Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony

5.0 (38 reviews) 6 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

38 reviews

5.0

Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Experience the stunning beauty of the Black Hills on this unforgettable private afternoon & evening tour, designed to highlight the region’s most scenic drives & end with the Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony.

First, we visit the tranquil Sylvan Lake, nestled among pine-covered hills & dramatic rock formations.

We continue with a picturesque journey along the legendary Needles Hwy, where towering granite spires, narrow tunnels, & sweeping views create an unforgettable drive. You’ll have plenty of time for photo stops, short walks, and commentary from your knowledgeable local guide.

Then, travel the engineering marvel of Iron Mt Rd, known for its pigtail bridges, scenic switchbacks, & tunnels that perfectly frame Mt Rushmore in the distance.

We arrive at Mt Rushmore with time to explore, then as night falls, gather at the amphitheater for the Lighting Ceremony—a patriotic & heartfelt experience that includes a short film, tribute to veterans, & the illumination of the iconic carvings.

Day Trips Half-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Historical Tours Car Tours Luxury Car Tours

At a glance

Duration: 6 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–12
Guide: English
Operated by: Black Hills Tour Company

Ages: Adults (1–90 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Bottled water
Included: Entrance fees: Entrance fee
Included: Snacks
Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
Included: Local expert guide

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Hotel Pick up and drop off IF OUTSIDE OF RAPID CITY
Not included: Personal expenses
Not included: Meals

Itinerary

Sylvan Lake

2 hours Admission included

A lovely drive out west of Rapid City takes us into the Black Hills National Forest and into Custer State Park.

Drive time ~45min - 1hr.

Visit Sylvan Lake and Drive Needles Hwy

See the jewels of the Black Hills in Custer State Park!

Sylvan Lake glitters at 6,145 feet. Time here for photos and a quick wander.

We then move onto Needles Hwy. Gorgeous rock formation frame this famous drive as we learn of the geological history and the importance of the Native American History of the area.

Plenty of opportunities to stop and take in this stunning natural wonder.
Needles Eye

30 min Admission included

Of course we will stop along the route to photograph and enjoy the incredible formations - Needles Eye being the most famous!
Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway

15 min Admission included

We make our way along the Norbeck Scenic Byway, with lots of stops for photographs.

See Rushmore as it lies in its natural landscape - gorgeous Norbeck overlook is a prize along the cenic Byway. Our first views of Mt Rushmore from about a mile away are a great precursor to the monument itself!
Iron Mountain Road

30 min Admission included

The fun part! Our travel from Norbeck Overlook is the amazing Pigtail bridges and famous tunnels of Iron Mountain Road. This scenic road was built for fun to compliment Mt Rushmore - an engineering marvel and an enjoyable way to get your closer to the 4 faces!
5
Mount Rushmore National Memorial

2 hours Admission included
Next we are on to the monument. Your guide is an expert in all things Rushmore, and will be able to share all they can about the history and building of the carving.

We have time for guests to wander through museums, take the presidential trail and visit gift stores. Get a bite to eat from the Carvers Cafe.

Planned arrival ~ 6-6:30pm (for 8pm lighting ceremony) 7-730pm for 9pm lighting ceremony.
- Lighting Ceremony -
Join a park ranger in the park's outdoor amphitheater for an inspirational 45-minute program focusing on the presidents, patriotism and the nation's history. Beginning with a ranger talk, this program continues with the film "Freedom: America's Lasting Legacy" (captioned) and culminates with the lighting of the memorial.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

Please meet out the front of the lobby

End point

Please meet out the front of the lobby

Pickup points

Travelodge by Wyndham Rapid City
Stardust Motel
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Rapid City
Quality Inn
Western Thrifty Inn
Americinn By Wyndham Rapid City
Foothills Inn
A Family Inn
Hotel Alex Johnson Rapid City, Curio Collection by Hilton
Super 8 by Wyndham Rapid City
Comfort Inn & Suites
Rodeway Inn

and 25 more pickup points

We pick up for this tour in Rapid City. Please let us know if your location is outside of our pick up zone in central Rapid City and we can arrange an alternative.

Using your ticket

Thank you for booking your Southern Black Hills Parks and Monuments Tour. We are looking forward to taking you out!

Please feel free to contact us at any point with questions. If you have any food requirements for lunch please let us know. If you will be staying outside of Rapid City and would like pick up, please give us a call so we can arrange pick up time (this may incur an additional fee depending on your location).

Look forward to meeting you soon!