Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Tour

Experience the Best of South Dakota’s Black Hills on a Combined Tour of Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Custer State Park

If you’re planning a trip to Rapid City and want an efficient way to see three of South Dakota’s most legendary sights, this tour offers a comprehensive and engaging option. It’s especially attractive for those who prefer expert narration and a hassle-free way to explore without the stress of driving.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the well-organized itinerary that packs in the highlights while giving you plenty of time to appreciate each stop. Second, the knowledgeable guides who bring history and context alive—many reviewers mentioned guides like Lin and Bruce as being exceptional storytellers. Third, the value for money is clear when you consider the inclusive entrance fees, snacks, bottled water, and the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle.

A potential downside? The full day can be quite packed, so if you prefer a more relaxed pace or more time at each site, this might feel a little rushed. Also, lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to plan for that.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a guided, hassle-free experience, especially those with limited time but a desire to see South Dakota’s top attractions. It’s perfect for first-timers, history buffs, and nature lovers alike.

Good To Know

Comprehensive Experience: Combines three iconic attractions into one full-day tour for maximum convenience.
Expert Guides: Guides like Lin, Cindy, and Bruce receive praise for their knowledge and storytelling skills.
Inclusive Pricing: Entrance fees, snacks, bottled water, and transportation are included, offering strong value.
Flexible and Comfortable: Air-conditioned vehicle, umbrellas, and blankets ensure comfort throughout the day.
Pacing and Timing: Around 1.5 hours at each site allows sufficient time to explore without feeling rushed.
Limited Group Size: Max of 12 travelers helps maintain an intimate, personalized experience.

Exploring the Route in Detail

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

The day kicks off at the iconic Mount Rushmore, with approximately 1.5 hours allocated for visiting. If the weather is clear, you’ll get the chance to enjoy sweeping views of the carved faces of four presidents—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The highlight here is the 14-minute film that explains how the sculpture was created, along with insights into Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor behind this monumental work.

The Lincoln Borglum Museum provides additional context with displays on the sculpting process and history. Reviewers like Kathy from the 2025 batch shared how much they appreciated the depth of knowledge the guide, Lin, brought to the experience, making the visit more than just a quick photo stop.

Crazy Horse Memorial

Next, the group heads to the Crazy Horse Memorial, about a 30-minute drive away. This site is truly awe-inspiring—not just because of the size of the sculpture but also due to its ongoing development. The three-sided monument will be the largest sculpture in the world when completed, representing the Sioux leader Crazy Horse.

Visitors typically spend about 1.5 hours here, which includes time to see the sculpture and explore the Laughing Water Restaurant if they choose to have lunch. Many reviews, including Candice’s, mention the guide’s storytelling as a highlight. She noted that the day was “perfect,” with everything running smoothly.

Custer State Park and Wildlife Loop

The final stop transitions into nature, as the tour drives through the historic town of Custer and into Custer State Park. The Wildlife Loop Road is renowned for its chances to spot bison, elk, pronghorn, and other native animals, especially during the spring. The 18-mile drive offers scenic vistas and plenty of photo opportunities.

Guests typically spend about 1.5 hours in the park, enough time to enjoy the views and perhaps spot some wildlife. Reviewers like Laura appreciated the detailed information provided by guides like Bruce, who made their first visit to South Dakota memorable with engaging stories and insights.

What’s Included and What to Expect

The tour price of $290.68 per person is quite reasonable considering the all-inclusive nature. Entrance fees for Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Custer State Park are covered, along with bottled water, snacks, and the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle. The guides are also equipped with umbrellas and blankets, ensuring you stay comfortable regardless of weather.

You’ll want to bring your own lunch, as it’s not included, but the tour provides enough time for a break. Many guests appreciate the flexibility and the chance to explore at their own pace during the free time at each stop.

Transportation and Group Size

The group size is capped at 12 travelers, fostering a more intimate experience. The vehicle is air-conditioned, making the long day easier to bear, especially during hot weather. Pick-up is offered from your accommodation, which adds to the convenience.

Timing and Pacing

Starting at 8:30 am, the tour wraps up after approximately 8 to 9 hours. The schedule is tight but well-paced, allowing you to see all three attractions without feeling overly rushed. Reviewers, like Roger, loved having a guide handle the driving, so they could relax and enjoy the scenery.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

Kathy from her 2025 review highlighted the guide Lin’s extensive knowledge, which enriched her understanding of the sites far beyond what she could have gleaned on her own. Candice appreciated the seamless coordination and the opportunity to cross an item off her bucket list, affirming the overall value.

Laura was impressed with Bruce’s storytelling, which made her first visit to South Dakota special. Several reviewers mentioned that the guided approach makes all the difference—avoiding the stress of navigation and the rush of trying to see everything independently.

Why Choose This Tour?

This experience offers convenience, education, and comfort all in one package. It’s ideal for travelers who value guided commentary, want to maximize their sightseeing time, and prefer to leave the logistics to someone else. The small group size enhances the personal touch, making the day feel more engaging and less rushed.

For those with limited time in the Black Hills or those who want a well-rounded introduction to the region’s top sights, this tour offers serious value. It’s also a good pick for first-time visitors eager to learn about the area’s history and natural beauty without the hassle of self-driving.

The Sum Up

This tour provides a well-organized, insightful, and comfortable way to explore some of South Dakota’s most celebrated landmarks. The combination of iconic monuments, fascinating cultural sites, and scenic wildlife viewing delivers a full day of memorable experiences. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge really elevate the trip, making it more than just a sightseeing drive.

It’s particularly suited for those wanting to absorb stories and history without the stress of navigating or rushing. The inclusive price, small group size, and flexible itinerary make it a compelling choice for travelers who prioritize quality and convenience over frantically ticking off sights.

If you value expert narration, stunning vistas, and seamless organization, this tour ticks all the boxes.

FAQ

What is the starting time for the tour?
The tour begins at 8:30 am, providing plenty of time to see all the sights during the day.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, the cost covers entrance tickets to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Custer State Park.

How long do we stay at each site?
You’ll spend about 1.5 hours at each stop—Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Custer Park—allowing enough time to explore without feeling rushed.

Is food included in the price?
No, lunch is not included, but there’s time to buy your own meal at Crazy Horse’s Laughing Water Restaurant or bring your own snacks.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the vehicle is air-conditioned, and the guides provide umbrellas and blankets to keep you comfortable throughout the day.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, making it a good choice for families, seniors, and individuals alike.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Aside from lunch, bring your camera, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing—guides provide essentials like water, snacks, and weather protection.

This guided Black Hills tour stands out for its seamless combination of top landmarks, expert guides, and excellent value, making it an easy choice for a memorable South Dakota adventure.