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

If you’re planning to visit South Dakota, this tour promises a well-rounded experience of the Black Hills’ most famous sights. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the detailed reviews and itinerary paint a compelling picture of what travelers can expect. What sets this tour apart? First, it offers a balanced mix of iconic landmarks and wildlife encounters. Second, it benefits from an expert guide, who enhances the experience with stories and insights that bring history and nature to life.

On the downside, it’s a full day — around 10 hours — so it requires a good level of energy and some patience for a busy schedule. The tour is ideal for those who want to see the highlights without the hassle of self-driving or planning each stop. If you’re eager for a mix of history, culture, and nature, with comfortable transportation and small-group intimacy, this trip could be just right.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Custer State Park
• Knowledgeable guides who enrich the experience with stories and facts
• Comfortable transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off
• Wildlife viewing opportunities including buffalo, deer, prairie dogs, and more
• Includes park admission fees and parking, adding value
• Limited group size for a more personalized experience

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of What You’ll Experience

This tour is designed as a full-day exploration of some South Dakota’s most renowned attractions, with an emphasis on making the trip engaging and educational. From your start in Rapid City, you’ll be whisked away in a comfortable vehicle, ready to take in the sights and stories that make the Black Hills special.

The key to enjoying this tour is to arrive with a sense of curiosity and a camera ready for some iconic shots. The itinerary balances structured visits with free time for photos or a quick snack, making it suitable for travelers who want both guided insight and opportunities for personal exploration.

Mount Rushmore: The Iconic Faces and Their Stories

Your day begins at the legendary Mount Rushmore, where 60-foot sculptures of four U.S. presidents—Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt—greet visitors with a sense of American history and craftsmanship. The tour includes a viewing of the “Carved in Stone” 23-minute video, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at the carving process, the sculptor Gutzon Borglum, and the workers who made this monument possible.

The visit continues at the Lincoln Borglum Museum, where displays cover the history of the sculpture, Borglum’s vision, and the machinery used. This context helps deepen your appreciation for what might seem like just a giant rock face but is actually a feat of engineering and artistry.

Walking the Presidential Trail provides up-close views of the carved faces, with plenty of photo opportunities. The Avenue of Flags, representing all 50 states plus U.S. territories, is a fitting backdrop for pictures and reflection on American unity.

A highlight for many visitors is the stop at the side profile of George Washington, which makes for a perfect snapshot. The tour also includes a refreshment break at the Carvers Café and an ice cream shop featuring Thomas Jefferson’s original vanilla recipe, adding a fun historical twist to a sweet treat.

Crazy Horse Memorial: A Monument in Progress with Cultural Depth

Next up is the Crazy Horse Memorial, a work-in-progress that aims to honor Native American heritage. The 25-minute informational video about the carving and sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski offers insight into the ongoing project and the artist’s vision. While the mountain’s face isn’t fully carved yet, the site provides plenty for visitors to explore.

The North American Indian Museum, with 90% of items donated by tribes, showcases Native American artifacts, stories, and art. A walk through Ziolkowski’s workshop and the log home reveals a personal side of the sculptor’s life and dedication. At the Native American Cultural Center, visitors can see indigenous artisans at work, creating and selling crafts—a chance to connect with living traditions.

For a small additional fee, visitors can take a bus ride to the base of the mountain for a full view of Chief Crazy Horse’s face. This perspective often leaves a lasting impression, emphasizing the monument’s scale and significance.

Custer State Park and its Wildlife Loop

After the cultural stops, the tour winds down through Custer, the oldest town in the Black Hills. Its charming streets and history set the stage for the next highlight: a scenic drive through Custer State Park along the Wildlife Loop Road.

This 18-mile route offers a spectacular chance to see native wildlife in their natural habitat. Depending on the season, you might spot nearly 1,300 buffalo, along with antelope, deer, prairie dogs, and even some curious burros. Several reviews describe abundant wildlife sightings, with one traveler noting, “We managed to see a herd of 300 bison — quite a sight!”

The scenery along the route is breathtaking, with rolling hills, rocky outcroppings, and open plains. The stop at the State Game Lodge or the Peter Norbeck Visitor Center allows for a break, some local shopping, or a quick snack.

More Great Tours Nearby

Practicalities and Value

The tour includes all parking and entrance fees, which simplifies the planning process. You’ll also enjoy bottled water during the day, keeping you refreshed through the long hours. At $291 per person, the price seems reasonable considering the scope of sights and the convenience of door-to-door service, especially given the small group size (limited to 12 participants).

Reviews praise the knowledge and friendliness of guides, like Bruce, Nick, and Flo, who add a personal touch. One traveler appreciated how the guide managed to find a herd of 300 bison — a reminder that expert guides can greatly enrich the experience.

The tour’s duration of about 10 hours means it’s a full day, but most travelers agree that the mix of attractions and the comfort of the vehicle make it worthwhile. It’s best suited for travelers who want a rundown without the hassle of self-driving or planning each stop.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for those who want a balanced introduction to Black Hills highlights—combining history, Native American culture, and wildlife. It’s also suited for visitors who prefer a guided experience with knowledgeable commentary, rather than navigating alone. Since the group size is small, it offers a more intimate and flexible feel.

It’s not the best option for travelers with mobility challenges, considering the walking involved at each site and the nature of the scenery. Plus, the full-day schedule means it’s ideal for those comfortable with longer outings.

Final thoughts

This tour offers great value for the price, providing a curated slice of South Dakota’s most famous sights. The combination of stunning vistas, cultural insights, and wildlife viewing makes it a memorable way to experience the Black Hills in a single day. Many reviewers mention how guides make the trip special, sharing stories that bring these landmarks to life.

If you’re looking for a well-organized, engaging, and comfortable way to see Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Custer State Park’s wildlife, this tour hits the mark. It’s best suited for those eager to learn and see a lot without the stress of planning or driving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is transportation included in the tour fee?
Yes, your ticket covers all transportation from Rapid City, including hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a hassle-free day.

Are entrance fees to parks included?
Absolutely. The tour fee includes all admission fees to the state parks, so there are no surprises or additional costs at the sites.

How long is the tour?
The full experience lasts approximately 10 hours, making it a full but manageable day of sightseeing.

Is food included?
No, meals and snacks are not included, but refreshment stops are available at places like the Carvers Café and ice cream shop.

Can I see the face of Crazy Horse up close?
You can opt for a small additional fee ($5) to take a bus ride to the base of the mountain for a full view of the face.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
It’s best for those who are able to walk moderate distances and sit comfortably for extended periods. It’s not recommended for wheelchair users due to the nature of the sites and terrain.

To sum it up, if you’re after a comprehensive, well-guided day exploring the Black Hills’ most iconic landmarks, this tour offers excellent value and a variety of memorable sights. The mix of history, Native American culture, and wildlife viewing, combined with the expertise of friendly guides, makes it a strong choice for both first-timers and repeat visitors alike.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby