Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony
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.
Options
Summer 2019
Pickup included
What's included in Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Sylvan Lake
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
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
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!
Inclusions
- Bottled water
- Entrance fee
- Snacks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
- Local expert guide
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick up and drop off IF OUTSIDE OF RAPID CITY
- Personal expenses
- Meals
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You can choose to be picked up from a list of locations, or alternatively, have the choice to make your own way to the meeting points
Additional Information
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.
Meeting / End Points
- Please meet out the front of the lobby
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
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!
