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Explore the Black Hills, Crazy Horse, and Custer State Park with a dedicated local guide on a private excursion. Choose from half-day sightseeing trips or full-day adventures with snacks and water provided.
Free Cancellation Spend a full day visiting the top sites in the Black Hills with a private local guide and a flexible itinerary.
Free Cancellation Explore Mount Rushmore with private, family-led tours that reveal the history and landscape of the Black Hills.
Visit Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park’s Wildlife Loop on a full-day Black Hills tour.
Free Cancellation See Mount Rushmore, Sylvan Lake, and the scenic granite spires of the Black Hills on a guided half-day loop.
Explore the historic Flume Trail and the Black Hills on a guided tour that ends at Mount Rushmore.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Mount Rushmore — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Booking a private tour to Mount Rushmore offers a personalized and flexible way to explore America's Shrine of Democracy. You will travel at your own pace with a dedicated local guide, skipping the stress of driving and parking while soaking in the rich history, complex cultural significance, and stunning geology of the Black Hills.
Stand on the Grand View Terrace for that classic, unobstructed photograph of the 60-foot granite faces. Your guide will ensure you get the perfect angle framed by the surrounding ponderosa pines.
Walk the 0.6-mile loop right up to the base of the mountain. Get dramatic, up-close views of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln while learning about the 400 workers who blasted the rock.
Many full-day private tours include a stop at this massive, ongoing mountain carving honoring the Lakota leader. It provides a powerful counter-perspective to Mount Rushmore.
Extend your tour into the expansive Custer State Park. Drive the Wildlife Loop Road to spot free-roaming bison, burros, and pronghorn in their natural habitat.
Navigate the winding turns of the Black Hills, including Iron Mountain Road. Experience the famous wooden pigtail bridges and narrow rock tunnels designed to perfectly frame the presidents' faces.
Benefit from a local expert who will explain Gutzon Borglum's engineering techniques and the deep, controversial history of the site on sacred Lakota Sioux land.
Planning a private excursion to the Black Hills requires a few key considerations to ensure a smooth trip. Here is what you need to know before securing your reservation for a Mount Rushmore private tour.
Options range from 4-hour half-day trips focusing strictly on Mount Rushmore and nearby scenic drives, to comprehensive 8-9 hour full-day excursions that also cover Crazy Horse and Custer State Park. There are even specialized hiking tours along the historic Flume Trail.
Private tours have limited availability since they rely on dedicated, expert local guides. It is highly recommended to book weeks in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the peak summer months of June, July, and August.
Mount Rushmore does not charge an entrance fee, but there is a $10 parking fee. Most private tours cover all vehicle parking fees and local taxes in their upfront price, meaning you will not need to pay out of pocket at the gate.
Most tour operators offer complimentary pickup and drop-off at hotels, campgrounds, and vacation rentals in Rapid City, Keystone, and Hill City. If you are staying further out in the Black Hills, an additional destination fee may apply.
While the main viewing terraces are flat and paved, some activities require moderate fitness. The Presidential Trail contains 422 stairs, and specialized hiking tours involve walking over uneven terrain. Let your guide know your mobility levels so they can adjust the pace.
Bottled water and snacks are typically included in the tour vehicle. Lunch is usually at the guest's expense during a scheduled meal break, though some operators offer optional gourmet picnic lunch add-ons.
Policies vary significantly by operator. Some offer a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, while others have strict 'all sales are final' policies with no refunds available. Check your specific tour's terms before booking.
| Full-Day Black Hills Private Tour | Half-Day Express Private Tour | Private Hiking Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 8-9 hours | 4 hours | 8 hours |
| Best for | First-time visitors wanting to see all major monuments | Travelers short on time or with limited attention spans | Active travelers and nature lovers |
| Includes | Private transport, guide, snacks, monument parking fees | Private transport, guide, water, Rushmore & Iron Mtn Road | Guide, guided Flume Trail hike, lunch, water |
| Price from | $425 | $325 | $325 |
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is open daily year-round, except on December 25th when the buildings close (though the grounds remain open, weather permitting).
The Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center operates from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for most of the year, with extended hours up to 10:00 p.m. during the peak summer season (May 23 to August 9).
Mount Rushmore is located in the Black Hills of western South Dakota, about 35 miles from Rapid City. Because there is no public transportation to the memorial, booking a private tour or renting a car is essential.
By Car: Take Interstate 90 to Rapid City, exit onto U.S. Highway 16 South to Keystone, and then follow South Dakota Highway 244 directly to the entrance.
By Air: The closest airport is Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), which is a 35-minute drive from the memorial. Most private tour operators offer complimentary pickup from hotels in Rapid City, Keystone, and Hill City.
The ideal time to visit Mount Rushmore is during the shoulder months of May, September, and October. During this time, temperatures are a comfortable 50°F to 60°F, and you can avoid the massive crowds that flood the park in the summer.
Summer peak: June, July, and August bring extreme crowds and heavy congestion. If you must visit during these months, arrive before 9:00 a.m. or after 3:30 p.m. to find parking and enjoy cooler temperatures.
