Mount Rushmore & Badlands Adventure

9 hours
Rapid City, USA

About this activity

Explore Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park in a single day, featuring guided tours, scenic drives, and wildlife encounters.

Highlights

  • Marvel at Mount Rushmore's iconic sculptures
  • Traverse the scenic Iron Mountain Road
  • Witness breathtaking views at Pinnacles Overlook
  • Spot wildlife along Sage Creek Rim Road
  • Experience the unique landscapes of Badlands National Park

Full description

Discover the grandeur of Mount Rushmore and the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park on this immersive day trip. Begin with a guided tour of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, where you'll learn about the history and artistry behind this iconic monument. Then, embark on a scenic drive along Iron Mountain Road, renowned for its unique pigtail bridges and framed views of the monument. In the afternoon, venture into Badlands National Park, stopping at Pinnacles Overlook for panoramic vistas and Sage Creek Rim Road to observe bison, prairie dogs, and bighorn sheep in their natural habitat. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and adventure, all within a single, well-planned day.

Included / Excluded

  • Guided tour of Mount Rushmore National Memorial
  • Scenic drive along Iron Mountain Road with pigtail bridges
  • Visit to Badlands National Park with stops at Pinnacles Overlook and Sage Creek Rim Road
  • Gratuities

Important information

Know before you book

  • This is a private tour tailored to your group's interests and pace.
  • All park entrance fees and permits are included in the tour price.
  • High-quality binoculars are provided for wildlife spotting during the tour.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for walking and varying weather conditions.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife encounters.
  • Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 14 days before the activity starts

A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your tour. The remaining balance is due 14 days before departure. Cancellations made within 14 days of the tour are non-refundable. Guests may reschedule up to 14 days prior for a $50 change fee, subject to availability.

Reviews

Google
Diana Rodriguez
Dec 2025
5.0

By far hands down best tour I’ve ever been on. I was on the fence about taking a tour or going off on my own and without a doubt I am so glad I chose My XO Adventure. A 10/10 experience, it literally made my whole trip to SD! Daniel was my guide and is the most wonderful and kind human to spend the day with. He makes you feel so comfortable and is extremely knowledgeable, personable, and thoughtful. He has a passion for what he does and his excitement is contagious! He goes out of his way to make sure your bucket list items are checked off. The sites and wildlife are incredible on their own, but having someone like Daniel to take you to spots you wouldn’t know about and make sure you have the best lighting or views, not to mention providing all the history and details just elevate the experience and take it to a whole new level. Communication with both Amiee and Daniel around the whole process from booking to drop off was exceptional. I would ABSOLUTELY do another tour with them!!

Google
Ben&Ash Riddle
Dec 2025
5.0

I’ve traveled the world and taken various awesome tours. However Daniel has surpassed all other tours. He was the perfect fit for my 9-year old son and myself. He contacted me a day earlier with alternate plans and ideas which we were open to. I can not say enough about how accommodating he was. Not only did he offer us his deep knowledge of the area he became our personal photographer. Daniel made innumerable stops and turn arounds to ensure us the best views and photographs. Daniel I thank you for the awesome tour! Mrs. Aimee thank you for reaching out and assisting me with finding a suitable location! Anyone looking for the right tour, look no further than My XO Adventures! I promise you will be happy with the purchase.

Google
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Dec 2025
5.0

We had a fantastic day touring the Badlands with Daniel from XO Adventures. He paid close attention to what we were interested in, shared a wealth of fascinating local knowledge, and delivered an outstanding experience from start to finish. Spotting bison was our top priority, and he absolutely made it happen. We visited in late November, so the delicious homemade soup for lunch was the perfect warm-up. Communication beforehand was prompt, clear, and helpful.