Above & Beyond – A Premier Badlands National Park Experience
An unforgettable experience including a scenic flight over the Badlands with a guided private land tour through Badlands National Park. Guests experience the dramatic landscapes from both the air and the ground, creating a truly immersive Black Hills adventure.
Where we go on this Badlands Tour
- Private Scenic Flight with Fly Badlands
Start the day with a scenic flight above Badlands National Park, offering incredible aerial views. - Guided Tour Through Badlands National Park
Explore the Badlands by road with your private guide, stopping at scenic overlooks, wildlife viewing areas, and some of the park’s most iconic viewpoints. - Optional Stop at Wall Drug
Time permitting, enjoy a stop at the famous Wall Drug for coffee, homemade donuts. - Optional Visit to Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
Learn more about the region’s Cold War history
Experience the incredible landscapes of Badlands National Park from two unforgettable perspectives; soaring above the rugged formations by air before exploring the park in depth on a private guided tour.
Your day begins with a 40 minute scenic morning flight with FlyBadlands, offering breathtaking aerial views of the Badlands’ dramatic rock formations, deep canyons, and endless prairie landscapes.
Following the flight, an optional morning stop at Wall Drug is available for coffee, homemade donuts and shopping before entering the National Park.
Continue the adventure on a private guided journey through Badlands National Park with an expert guide from Black Hills Tour Company.
Travel through the park’s most scenic overlooks and hidden gems while learning about the fascinating geology, wildlife, Native American history, and paleontological significance of this unique landscape.
There will be plenty of time for photos, short walks, wildlife viewing, and exploring the park at a relaxed pace.
Return to Rapid City late afternoon.
Why this tour is different
Most visitors experience the Badlands from the roadside. This experience combines a fully guided private land tour with an unforgettable aerial perspective, allowing you to appreciate the scale and beauty of the park in a completely unique way.
With local guides, flexible pacing, comfortable vehicles, and personalized experiences, we focus on helping guests experience the Badlands in an unforgettable and unique way.
Timing and Scheduling
FlyBadlands accommodates 3 passengers per flight. Timing is based on the number of guests in the group and how many flights are needed.
Timing listed is an example for 2-3 guests. Allow ~1+ hour per additional flight needed.
Start time is flexible, however morning flights are recommended for best conditions and WOW factor!
Timing example (8 hour tour)
- 6:30am Pick up Rapid City – transfer to Wall
- 7:30am Check in with FlyBadlands (40 minute flight experience)
- 8:30-9:00am Optional Stop Wall Drug
- 9:30-1:30pm Private Badlands NP Tour.
Lunch at Ben Reifel Visitors Center within this time.
- 1:30-2:30pm Transfer Back to Rapid City
(Option to add 1+ hour to visit Minute Man Missile National Historic Site)
Price and Inclusions (2026)
2 Guests – $1,195 + tax ($597.50pp)
3 Guests – $1,595 + tax ($531.67pp)
4-6 Guests – $485 + tax per person
Includes private guide, lunch, luxury transportation, and Fly Badlands aerial experience
- Private Transportation
- Professional, Local Guide
- Scenic Flight with Fly Badlands
- Personalized tour at your own pace
- Complimentary Hotel Pick up & Drop off in Rapid City/Wall
- National Park Entrance Fees
- Onboard snacks and drinks
- Picnic lunch for additional fee ($15pp)
Exclusions
- Personal Expenses
- Restaurant Meals
- Added time (Optional) for Minuteman Missile or extra time in Badlands National Park
- Guide and Pilot Gratuity
Throughout the day, you can expect:
This is a private experience, there’s no rushing between crowded bus stops or rigid schedules. The day is designed to feel personal, seamless, and memorable, allowing you to truly experience the beauty and scale of the Badlands.
- Scenic drives through Badlands National Park
- Incredible overlooks and photo opportunities
- Opportunities to spot wildlife including bison, prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn
- Fascinating stories about the region’s geology, wildlife, history, and culture
- Short optional walks at select scenic stops
- Flexible pacing tailored to your group’s interests
- Comfortable transportation in a luxury SUV or touring van
- Optional stops such as Wall Drug or the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site visitor center depending on timing and guest preferences
FAQS
This is typically a full-day experience lasting approximately 8–9 hours, depending on your pickup location, weather conditions, flight timing, and how long you’d like to spend at various stops.
Yes. Our scenic tours are private experiences, meaning your group will not be combined with other guests.
Yes, the flight is carried out with just yourselves and the pilot.
Flights are operated by our trusted local aviation partner (FlyBadlands) using small scenic aircraft designed for sightseeing and aerial tours.
A 4 passenger Cessna 182 is operated on the tour.
Safety is always the priority. Flights are weather dependent and may be adjusted, delayed, or canceled due to conditions. If weather prevents the flight portion from operating, we will discuss available alternatives or adjustments.
Complimentary pickup is available in Rapid City and the nearby Box Elder hotel area. Pickup from other Black Hills locations may be available for an additional fee.
We recommend comfortable layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. The Badlands can experience rapidly changing weather conditions, especially during spring and fall.
Summer can see hot and dry weather, so sun hats, protective clothing and sunglasses are needed.
The tour includes optional short walks and scenic stops. Walking is generally light to moderate and can often be adjusted to your comfort level.
If you’d like longer walks, talk to us about customizing your trip.
Yes. Families are welcome. Children who enjoy wildlife, open spaces, and adventure typically love the Badlands experience, and the flight is next level excitement!
We frequently encounter wildlife including bison, prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and birds of prey. However, wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed as animals move freely throughout the park.
Absolutely. Because this is a private experience, we can often tailor portions of the day to your interests, schedule, photography goals, or mobility needs.
We recommend bringing:
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- A hat
- Camera or phone for photos
- Reusable water bottle
- Light jacket or layers
Depending on group size, tours operate in luxury SUVs or comfortable high-top touring vans with air conditioning and large viewing windows.
In many cases, yes. Please contact us ahead of time so we can discuss any mobility concerns and tailor the day appropriately.
Most guests find the flight smooth, scenic, and surprisingly relaxing. The aerial perspective of the Badlands is truly unforgettable and often becomes the highlight of the day.
The Badlands are much more than scenic overlooks. Our local guides help guests understand the geology, wildlife, history, Native American significance, and hidden details of the landscape while allowing everyone in the group to relax and fully enjoy the experience.
Absolutely. This experience is perfect for anniversaries, birthdays, family trips, photography outings, and once-in-a-lifetime vacations.
Let us know what you’re celebrating and we’ll pull out all the stops.
About FlyBadlands
We proudly partner with Fly Badlands for the scenic flight portion of this experience. Based at the Wall Municipal Airport near Badlands National Park, Fly Badlands specializes in narrated scenic air tours showcasing the region’s dramatic rock formations, sweeping prairie landscapes, fossil beds, and rich natural history.
Led by experienced pilots with extensive knowledge of the Badlands region, Fly Badlands is known for providing safe, comfortable, and unforgettable aerial experiences.