Winter: November through February can be challenging. Temperatures frequently drop below 40°F, and snow is common. Ranger programs are also suspended during this time.
The memorial is highly accessible for visitors with mobility needs. Elevators are available on all levels of the parking garages, and a wheelchair ramp near level 6 provides easy access to the main entrance.
Mount Rushmore offers several excellent facilities to enhance your visit:
To protect the memorial and ensure visitor safety, several strict rules are enforced by the National Park Service:
Mount Rushmore actually does not charge an entrance fee at all. However, there is a $10 parking fee for the concession-operated garage, which is typically covered by your private tour operator in the upfront cost.
Most private tour operators offer complimentary pickup and drop-off at hotels, campgrounds, and vacation rentals in Rapid City, Keystone, and Hill City. If you are staying further away, an additional fee may apply.
Generally, no. Most private tour vehicles are not pet-friendly. Furthermore, Mount Rushmore strictly prohibits pets on the main plaza, the Avenue of Flags, and the walking trails.
A half-day private tour focusing just on Mount Rushmore and nearby scenic drives takes about 4 hours. A full-day tour that includes Crazy Horse and Custer State Park usually lasts 8 to 9 hours.
Standard driving sightseeing tours are suitable for all fitness levels, as the main viewing areas are paved and flat. However, if you choose to hike the Flume Trail or walk the 422 stairs of the Presidential Trail, a moderate level of fitness is required.
Lunch is typically at your own expense during a scheduled break, though your guide will provide bottled water and snacks in the vehicle. Some operators offer optional gourmet picnic lunches for an additional fee.
Yes, the primary benefit of a private tour is flexibility. You move at your own pace, meaning you can spend extra time at the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center or skip a stop entirely if you prefer.
Private tours use comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles. Depending on your group size, this could be a spacious SUV or a passenger van. They do not typically have wheelchair lifts, though folding wheelchairs can be accommodated.
Yes, operators can usually accommodate folding wheelchairs as long as the guest can enter and exit the vehicle. The main areas of Mount Rushmore, including the Grand View Terrace and visitor center, are fully wheelchair accessible.
Most standard private tours operate during the day. If you specifically want to stay for the evening lighting ceremony (held nightly from late May to late September), you should contact the operator before booking to arrange a customized evening itinerary.
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Spend a full day visiting the most significant sites across the Black Hills. Led by a local guide, this tour covers the area's major landmarks while providing historical context and local insight. Because this is a private outing, we move at your pace, allowing for more time at the locations that interest you most. The itinerary is fully customizable to fit your group’s preferences. Whether you want to focus on specific monuments, local history, or scenic viewpoints, your guide will work with you to plan the day. If you have specific questions or want to adjust the route, please reach out to us directly to coordinate the details.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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GeoFunTrek Tours is a family-owned business where every excursion is led by Cindy, Christopher, or John Esposti. With decades of local residency and experience, our guides provide a detailed look at Mount Rushmore's history and lesser-known details. We do not use seasonal or part-time staff, ensuring that your guide has a deep, personal connection to the area's heritage. Each booking is a private tour reserved exclusively for your group. We typically use SUVs for transportation, but we can arrange for larger vans to accommodate bigger groups. This setup is ideal for multi-generational families, multiple couples, or groups of friends who prefer a private setting over a crowded bus. Children are welcome and must be accompanied by at least one adult. Those aged three and under travel free of charge and are provided with their own seat; however, families must supply their own car seats when required. We focus on delivering a clear, informative day tailored to your group's specific interests.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This full-day tour begins at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. You will have time to walk the Avenue of Flags and view the four presidential figures carved into the granite cliffside while learning about the site's construction. From there, the tour moves to the Crazy Horse Memorial. This ongoing mountain carving honors the Lakota leader and includes an on-site museum and performances by Lakota dancers that explain the region's Native American history. The afternoon is spent in Custer State Park, characterized by its granite spires and pine forests. The route follows the Wildlife Loop Road, a stretch of open prairie where sightings of the park’s free-roaming bison herds are common. You may also see pronghorn antelope, elk, and the park's famous wild burros before the tour concludes.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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This half-day trip covers the primary landmarks of the Black Hills, including Mount Rushmore, Sylvan Lake, and the Needles Highway. Led by a local guide, you’ll navigate the winding turns of Iron Mountain Road, known for its wooden "pigtail" bridges and tunnels designed to frame views of the monument. The itinerary focuses on the area’s most recognizable granite formations and scenic overlooks. You will spend time at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial while learning about its construction and history from your guide. The route also passes through Custer State Park to see the granite spires along the Needles Highway before stopping at Sylvan Lake.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This guided hike takes you along the Flume Trail, a historic route through the heart of the Black Hills. You’ll learn about the local geology and the engineering history of the area while walking through the ponderosa pines. The tour also covers the history of Mount Rushmore, providing context on the monument’s construction and significance. Please note that a minimum of two people is required to book this experience.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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