Dakota Highlights: Black Hills, Mt Rushmore & Badlands Audio Tour

Discover the Dakotas with this self-guided audio tour bundle — a flexible, budget-friendly way to see Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, Badlands, and more.

If you’re considering a road trip through South and North Dakota, this Dakota Highlights audio tour is worth your attention. It’s not a guided tour with a driver or bus, but rather a self-guided experience you access through your phone, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. We like that it offers a cost-effective way to see some of the region’s most iconic sights without needing a guided group or expensive tickets, but it does rely on decent internet access during setup.

One of the best things about this experience is its flexibility. You can start, pause, and re-engage with the tour whenever you like, making it perfect for spontaneous breaks or longer explorations. Plus, the audio narration is generally well-reviewed, with many travelers praising the engaging storytelling and clear voice. On the flip side, a potential snag is that this isn’t an all-inclusive ticket—you’ll need to pay entrance fees separately at attractions like Mount Rushmore or Badlands if required, and the app demands a good Wi-Fi connection for setup, which can be tricky in remote areas.

This tour package is especially suited for travelers who prefer independent exploration over group tours, those planning a longer stay in the region, or anyone wanting a cost-effective way to see a lot without the hassle of booking multiple guided tours. It’s also great for families or small groups who want to travel together without additional per-person costs.

Key Points

• Self-guided flexibility: Start, pause, and replay at your own pace.
• Cost-effective: One purchase covers your whole vehicle for a year.
• Rich storytelling: Engaging narration makes stops more memorable.
• Offline maps: No signal? No problem—works without Wi-Fi.
• Multiple stops: Cover Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, Badlands, and Theodore Roosevelt Park.
• No entrance tickets included: Additional fees for attractions are separate.

Exploring the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore

The tour kicks off in the Black Hills, an area famous for its lush forests and rugged terrain. If you’ve already booked the Mount Rushmore walking tour, the app prompts you to switch over, which is convenient if you want a more focused experience on the monument itself. Mount Rushmore is, of course, the star attraction, with its dramatic carvings and patriotic symbolism. The narration provides background about Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor behind the monument, and shares some of his more colorful life stories.

While the tour lasts about two hours here, keep in mind that the monument itself is free to visit, but there’s an admission fee if you want to explore more or access the visitor center. Many reviewers appreciate the straightforward access and the opportunity to learn about Borglum’s life, which adds depth to the viewing experience.

The Black Hills area offers more than just Mount Rushmore. It’s a scenic region ideal for leisurely drives, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the forests. The app’s route helps you navigate the landscape while sharing stories that aren’t always easy to find elsewhere.

North to Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Crossing into North Dakota takes you to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This part of the trip is particularly appealing if you’re into wilderness and wildlife. The North Unit Visitor Center is the starting point, where park rangers are on hand to give tips, and where you can pick up some souvenirs or watch a short film about the park’s natural beauty and history.

The tour suggests spending around five hours exploring Roosevelt’s lands, which is enough to get a good sense of its rugged, untouched landscapes. Expect to see bison, pronghorn, and perhaps some elk. The narration adds context to the scenery, emphasizing the park’s connection to Teddy Roosevelt himself, who was inspired by this wilderness to shape his conservation efforts.

The Badlands Experience

The Badlands deserve a special shout-out. The tour points you toward the Badlands Loop Road, which is a must-do for anyone wanting to see striking rock formations, prairie meadows, and plenty of wildlife. A quick hike from the overlook provides panoramic views, and you might spot bison or pronghorn grazing nearby, adding to the feeling of being truly in the wild.

Many reviews highlight how the self-guided route makes it easy to explore without feeling rushed. The scenic drive and overlooks are accessible and well-marked, while the narration enhances the experience by sharing stories about the land’s formation and inhabitants. It’s an ideal spot for photography and quiet reflection.

Practical Considerations and Tips

While the tour is generally praised for its storyline and value, a few practical points matter. First, download the app and tour content while connected to Wi-Fi—this is crucial because the tour relies on offline maps and audio, especially in remote areas where cell service can be patchy. Second, since this is a self-guided experience, you need to be comfortable navigating and managing your time without a guide to direct you.

The cost of $39.99 per vehicle (up to four people) makes this an attractive option, especially considering you can use it for a full year. That means you can revisit parts of the tour or explore additional stops on different trips without extra costs. It’s clearly a good value if you’re planning a longer stay or multiple visits.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour doesn’t include entry tickets for attractions like Mount Rushmore or Badlands, so be prepared for those additional expenses. Also, since it’s a self-guided experience, it might feel less immersive than guided tours, but it compensates with flexibility and personalized pacing.

The Experience in Practice

Many users have reviewed this tour as being engaging and informative, with “really good narration” and “easy-to-use app” that makes exploring a breeze. Some mention that the stories bring the scenery to life, making it more memorable than just driving by scenic spots. The ability to pause, skip, or revisit stories gives you control, which is a big plus.

On the downside, some have noted that in very remote areas, Wi-Fi access can be limited, so downloading everything beforehand is smart. Also, since the tour is not guided in person, you won’t get the nuances of a live guide’s insight, but for those who prefer independence or are on a tighter budget, this is a solid compromise.

The tour seems well suited for travelers who enjoy self-driven exploration, value storytelling, and prefer having the freedom to go at their own pace. It’s especially good for small groups or families traveling together, looking to maximize their time and experience without the expense or scheduling constraints of guided tours.

Final Thoughts

For those who love the idea of a personalized Dakota adventure without the hefty price tag, this self-guided audio tour offers a lot of value. It hits many of the highlights—Black Hills scenery, Mount Rushmore’s grandeur, the wilds of Theodore Roosevelt Park, and the striking landscapes of Badlands—all woven together with engaging narration.

The biggest advantage is flexibility: start whenever you want, take your time, and revisit as often as you like within the year. The quality of the storytelling and the offline maps make it a practical choice, especially for travelers who want independence and control over their trip.

However, if you’re someone who prefers a guided experience, with a guide answering questions in real time, or you’re visiting in a remote area with spotty internet, this might not be your perfect fit. Still, for many, the combination of value, flexibility, and storytelling makes this tour a smart way to explore the Dakotas without breaking the bank.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for a large group?
Yes, the price is per car, not per person, so up to four people can enjoy the tour together for the same fee. It’s ideal if everyone is comfortable using a smartphone app.

Do I need to buy tickets for attractions separately?
Yes, this tour doesn’t include entrance fees. You’ll need to pay separately for attractions like Mount Rushmore or Badlands if there are any applicable fees.

How do I access the tour?
After booking, you’ll receive an email and text with instructions and a password. Download the Action Tour Guide App, enter your password, and then you’re ready to start once onsite.

Can I use this tour more than once?
Absolutely. You buy once for $39.99, and you can use it for an entire year, which is perfect for multiple visits or longer trips.

What if I face technical issues?
The app is designed to be easy to use, and support is available if you experience audio problems or navigation issues.

Is this a guided tour with a driver?
No, it’s a self-guided audio experience. You’re in charge of your timing and pace.

What kind of stories does the narration include?
The narration covers the history, interesting facts, and background stories about each stop, adding context to your sightseeing.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While it’s suitable for most travelers, it doesn’t specifically target families with children. However, the engaging stories and scenic stops make it a good choice for curious travelers of all ages.

If you’re after a flexible, budget-friendly way to see some of the Dakotas’ most famous sights with engaging storytelling and the freedom to explore at your own pace, this self-guided tour could be just right for you. Just remember to prepare ahead with offline downloads and be ready for a bit of self-navigation, and you’re set for a memorable adventure.