From Rapid City: Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Tour

If you’re planning a visit to South Dakota and want to see two of the most iconic American landmarks—Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse—this guided day trip might be just what you need. While we haven’t taken this tour ourselves, the extensive details and reviews suggest it’s a solid option for travelers looking for an organized, informative experience without the stress of planning every detail.

One thing we really appreciate about this tour is the focus on narrated insights, which add context and storytelling that you might miss if exploring on your own. Plus, with visits to the North American Indian Museum and the Native American Cultural Center, it offers some meaningful cultural exposure beyond just the monuments. That said, a potential consideration is the seven-hour duration, which is quite full, so if you’re after a more leisurely pace, this might feel a bit rushed.

This tour seems best suited for those who want a rundown of these landmarks in one day, especially if you’re staying in Rapid City and prefer to have transportation handled for you. It’s also geared towards travelers who enjoy guided narration and small-group experiences, keeping things intimate and engaging.

Key Points

• Includes both Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse with plenty of time at each site
• Narrated tour providing context about the carvings, history, and artists
• Visit to the North American Indian Museum adds cultural depth
• Small group size (limited to 12 participants) enhances the experience
• Price around $254 offers decent value considering the attractions and inclusions
• Tour duration of 7 hours makes it a full but manageable day trip

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Tour in Detail

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup in Rapid City, which is a real plus if you’re staying locally. From there, you’ll hop into a comfortable vehicle with a small group—limiting to just 12 people to keep things personal and less rushed. This setup is ideal if you’re someone who appreciates a more intimate, guided experience rather than a crowded bus.

Mount Rushmore: An American Icon

Once you arrive at Mount Rushmore, you’ll spend about 2 hours soaking in the sights. The highlight here is the 23-minute video “Carved in Stone”, which offers background on how the mountain was sculpted, the people behind it, and the machinery used. It’s a nice way to understand the monument’s story rather than just snapping photos.

The Lincoln Borglum Museum adds a layer of understanding about the sculptor and his family. For some of us, it’s fascinating to see the machinery used in such a monumental project—especially if you’re into engineering or art.

The Presidential Trail is a more up-close experience, walking underneath the colossal faces—definitely a photo opportunity, but keep in mind that the trail goes gradually uphill, so comfortable shoes are a must. For those wanting a more challenging walk, there’s an option to go down to the Sculptors Studio, though it’s only open during summer months.

The Avenue of Flags and Gift Shops

A quick stop at the Avenue of Flags, representing all 50 states plus territories, offers a patriotic photo op. The gift shop is sizable, and you might find souvenirs or memorabilia to remember your visit—be aware that souvenirs can add up, so set a budget if needed.

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Break for Refreshments

The Carvers Café provides a chance to grab a snack or ice cream—something like Thomas Jefferson’s vanilla ice cream recipe from France. Some reviews mentioned missing out on the ice cream because of timing, so if it’s a priority, plan accordingly.

Crazy Horse: An Impressive Collage of History

Next, you’ll head about 30 minutes to the Crazy Horse Memorial. Here, a short video about the carving offers insights into the ongoing work by Korczak Ziolkowski and his family. The sculpture is planned to be the largest in the world when finished, so you’ll get a sense of the scale even if it’s not fully complete.

The North American Indian Museum is a highlight for many, featuring items donated by tribes, giving you a glimpse into Native American culture. You can browse the Native-made items at the shop or watch artisans in action at the Native American Cultural Center.

Extra Photo Opportunity

For an additional $5, you can hop on a bus to the base of the mountain for a full-face photo of Chief Crazy Horse—worth considering if you’re a photo enthusiast or want that classic shot.

Final Notes

Throughout the day, your guide will keep the narration engaging, filling you in on historical and cultural details that bring each site to life. Many reviewers praised guides like Bruce, Nick, and Flo for their knowledge and friendliness, which can really enhance your understanding and enjoyment.

What We Like About This Tour

The small group size creates a more personalized feel, allowing for questions and more relaxed pacing. The narrated aspect means you’re not just rushing around, but learning about the significance of the monuments, especially the stories behind the carvings and the cultural context of Crazy Horse.

The combination of sites—from the national monument to the Native American museum—gives a well-rounded experience, balancing American history with Native American culture. Plus, the included admissions and hotel pickup simplify logistics, especially if you’re not driving yourself.

Potential Downsides

A few reviews mentioned the time constraints, especially at Mount Rushmore. If you’re a photography buff or want to linger longer, you might find the 2-hour allotment at each site a bit tight. Also, the price of $254 might seem high for some, but considering all inclusions and transportation, it could be justified if you’re after a hassle-free way to see both landmarks.

Another thing to note is that not everyone is suited for the full day—the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and the physical walking involved at Mount Rushmore could be challenging for some.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors who want a guided, structured way to see the most famous landmarks without worrying about directions or logistics. It’s perfect for those who appreciate narration and cultural insights and prefer small groups for a more personal touch.

If you’re on a tight schedule or prefer a more relaxed, unstructured visit, this tour might be a good fit. However, if you’re very particular about spending longer at each site or want to explore at your own pace, you might prefer doing some of this on your own.

FAQ

Do I need to pay extra for parking at Mount Rushmore?
Yes, the parking fee at Mount Rushmore is included in the tour price, so you won’t need to worry about that.

Is food included in the tour?
No, food and other refreshments besides bottled water are not included. You can plan to bring snacks or buy at the café.

How long do we spend at each monument?
You’ll have about two hours at each site—Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse—to explore, take photos, and enjoy the exhibits.

Can I see Crazy Horse from the bus?
Yes, you’ll see the monument and have the option to take a bus for an additional $5 to get a full face shot, but the primary viewing is from designated areas accessible by foot.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the tour isn’t specifically advertised as family-friendly, children comfortable with walking and outdoor exposure should enjoy it. Be aware the tour involves some physical activity.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, hat, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water are recommended to stay comfortable throughout the day.

Is the tour canceled if there’s bad weather?
Yes, the tour can be canceled or rescheduled if weather conditions make sightseeing impossible.

Can I cancel or change my booking?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Are guides available in languages other than English?
The tour is conducted in English; no other languages are specified.

Is it worth paying extra for the bus to Crazy Horse?
If capturing a full-face photo is important to you, then yes, the $5 bus ride is a small investment for that shot.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a well-organized, culturally enriching, and visually stunning day in South Dakota, this From Rapid City: Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Tour offers a solid way to tick these landmarks off your list without the hassle of planning every detail. The guides, based on reviews, appear to be knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience more memorable.

While it’s not perfect—some may find the pace a bit brisk, and the price on the higher side—the overall value is reasonable considering the inclusions and access. It suits travelers who want a focused, guided experience that combines history, culture, and iconic sights in one satisfying day.

If you value storytelling, cultural context, and small-group intimacy, this tour could be a highlight of your Black Hills adventure. Just come prepared with comfortable shoes and a sense of curiosity, and you’ll likely leave with great memories and plenty of photos.

Disclaimer: Always check the latest details when booking, as schedules and offerings can change.

You can check availability for your dates here: