Mount Rushmore & Badlands Day Adventure Tour

9 hours
Rapid City, USA

About this activity

Experience Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park on a scenic, wildlife-filled day tour.

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
Jeff Mast
Jul 2026
5.0

My family and I had a fantastic time on the Badlands Sunset and Night Sky tour. The process was easy from booking to being picked up at our hotel. Logan was a great guide who shared his knowledge with us and answered all of our boys’ questions. We saw many amazing animals and sites at the perfect pace to enjoy everything. The night was amazing.

Google
Mike Raulerson
Jul 2026
5.0

XO Adventures made my private tour with my family memorable. Logan, our guide, did an amazing job providing insight into the wonders of the badlands during our tour. His knowledge of the park, wild life and ecology, amiable conversation, and photography skills made the journey memorable. While our focus was the night sky, I received far more than I was expecting on the rest of the tour. I truly cannot recommend this tour group enough. This tour was an excellent way to experience the badlands. It would have been a true shame to miss out on such a rich experience, simply because I did know enough prior to setting off on my trip. Thank you Logan and My XO Adventures for giving my family great memories.

Google
Alan Weinstein
Jul 2026
5.0

If you are visiting the Black Hills, the Devils Tower and Spearfish Canyon Adventure is an absolute can’t-miss! Our guide, Logan, did a true yeoman’s effort to make the day exceptional for the five of us. His depth of knowledge was remarkable—he effortlessly wove together the local history, geology, and fascinating backstories of every site along our route. He even tailored the experience to our group, sharing an incredible amount of insight about the local wildlife, including spot-on identification and facts about local birds for the birders in our group! The trip itself is brilliantly designed, balancing scenic drives, stunning overlooks, and short walks with a wonderfully flexible pace. There was never any rush, and we had plenty of time to take photos and absorb the breathtaking landscapes of the Northern Black Hills. Logan made every single moment enjoyable, informative, and fun. We loved every minute of this fabulous tour and cannot recommend Logan and this adventure enough!