Black Hills Scenic Tour and 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.

Meeting Point

Holiday Inn Rapid City Downtown - Conv Ctr, an IHG Hotel

505 N 5th St, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA

Please meet out the front of the lobby

What's included:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
• Local expert guide

Not included:

• Hotel Pick up and drop off IF OUTSIDE OF RAPID CITY
• Personal expenses

What to expect:

Duration: 6 hours

Sylvan Lake

Custer, 57730, South Dakota

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.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Needles Eye

SD Hwy 87 North, Custer, 57730, South Dakota

Of course we will stop along the route to photograph and enjoy the incredible formations - Needles Eye being the most famous!

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway

Highway 16A, Custer, South Dakota

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!

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Iron Mountain Road

Custer, South Dakota

The fun part! Our travel from Norbeck Overlook is the amazing Pigtail bridges and famous tunnels of Iron Mountain Road. This scenic road was built for fun to compliment Mt Rushmore - an engineering marvel and an enjoyable way to get your closer to the 4 faces!

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

13000 Hwy 244, Keystone, 57751-4403, South Dakota

Next we are on to the monument. Your guide is an expert in all things Rushmore, and will be able to share all they can about the history and building of the carving.
We have time for guests to wander through museums, take the presidential trail and visit gift stores. Get a bite to eat from the Carvers Cafe.

Planned arrival ~ 6-6:30pm (for 8pm lighting ceremony) 7-730pm for 9pm lighting ceremony.

- Lighting Ceremony -
Join a park ranger in the park's outdoor amphitheater for an inspirational 45-minute program focusing on the presidents, patriotism and the nation's history. Beginning with a ranger talk, this program continues with the film "Freedom: America's Lasting Legacy" (captioned) and culminates with the lighting of the memorial.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included