Exploring the captivating landscapes of the Black Hills culminates in the iconic Mount Rushmore. This scenic driving tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the region’s natural beauty. Traversing the winding Iron Mountain Road, visitors will encounter dramatic vistas, picturesque pigtail bridges, and the towering granite sculptures that have long captivated the imagination. With the flexibility to explore Custer State Park and discover its abundant wildlife, this tour provides a well-rounded experience that showcases the best the Black Hills have to offer. Prepare to be swept away by the sheer grandeur of this extraordinary journey.
Key Points
- Explore the scenic Black Hills region, including iconic destinations like Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and Crazy Horse Memorial.
- Experience a self-guided tour with an engaging mobile app and hands-free audio storytelling.
- Drive along the thrilling Iron Mountain Road, featuring switchbacks, pigtail bridges, and stunning views of Mount Rushmore.
- Encounter wildlife, such as bison, pronghorn antelope, and curious burros, during your visit to Custer State Park.
- Enjoy a flexible and immersive tour experience, with the option to start, pause, and resume the tour at your own pace.
Tour Overview and Highlights
This driving tour allows visitors to explore the picturesque Black Hills region, featuring iconic destinations like Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Sylvan Lake.
Key highlights include discovering the famous carved faces at Mount Rushmore, driving along the scenic Iron Mountain Road, and venturing into Jewel Cave, the world’s third-longest cave.
Travelers can also expect wildlife encounters at Custer State Park and a visit to the impressive Crazy Horse Memorial.
With the flexibility to explore at their own pace, participants can fully enjoy the tour’s engaging storytelling and unique historical insights.
Booking and Payment Details
Booking and payment for the scenic driving tour to Mount Rushmore is straightforward. Priced at just Kč451 per person, the tour offers flexible options.
There’s no upfront payment required – simply reserve your spot and pay later. Plus, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour is valid for 365 days from your first activation, and you’ll need to purchase one tour per car, not per person.
With these hassle-free booking and payment details, you can focus on planning an unforgettable road trip through the stunning Black Hills.
Tour Features and Experience
The Action Tour Guide app provides an engaging and immersive experience for the scenic driving tour to Mount Rushmore. Travelers can download the app and access the tour using a unique password from their booking.
The app offers offline maps, ensuring the tour works without cellular or Wi-Fi connection. The audio stories play automatically based on the user’s location, providing hands-free storytelling with unique tales and historical insights.
Travelers can explore at their own pace, starting and pausing the tour as needed. The app’s features enable a flexible, self-guided experience, allowing participants to make the most of their time in the Black Hills.
Important Information for Participants
Participants should meet at the designated starting point of 13488 US-16, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA.
They’ll need to bring comfortable shoes, a charged smartphone, their vehicle, and a power bank.
To access the tour, they’ll use a unique password provided with their booking.
The flexible schedule allows participants to start anytime and pause for breaks as needed.
They can explore the tour on any day or multiple days.
Travelers should be aware that transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks aren’t included.
Similarly, national park/attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations aren’t part of the tour package.
Support and Additional Details
Should travelers need any support during their self-guided tour, they can reach out to the tour provider through call, chat, or email.
All-day support is available to address any questions or concerns that may arise.
However, it’s important to note that the tour package doesn’t include transportation, parking fees, food, or drinks.
Plus, visitors are responsible for obtaining any necessary national park passes, entry tickets, or reservations independently.
For those interested in exploring the area in greater depth, the tour provides opportunities to access additional stories and insights beyond the core experience.
Exploring Mount Rushmore
At the heart of the tour lies the iconic Mount Rushmore, where visitors can marvel at the colossal granite sculptures depicting four former U.S. presidents.
Guests can explore the memorial’s many walking trails, taking in sweeping views of the Black Hills and the massive faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
The visitor center offers interactive exhibits and a museum chronicling the sculpture’s fascinating history.
Don’t miss the evening lighting ceremony, where the monument is dramatically illuminated against the night sky.
With ample parking and easy accessibility, Mount Rushmore is a must-see highlight of the Black Hills driving tour.
Driving Through Iron Mountain Road
Winding through the heart of the Black Hills, the Driving Through Iron Mountain Road offers breathtaking vistas and an unforgettable driving experience.
This iconic route features:
- Switchback turns and pigtail bridges that provide incredible views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
- Tunnels that frame the iconic Mount Rushmore, allowing you to capture stunning photographs of the presidents’ faces.
- Scenic overlooks where you can pause and admire the rugged beauty of the Black Hills landscape.
Navigating Iron Mountain Road is a must-do activity for any visitor to the region, offering a thrilling and visually stunning journey through this remarkable natural wonder.
Wildlife Encounters at Custer State Park
As visitors journey through Custer State Park, they’re often delighted by the opportunity to encounter a variety of wildlife roaming freely throughout the park.
Herds of bison, graceful pronghorn antelope, and majestic elk can be spotted grazing on the lush grasslands. Curious burros, or "begging donkeys," may even approach vehicles in search of a snack.
Visitors should keep a safe distance and avoid feeding the animals, but the chance to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is truly a highlight of the Black Hills experience.
With over 70,000 acres to explore, Custer State Park offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing during the self-guided driving tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Stops Along the Tour Route?
Yes, the tour allows you to make stops along the route. The flexible schedule lets you start anytime and pause for breaks, so you can explore the sights at your own pace.
Is This Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?
The tour offers flexibility, allowing participants to go at their own pace and take breaks as needed. While the tour isn’t specifically designed for accessibility, guests with disabilities can likely customize their experience by utilizing the offline maps and audio stories.
What Type of Vehicle Is Recommended for the Tour?
The tour is suitable for most vehicles, but a car or SUV is recommended to comfortably navigate the winding roads and gravel paths. Larger vehicles like RVs or trucks may have difficulty on some sections of the route.
Is There a Minimum Number of Passengers Required?
The tour doesn’t require a minimum number of passengers. It’s designed as a self-guided driving tour, so you can explore at your own pace with your choice of vehicle, whether solo or with companions.
Can I Customize the Tour to Fit My Interests?
Yes, the tour can be customized to fit one’s interests. The self-guided driving tour allows travelers to explore at their own pace and focus on the sites that most interest them, such as Mount Rushmore or Custer State Park.
Recap
The Black Hills to Mount Rushmore Scenic Driving Tour offers an unforgettable experience. Explore the region’s natural beauty, iconic landmarks, and wildlife at your own pace. Traverse the stunning Iron Mountain Road, witness the majestic granite sculptures of Mount Rushmore, and learn about the wonders of Custer State Park. This tour provides a flexible and enriching adventure through one of America’s most picturesque destinations.