Rapid City Mount Rushmore Audio Tour

Discover the grandeur of Mount Rushmore National Memorial with our engaging and amusing audio tour! Marvel at the colossal faces of four iconic U.S. presidents while our witty guides share fascinating stories, fun facts, and historical insights. Learn about the incredible artistry and engineering behind this monumental achievement, as well as the legends and lore surrounding it. Perfect for families, history buffs, and curious travelers, our audio tour adds a delightful twist to your visit. Simply download, plug in your headphones, and embark on a memorable adventure through Mount Rushmore!
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Meeting Point

Rapid City

Rapid City, SD, USA

Tour starts in Rapid City in South Dakota.

What's included:

• Take the tour when you want
• Tours NEVER expire
• Freedom to explore at your own pace
• Tour Start is Customizable
• Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
• Tour highlights with activity and restaurant recommendations
• Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
• Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
• Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive

Not included:

• Private transportation
• Meals and refreshment
• Entrance Fees
• Parking Fees

What to expect:

Duration: between 8 hours and 13 hours

Cosmos Mystery Area

24040 Cosmos Rd, , Rapid City, 57702-7414, South Dakota

In 1952, two college students discovered strange occurrences on the site of an old summer cabin.
Balls rolled uphill, water flowed upwards, and people appeared shorter or taller than they actually were.

Today, Cosmos Mystery Cabin is a popular tourist attraction known for these mind-bending illusions and unexplainable phenomena.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Keystone

Keystone, South Dakota

Once upon a time, Keystone was a gold mine outpost. Then, it became a home base for the folks that carved Mount Rushmore. Now, it's a lively resort town!
Keystone offers a taste of the gold rush era with restaurants, gift shops, old old-fashioned candy stores, alongside thrilling adventures like zip lines and helicopter tours.

It's the perfect basecamp for exploring the Black Hills' natural beauty and iconic monuments.

30 minutes

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Keystone, SD 57751, USA

There's so much more to do at Mt. Rushmore than gaze at those four iconic faces. Hike the 0.6-mile Presidential Trail for a closer look.
Learn about sculptor Gutzon Borglum at his studio, and explore the visitor center's exhibits.

Catch a ranger talk or watch the awe-inspiring evening lighting ceremony, too!

1 hour

Wrinkled Rock Climbers Trailhead

Keystone, SD 57751, USA

Offers a variety of climbing opportunities and routes for all skill levels.
There are several free tent pad sites available near the trailhead on a first-come, first-served basis.

The trailhead provides parking, a restroom facility, and some climbing information.

30 minutes

Breezy Point Picnic Area

South Dakota Highway 244, Keystone, South Dakota

Five-site picnic area with accessible bathrooms and scenic overlooks of the Black Elk Wilderness, Mount Rushmore, and the Black Elk Peak

Pass by without stopping

Horse Thief Lake

Black Hills National Forest Hwy 385 South, Keystone, South Dakota

There are two hiking options here:
Shorter Scenic Hike: a 2.7-mile out-and-back, moderate trail. It follows a gentle creek with scenic views of rock formations and towering pines.

Longer Loop Adventure: a challenging 11-mile loop trail. This route takes you through dense Black Hills forests with occasional glimpses of dramatic rock outcroppings. Be prepared for some muddy sections and potential horse encounters.

1 hour

Needles Scenic View

SD-87, Custer, SD 57730, USA

"This is a 14-mile scenic drive through Custer State Park. This historic road was built in the 1920s, and it twists and turns alongside dramatic scenery.
Keep an eye out for the iconic Needle's Eye Tunnel. This narrow passage (around 8 feet wide) cuts through a towering granite spire.

Don't forget to pull off and explore! Short trails lead to viewpoints where you can admire the Needles up close. For a panoramic vista of the entire Needles Highway, stop at the Cathedral Spires Overlook. Here, you can take in the breathtaking display of granite spires reaching towards the sky.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included

Little Devil's Tower Trail

Needles Highway, Custer, South Dakota

The trail is a 3.8-mile out-and-back with moderate difficulty. The initial section is easy, but expect switchbacks and some climbing later on. The final ascent to the top of Little Devils Tower involves some scrambling over rocks. Despite the climb, the payoff is incredible. Enjoy 360-degree views of the Black Hills, including the Needles, Black Elk Peak fire tower, and more.

Pass by without stopping

Needles Eye

SD Hwy 87 North, Custer, 57730, South Dakota

The Needle's Eye Tunnel is 8 feet 4 inches wide by 12 feet high. It was carved carved through a towering granite spire, is a highlight of the scenic Needles Highway. Imagine driving through a natural frame, with the rock formation mere feet from your car! It allows only one car at a time, adding a touch of excitement (or challenge) to your road trip adventure.

5 minutes

Cathedral Spires Hiking Trail

Custer State Park, Custer, South Dakota

Short but moderately challenging 1.5-mile out-and-back trail. The trail leads you right up to the base of the Cathedral Spires, towering granite pillars that resemble a cathedral. Be prepared for some sections where you might need to scramble over rocks. The hike rewards you with stunning views of the Needles, a unique landscape of spiky granite formations.

45 minutes

Custer State Park

13329 US Highway 16A, , Custer, 57730-8351, South Dakota

Nestled in South Dakota's Black Hills, Custer State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Cruise the Needles Highway, a scenic drive with tunnels that pierce granite spires. Hike to the top of Little Devils Tower for panoramic views. Spot bison roaming free in the wild or take a scenic train ride. The park offers a historic lodge, campgrounds, and cozy cabins for an unforgettable Black Hills adventure.

Pass by without stopping

Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center

13329 US Highway 16A, Custer, 57730-8351, South Dakota

The Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center ignites curiosity about the Black Hills' wonders. This historic lodge, built from local stone, is a haven for families. Inside, exhibits showcase the park's wildlife, geology, and history. Kids can explore a recreated mine and learn about nature through interactive displays. Outside, play areas and trails provide hands-on learning adventures for all ages.

30 minutes

Wildlife Loop Road

Custer, 57730, South Dakota

Custer State Park's 18-mile Wildlife Loop is an unforgettable animal encounter. This scenic drive winds past rolling prairies, forests, and canyons. Be sure to pack your binoculars! The star attraction is the park's 1,300-strong bison herd, often grazing in the meadows. Keep your eyes peeled for other residents like elk, deer, pronghorn antelope, and even the occasional bighorn sheep or burros. Remember, stay in your car and observe from a distance – these are wild animals!

Pass by without stopping

Badger Hole Historic Site

Custer State Park, , Custer, South Dakota

This humble cabin was once home to South Dakota's beloved poet, Badger Clark. Explore the site and imagine Clark crafting cowboy poetry amidst the Black Hills' beauty. While the cabin itself might be closed for preservation (depending on the season), the surrounding area offers a short trail for a peaceful walk through history.

30 minutes

Custer

Custer, South Dakota

Stroll down historic Main Street lined with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Take a ride on the 1880 Steam Train for a nostalgic journey through the Black Hills.

15 minutes

Crazy Horse Memorial

12151 Avenue of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse, 57730-8900, South Dakota

This colossal work in progress depicts Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse on horseback, honoring his fight for his people's freedom. Started in 1948, it's the world's largest mountain carving underway. At the visitor center, you can explore the Indian Museum of North America to delve into the rich history and culture of the Lakota people. Catch traditional Lakota dance performances or browse authentic Native American arts and crafts. Special events throughout the year offer a deeper dive into their heritage.

30 minutes

Wind Cave National Park

26611 U.S. Highway 385, 57747, South Dakota

Explore intricate caverns adorned with glistening crystals on a guided tour. Marvel at the Boxwork Formation, a one-of-a-kind web of calcite blades. Feel the cool air rushing through the cave – it's the namesake wind, one of the strongest winds ever recorded underground! Above ground, hike scenic trails spotting prairie wildlife. Wind Cave offers a unique adventure for all ages.

Pass by without stopping

Iron Mountain Road

Custer, South Dakota

Cruise the scenic Iron Mountain Road, a 17-mile adventure connecting Custer State Park to Mount Rushmore. Prepare for twists and turns with breathtaking Black Hills views. Keep an eye out for the Doane Robinson and Scovel Johnson tunnels. Time your drive to see Mount Rushmore framed perfectly through the openings! Pigtail Bridges: These ingenious structures loop the road back under itself, allowing for steeper climbs and showcasing engineering marvels.

1 hour

Norbeck Overlook

US-16 Scenic, Keystone, SD 57751, USA

Perched along the Iron Mountain Scenic Drive, the Norbeck Overlook offers a free glimpse of Mount Rushmore's grandeur. This short detour rewards you with a breathtaking vista of the Black Hills, with the iconic presidents' faces peeking above the pines in the distance. It's a perfect spot to snap photos and appreciate the scale of Mount Rushmore without the entrance fee. For a closer look, continue your journey on the scenic drive towards the monument itself.

1 hour

Jewel Cave National Monument

11149 US Highway 16, Building B12, Custer, 57730-8167, South Dakota

Explore a labyrinth of sparkling calcite crystals on a ranger-led tour. Descend hundreds of feet for a glimpse of the otherworldly formations – glistening frostwork, delicate needles, and massive cave balloons. Choose from easy walking tours to lantern-lit spelunking adventures for a taste of historic cave exploration. While the surface offers hiking trails, the true wonders lie beneath, waiting to be discovered.

1 hour