ziolkowski, the sculptor working tirelessly on the project, and his family’s dedication to honoring Native American culture through this massive mountain sculpture.

The Native American Museum showcases artifacts from various tribes, with 90% being donated, adding an authentic touch. You’ll also walk through Ziolkowski’s workshop and see his log home, which is filled with antiques. This part of the tour often leaves visitors feeling more connected to Native American heritage, thanks to the cultural center and the opportunity to see artisans making traditional items.

For an extra $5, you can take a bus to the base of the mountain for a full view of Chief Crazy Horse’s face, which many find worth the small fee. Reviewers like Bill praised the guides’ ability to give detailed explanations, saying, “Flo was the best. She was friendly and very accommodating, taking routes that gave us great views.”

Scenic Drive Through Custer and the Wildlife Loop

After the cultural and historical highlights, it’s time for a change of scenery. The tour takes you through Custer, the oldest town in the Black Hills, which retains its charm with quaint buildings and local flavor. Then, the highlight of many travelers’ day—the 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park.

Here, your guide will point out herds of bison, including calves in spring, along with pronghorn antelope, deer, prairie dogs, and even the infamous burros that often beg for treats. Several review comments mention how lucky they were to see a herd of 300 bison, with one saying, “Nic managed us through a herd of 300 bison—amazing!”

The scenery along the loop is breathtaking, with rolling hills, granite formations, and open plains. This part of the tour emphasizes the natural beauty of the Black Hills and the abundance of wildlife, giving you plenty of chances for memorable photos.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Breaks & Refreshments

The tour includes a stop at the Carvers Café and an ice cream shop, where guests can refuel and enjoy local treats, including the famous Thomas Jefferson’s Original Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe. Reviewers appreciated the thoughtful stops, noting that having time for a quick snack and photos adds to the overall experience.

End of the Day & Return to Rapid City

After a full day of sightseeing, the tour concludes with a comfortable ride back to Rapid City. Many travelers comment on how smoothly the day flows, thanks to the guides’ planning and friendly demeanor. The small-group format, often limited to 12 participants, ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $291 per person, this tour bundles major South Dakota attractions with guided insights, transportation, and park admissions. Considering the cost of individual entry fees, the time saved on planning, and the expertise of your guides, it offers significant value—especially for first-time visitors or those who prefer a structured schedule.

The inclusion of bottled water and parking fees simplifies logistics, making it easier to focus on the sights rather than the details. The tour’s duration—about 10 hours—means you get a comprehensive experience without feeling rushed, provided you’re comfortable with full days of sightseeing.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience caters best to travelers seeking a guided, worry-free exploration of South Dakota’s most iconic sites. History buffs, wildlife enthusiasts, and photographers will appreciate the varied scenery and storytelling. The small-group setting enhances the experience, allowing for more interaction and personalized attention, which is especially helpful when asking questions about the sites or local history.

Who Might Want More?

If you’re someone who prefers a slower pace or plans to spend extended time at each attraction, this tour might feel a little rushed. Also, since it’s not wheelchair accessible, travelers with mobility challenges should consider this before booking.

Final Thoughts

This tour from Rapid City offers a well-balanced, deeply enriching day exploring some of South Dakota’s most famous landmarks. The combination of stunning scenery, cultural insights, and wildlife sightings makes it a rewarding experience that feels both educational and fun.

Guides like Bruce, Nick, and Flo seem genuinely committed to making the day memorable, providing not just facts but stories that stick with you long after the trip ends. The convenience of hotel pickup and small group size transforms what could be a hectic day into a relaxed, engaging adventure.

If you’re eager to see the majestic faces carved into stone, learn about Native American culture, and spot bison roaming in the wild—all without the stress of planning—this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s especially suited for those who want a comprehensive introduction to the Black Hills in one easy, guided package.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off from Rapid City, making it easy to start and end your day comfortably.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 10 hours, giving plenty of time for sightseeing, breaks, and wildlife viewing.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water are recommended. Since the day involves a lot of walking and outdoor exposure, dress accordingly.

Are food and drinks included?
No, meals are not included, but there are stops at cafes and ice cream shops where you can purchase refreshments. Bottled water is provided.

Can I visit Crazy Horse Mountain for free?
No, to access the viewpoints at Crazy Horse, there is an additional $5 bus fee to reach the base of the mountain for a full face shot.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the terrain and walking involved.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 12 participants, ensuring a more intimate experience with personalized attention from guides.

In summary, this guided tour offers a comprehensive, engaging way to explore South Dakota’s most famous landmarks. With knowledgeable guides, scenic drives, and cultural insights, it’s suited for travelers eager to see the highlights without the hassle of self-guiding. If you’re after a day filled with awe-inspiring views and stories, this is a solid choice.

You can check if your dates are available here: