From Rapid City: Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Tour

Imagine spending a day exploring two of South Dakota’s most celebrated landmarks — Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse — with a knowledgeable guide leading the way. This tour from Rapid City offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, cultural education, and picturesque moments. It’s designed for travelers who want to see these iconic monuments without the hassle of planning logistics or navigating solo, all while enjoying a friendly, small-group atmosphere.

What we really like about this experience is how smoothly it runs — you get hotel pickup, bottled water, and admission tickets included in the price, which simplifies the day immensely. Plus, the guides tend to be quite knowledgeable, offering engaging stories and context that breathes life into the monuments. The main drawback? The tour is a full seven hours, so if you’re after a quick visit or a more flexible schedule, this might feel a bit tight. But for those eager to see both memorials comfortably in one day, it’s a solid choice. This tour would suit history buffs, culture enthusiasts, or anyone eager to tick these off their bucket list with ease and authenticity.

Key Points

• All-inclusive convenience with hotel pickup and admissions included.
• Small-group setting offers a more personalized experience with a cap of 12 participants.
• In-depth visits at Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse, with about 2 hours at each site.
• Expert-guided narration enriches your understanding of the history and significance.
• Additional stops include the North American Indian Museum and the Native American Cultural Center.
• Option for a closer view of Crazy Horse face with an additional bus ride for just $5.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Black Hills: An Authentic Journey

This tour is a well-rounded way to experience two American landmarks that symbolize history, artistry, and Native American culture. Starting from Rapid City, the guide takes you on a scenic drive through the Black Hills, offering hints of the rugged terrain and pine forests that make this region so distinctive. The journey isn’t just about the monuments — it’s about understanding their stories and the cultural context that surrounds them.

Mount Rushmore: A Monumental Experience

We loved the way the tour begins with a rich 23-minute video called “Carved in Stone,” which explains the story behind the sculpture, the life of Gutzon Borglum, and the efforts of the workers who chiseled the faces out of granite. This sets the tone, providing historical perspective that transforms your visit from a simple photo opportunity into a meaningful encounter.

Walking along the Presidential Trail, you get closer to the faces — even beneath them — and the viewpoints offer great angles for photos. The Avenue of Flags, which displays banners from all 50 states plus territories, offers a patriotic backdrop and a chance to reflect on national unity. The gift shop is sizable, with souvenirs for every taste, while the Carvers Café provides a quick refreshment break, including the famed Thomas Jefferson Original Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe — a delightful touch for ice cream lovers.

Crazy Horse: An Unfinished Legend

A half-hour drive takes you to the impressive Crazy Horse Memorial. This sculpture, which depicts the Lakota leader, is still a work in progress but already leaves a strong impression. You’ll watch a 23-minute video about the sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski and his family, who have dedicated decades to this project, emphasizing the cultural significance of the piece.

What we appreciated is how the tour emphasizes the ongoing work and the cultural stories behind Crazy Horse. Visiting the North American Indian Museum enriches this experience, showcasing artifacts donated by tribes, along with native crafts and artwork. The Native American Cultural Center offers live demonstrations, giving a taste of traditional crafts in action.

If you opt for the additional bus ride for $5, you’ll get an up-close view of the face of Chief Crazy Horse — a memorable photo opportunity that’s worth considering for the dedicated photo enthusiast.

Additional Highlights

The tour includes visits to notable features like the brass Nature Gate and a large statue of Fighting Stallions, adding to the theme of native and natural artistry. You’ll also have time to browse the gift shops at both sites, which sell authentic Native-made items, supporting local artisans.

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Practical Details and Travel Experience

Transportation is comfortable, with a small group size of no more than 12 people. The day is quite structured, with about two hours allocated at each monument, which is enough to see the highlights without feeling rushed. The inclusion of hotel pickup makes logistics simple, although note that pickups outside Rapid City may carry a fee.

Reviewers consistently praise the guides’ knowledgeability and friendly demeanor. One caller out the tour guide Bruce, saying, “Our guide Bruce did a great job on giving us history during our tour.” Others mention guides like Nick and Flo as being personable, patient, and accommodating — qualities that make a big difference when navigating a busy site.

Value for Money

At $254 per person, this guided tour provides a well-rounded, all-inclusive experience that saves you time and hassle. With admissions, transportation, and bottled water included, it’s a decent value given the effort involved in visiting these iconic locations independently. Of course, the tour’s longer duration means you’ll get a thorough look, which many travelers found worth it, especially those who prefer guided storytelling over self-guided visits.

What Could Be Improved?

Some travelers, like one reviewer, wished for more time at Mount Rushmore or a shorter stay at Crazy Horse to balance the experience. Also, the tour’s timing means your entire day is committed, so it’s not suited for those seeking a more leisurely or flexible schedule. Plus, if weather conditions are poor, especially at Crazy Horse, the experience can be disappointing — one traveler expressed frustration about weather-related cancellations or limited views, emphasizing the importance of good weather for this tour.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This tour is best suited for history lovers, culture enthusiasts, and first-time visitors eager to see both monuments in one day without the stress of renting a car or arranging separate tickets. Those interested in Native American history and arts will find the museum and cultural center especially meaningful. It’s also a good choice for travelers who appreciate small-group settings and guided narration that adds depth to sightseeing.

Final Thoughts

The From Rapid City: Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Tour delivers a detailed, convenient, and culturally rich experience. It balances the awe-inspiring visual impact of the monuments with insightful stories that deepen understanding. The guides’ professionalism and the thoughtful inclusions — such as admissions and bottled water — make it a smart choice for those looking to make the most of their time in South Dakota.

While it’s not perfect — some might wish for more flexibility or less time at each site — the value, comfort, and depth of experience make it a worthwhile option. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture seeker, or simply someone who wants a hassle-free way to see these iconic landmarks, this tour offers a memorable, engaging, and educational journey through the Black Hills.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 7 hours, including travel time and visits to both Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, free pickup from your hotel or Airbnb in Rapid City is included. Pickup from surrounding cities may have an additional fee.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers admissions to both sites, parking fees at Mount Rushmore, and bottled water during the tour.

Can I visit the sites on my own instead?
Yes, but this tour offers the advantage of guided narration, convenience of transportation, and admissions included — saving you time and effort.

Is there an option to get a closer view of Crazy Horse?
Yes, for an extra $5, a bus will take you to the base of the mountain for a full-face photo of Crazy Horse.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water are recommended. No smoking is allowed, and the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Multiple reviews highlight guides like Bruce, Nick, and Flo as friendly, informative, and engaging.

What if the weather is bad?
Weather can affect visibility, especially at Crazy Horse. It’s wise to check the forecast, but note that cancellations or limited views can occur if weather conditions are poor.

Whether you’re visiting South Dakota for a short trip or just want a hassle-free way to see these icons, this tour offers a comprehensive, enjoyable way to connect with some of America’s most recognizable sights — with the added bonus of expert storytelling and cultural insights.

You can check availability for your dates here: