South Dakota Black Hills Self-Guided Tour
Discover South Dakota's Black Hills on a Scenic Self Guided Tour with Audio Guide
SD
people
1 participant
hours
- • Self-Guided Tour of South Dakota's Iconic Black Hills
- • Experience 2-3 Hours of Scenic Exploration in the Black Hills
- • Explore the Third Largest Cave System in the World at Jewel Cave
Why We Love This Unique Experience
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the stunning Black Hills with a self-guided driving audio tour. Perfect for families, friends, or solo explorers, this experience invites everyone to uncover the rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty that South Dakota has to offer. From iconic landmarks to breathtaking landscapes, the adventure is just a few clicks away.
This engaging self-guided tour allows travelers to explore renowned sites at their own pace. Prepare to be awed at Mount Rushmore as the grand faces of four U.S. presidents come into view. Dive into the serenity of Custer State Park, where you'll witness majestic wildlife and scenic vistas, and feel the cultural significance of the Crazy Horse Memorial. Nestled between exhilarating drives, enjoy the tranquil beauty of Sylvan Lake. The intuitive audio guide is designed to provide fascinating stories and insights that enhance each stop along the route, so don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the memories! After purchase, enjoy flexible access for an entire year, making this a wonderful resource for multiple trips or repeat visits.
This self-guided driving audio tour makes an exceptional gift for anyone who loves travel and adventure. Whether it's a birthday, holiday, or just because, the gift of exploration offers moments that will be cherished for a lifetime. Delight loved ones with the opportunity to experience the stunning beauty and rich history of the Black Hills! Start planning an inspiring journey today!
Check Availability & Book
Experience Overview:
Black Hills Self Guided Driving Audio TourExplore the Black Hills with this self-guided walking and driving tour, weaving through landmark sites steeped in monumental art and history. Walk through the majestic Mount Rushmore, delve into the natural splendor of Custer State Park, experience the cultural resonance of Crazy Horse Memorial, and relax at the picturesque Sylvan Lake. Each location enriches your journey with its unique story and breathtaking vistas, creating memories that echo through the landscapes of South Dakota.
Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together!
After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.
New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!
Meeting Point
U.S. 16 Old
US-16 Old, Rapid City, SD, USA
After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
What's included:
- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
Not included:
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
What to expect:
Duration: between 2 hours and 3 hours
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
13000 Hwy 244, Keystone, 57751-4403, South Dakota
If you have my Mount Rushmore walking tour, you should exit this tour now and switch to that one. To access the Mount Rushmore tour, first tap Home in the top left corner of your screen. Then press Yes to exit this tour. Once you’ve exited, launch the Mount Rushmore tour. It will start near the Information Centre at the Entrance.
Note: This 66-mile-long tour covers the essentials of the Black Hills in 2-3 hours.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Iron Mountain Road
Custer, South Dakota
This section of 16A is called Iron Mountain Road, which, together with the Needles Highway, encapsulates the spirit of Custer State Park.
10 minutes
Doane Robinson Tunnel
Custer State Park, Custer, South Dakota
Next up is the second Pigtail Bridge, which is followed immediately by the first tunnel.
10 minutes
Iron Mountain Picnic Area
Keystone, SD 57751, USA
Enjoy this last section of single lane roller coaster driving. As you wind through the forest here, you'll soon be cresting the ridge and leaving the Mount Rushmore area.
10 minutes
Norbeck Overlook
US-16 Scenic, Keystone, SD 57751, USA
The highpoint of the Iron Mountain Road at 5400 ft. There's a big parking lot here, and I recommend taking the time to get out of the car to walk to the overlook.
10 minutes
Scovel Johnson Tunnel
US-16 Scenic, Keystone, 57751, South Dakota
The last tunnel on Iron Mountain Road is the Scovel Johnson Tunnel, named for the chief engineer and surveyor of the Black Hills Scenic drives.
10 minutes
Custer State Park
13329 US Highway 16A, , Custer, 57730-8351, South Dakota
You’re now driving through the heart of the Galena Fire from way back in 1988, one of largest wildfires in Custer State Park history.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Jewel Cave National Monument
11149 US-16 B-12, Custer, SD 57730, USA
“Jewel Cave”, The third largest cave system in the world, is probably already on your radar if you're at all fascinated with the subterranean world now.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
The Gordon Stockade
Custer State Park, Custer, South Dakota
In 1874, Lieutenant Colonel George Custer forever changed the fate of the Black Hills. In those days, the Black Hills belonged to the Sioux, as stated in the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie.
10 minutes
Needles Highway
23034 Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, Hill City, SD 57745, USA
If you want to visit cowboy poet Badger Clark's home, which will be on the left. You'll see a sign that says Badger's Hole.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Black Hills Playhouse
24834 S Playhouse Rd, , Custer, 57730-8328, South Dakota
You'll soon see a turnoff for the Black Hills Playhouse, possibly the single most obscure locations for drama in the world! Plays are staged between June and mid-August, a tradition that has been going strong since 1946.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Sylvan Lake
Custer, 57730, South Dakota
Not too long from now, you'll be at Sylvan Lake. That marks the state park boundary. There are two particularly worthwhile places of interest here.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Sylvan Lake Lodge
24572 SD-87, Custer, SD 57730, USA
You'll soon pass the historic Sylvan Lake Lodge on the right, although you'll not be able to see much through the trees.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Crazy Horse Memorial
12151 Avenue of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse, 57730-8900, South Dakota
In just a few minutes, you're going to need to make a choice about whether you'd like to take the detour to the Crazy Horse Memorial, or continue following the tour loop around the Black Hills. Crazy horse is barely a ten minute drive from the junction.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Hill City
Hill City, South Dakota
The next few blocks are the town, and most things are pretty self-explanatory.
10 minutes
Details & Important Info
Additional Experience Details & Important Information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
Amazing Savings: why pay for an expensive, crowded, and limited bus tour — priced per person! — when you can have ONE amazing audio guide on your OWN phone for your WHOLE group?
Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. There's no expiration, making it perfect for revisiting on future trips.
Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app's features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
Minimum Mobile OS Requirement: iOS 14 or later / Android 9 (Pie) or later. It is compatible with iPad models that have a GPS chip.
Cancellations & Refunds
Reservation Changes, Cancellations & Refunds
Changes to reservations for tickets can be made until 3 days prior to the date scheduled. Reservations may be re-scheduled by the operator of the activity due to reasons such as weather, minimum participation requirements, mechanical issues or other interruptions beyond their control.
Organized by
Travel with Action
Product SKU: US-3411-0045
Google Business Profile: Travel with Action
Black Hills Self-Guided Audio Tour Experience
SD
people
1 participant
hours
- • Self-Guided Tour of South Dakota's Iconic Black Hills
- • Experience 2-3 Hours of Scenic Exploration in the Black Hills
- • Explore the Third Largest Cave System in the World at Jewel Cave
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