Premiere Mount Rushmore Tour – Southern Black Hills Parks & Monuments

Yes,  all of our scenic tours are fully private. You will not be grouped with other travelers.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

See one of America’s most recognizable landmarks up close as the faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln emerge from the granite cliffs of the Black Hills. Your guide will share the history behind the memorial, the carving process, and the stories that shaped this iconic destination.

Iron Mountain Road

Travel one of the most scenic roads in the United States. Known for its dramatic switchbacks, wooden pigtail bridges, and narrow granite tunnels, Iron Mountain Road was specifically designed to frame Mount Rushmore perfectly in the distance.

Custer State Park

Widely considered the heart of the Black Hills, Custer State Park is home to rolling pine forests, granite peaks, peaceful lakes, and abundant wildlife. The park covers more than 70,000 acres and offers some of the best scenic driving in South Dakota.

Wildlife Loop Road

Keep your camera ready as we explore one of the region’s top wildlife viewing areas. Depending on the day, guests may spot bison, pronghorn, prairie dogs, deer, wild burros, elk, hawks, and more throughout the park.

Needles Highway

One of the highlights of the tour, Needles Highway winds through towering granite spires, narrow tunnels, and dramatic mountain scenery unlike anywhere else in the Midwest. This unforgettable drive showcases the rugged beauty that makes the Black Hills so unique.

Sylvan Lake

Often called the “Crown Jewel” of Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake is surrounded by massive granite rock formations and scenic forest landscapes. This peaceful stop is perfect for photos, short walks, and taking in the beauty of the Hills.

Crazy Horse Memorial

Visit the world’s largest mountain carving in progress and learn about the vision behind this incredible tribute to Lakota leader Crazy Horse. Guests can explore the visitor center, museums, and viewing areas while learning more about Native American history and culture in the region.

Scenic Overlooks & Hidden Stops

One of the advantages of private touring is flexibility throughout the day. Along the way we often stop at lesser-known viewpoints, quiet scenic areas, wildlife sightings, and local favorites that many visitors would otherwise miss driving on their own.

Small Towns, Forest Roads & Black Hills Landscapes

Beyond the major attractions, part of the magic of the Black Hills is simply traveling through the region itself — winding forest roads, granite cliffs, open meadows, mountain vistas, and ever-changing scenery around every corner.

This is a full-day experience lasting approximately 8–9 hours depending on the pace of the day, wildlife sightings, weather, and pickup location.

Wildlife sightings vary daily, but common sightings include:

• Bison
• Prairie dogs
• Deer
• Wild burros
• Elk
• Pronghorn
• Coyotes
• Hawks and other birds

The Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park is one of the best wildlife viewing areas in the region.

Lunch is optional. Guests may choose a picnic lunch ($15pp) in the park or stop at a local restaurant during the day.

Absolutely. Families love the flexibility of private touring along with the wildlife viewing and variety of scenery throughout the day.

This is primarily a scenic driving tour with optional short walks and overlooks. Most stops are very accessible and guests can choose their comfort level throughout the day.

That being said, if you are an active family and want to take advantage of some more time exploring, just let us know so we can accommodate you!

We recommend:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• A light jacket or layers
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Camera or phone for photos
• Reusable water bottle

Tours generally depart around 8:30am from the Rapid City area.

An earlier start can beat summer heat and crowds if your group desires. 

Yes .  complimentary pickup and drop-off is included within the Rapid City area. Pickup from other Black Hills towns may be available for an additional fee.

The Black Hills are larger than many visitors expect, and the scenic roads can require careful navigation and slow driving. A private tour allows everyone in your group to relax, enjoy the scenery, learn about the area, and avoid the stress of planning routes, parking, and timing.

Absolutely, you can customize any of our tours, or we can help you come up with your own itinerary. 

Let us know what you’re thinking and we can help. 

Our tours are conducted in comfortable SUVs and passenger vans, chosen to provide plenty of space and great sightseeing opportunities along the way.

We match the vehicle to your group size, ensuring a comfortable ride whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, or small private group. All tours are private, so you’ll never be combined with other guests.

As a family-owned and locally operated business, we’re passionate about sharing the very best of the Black Hills with our guests.

Since 2014, we’ve been creating private touring experiences that combine iconic landmarks, local knowledge, scenic routes, and a relaxed pace. Our guides know the region inside and out and love sharing the stories, history, wildlife, and hidden corners that make the Black Hills so special.

It’s a more personal way to explore; without the crowds, strict schedules, or stress of planning it yourself.