• Black Hills National Forest - The entire day trip takes place within the expansive Black Hills National Forest, which spans 125 miles in length and 65 miles in width, covering 1.25 million acres! The journey includes approximately 2 hours of driving, interspersed with visits to various sites as detailed below. Travelers will enjoy the stunning scenery of the Black Hills, featuring rugged rock formations, canyons, gulches, open grasslands, and mountain lakes, while also learning about the area’s rich history, including Custer’s 1874 expedition.
• Mount Rushmore National Memorial - The first stop is Mount Rushmore National Memorial, where the rich history of the United States is depicted through the lives of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, carved into the mountain. Their stories illustrate the birth, growth, development, and preservation of the nation, all set against the beautiful backdrop of the Black Hills.
• Crazy Horse Memorial - After leaving Mount Rushmore, the journey continues to Crazy Horse Memorial, passing by the picturesque Horsethief Lake and Black Elk Mountain, the highest peak in South Dakota at 7,244 feet above sea level. Crazy Horse Memorial is the largest carving in the world, portraying the Oglala Lakota war chief, Crazy Horse, on horseback, pointing to his tribal land. The complex also houses the Indian Museum of North America.
• Custer - The next stop is the quaint town of Custer for lunch. Guests have the freedom to choose their preferred dining spot. Custer is the oldest and first permanent settlement established in the Black Hills by European Americans.
• Custer State Park - The following destination is Custer State Park, a 72,000-acre state park and wildlife refuge. The park is home to a herd of 1,500 bison and a variety of other wildlife that roam freely across the diverse landscape, which includes rolling prairie grasslands and rugged mountains.
• Custer State Park Visitor Center - A brief stop at the visitor center allows for a leg stretch and a 20-minute film on the history of Custer State Park, narrated by Kevin Costner. Afterward, the group sets out to spot buffalo and other wildlife on the Wildlife Loop Road.
• Iron Mountain Road - Iron Mountain Road is renowned as one of the most scenic and unique roads in America! It meanders through the countryside, passing through three tunnels, navigating switchbacks and pigtail bridges, with views of Mount Rushmore along the way. Designed to connect Custer State Park with Mount Rushmore, it encourages travelers to slow down and appreciate the area’s beauty. The route also passes through the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve, a designated wilderness area.
• Iron Mountain Road - At Iron Mountain Summit, also known as the Peter Norbeck Scenic Overlook, visitors reach an elevation of 5,450 feet, matching that of Mount Rushmore, visible across the valley about a mile away. The view is breathtaking! Black Elk Peak, the highest point in South Dakota at 7,200 feet above sea level, is also visible, marking the highest peak east of the Rockies.
• Keystone - The final stop of the tour is Keystone, where any guests picked up here are dropped off before returning to Rapid City.

• All Fees and Taxes
• Umbrellas available in case of rain
• Bottled water and light snacks

• Lunch
• No raincoats
• No gratuity

Neal and Becky reside in the Black Hills, close to the historic mining town of Hayward. Neal, a native of South Dakota, has been closely connected to the Black Hills since his childhood.

While exploring the southern Black Hills, visitors will receive a narration of the area’s history along with personal anecdotes. The historical journey begins with a pickup in Rapid City, linking the life of Crazy Horse with General George Armstrong Custer, the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868, and the Battle of the Little Bighorn, also known as Custer’s Last Stand. The discovery of gold in the Black Hills serves as the thread that ties these events together.

Neal and Becky are passionate about people and are eager to ensure that visitors have a delightful experience. They are happy to provide suggestions and tips to enhance your stay!

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.