Which option makes sense?
Do it yourself
Pay the memorial parking fee, take your own pace, and add the Avenue of Flags and Presidential Trail. This is the best value if you already have a car.
Small-group sightseeing
A sensible middle ground when you want Mount Rushmore plus context, but do not need a private vehicle. Check the pickup area and total duration before booking.
Private full day
Best for families or groups that want to combine Mount Rushmore with Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, or the scenic roads without driving the whole loop.
Evening lighting visit
Choose this when the ceremony matters more than checking off several attractions. The ranger-led program runs late May through September 30; from October 1 the sculpture is lit from sunset to 9 p.m. with no ceremony, so check what an evening tour actually includes. It makes for a long day from Rapid City, so confirm return time.
Compare Mount Rushmore tours
Compare guided options and check availability on Viator for guided, private, and combination experiences. Read the pickup point and cancellation terms before you book.
We earn a commission on Viator bookings, at no extra cost to you. Check dates and final prices on Viator. Tour information collected May 15, 2026; not live availability.
Mount Rushmore Memorial Shared Tour from Rapid City, South Dakota
Shared tour · 5h
Viator snapshot: 5.0/5 (9 reviews)
Route and experience details
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a massive sculpture carved into Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. Completed in 1941 under the direction of Gutzon Borglum and his son Lincoln, the sculpture’s roughly 60-ft.-high granite faces depict U.S. presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. The site also features a museum with interactive exhibits.
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From USD 164
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Private Tour of Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park
Private tour · 9h
Viator snapshot: 5.0/5 (197 reviews)
Route and experience details
Mount Rushmore is more than just the carvings. They have secrets that are not easily revealed. GeoFunTrek's guides are local experts with decades of experience. We have no seasonal guides, part-time guides or trainees. This is a family-owned business and all tours are conducted by family members: Cindy, Christopher and John Esposti. We have the knowledge and skills to make your day one to remember. You will always get the A-team when you tour with GeoFunTrek Tours! All tours are PRIVATE TOURS, exclusive to the group booking the tour, and no additional guests will be included. Children must be accompanied by one adult. Children 3 years and younger are free and will have their own seat. Children's car seats must be supplied by family members when required. Our vehicles are SUV's, and a larger vehicle (van) may be rented for larger groups. This is a great tour for 3-generation families with Children, multiple couples and groups of friends.
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From USD 425
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Black Hills Self Guided Driving Audio Tour
Self-guided · 3h
Viator snapshot: 4.4/5 (17 reviews)
Route and experience details
Explore 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 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, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
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From USD 20
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Check dates on Viator (opens in a new tab)Allow half a day
That gives you time for the memorial, photos, and a short walk without rushing. Add more time if you want the museum or evening program.
Combo tours take all day
Mount Rushmore plus Custer State Park or Crazy Horse can fill 8–10 hours. That is convenient, but it is not a relaxed stop at every attraction.
Check the pickup
Rapid City, Keystone, and nearby lodging areas are not interchangeable. A pickup surcharge or long transfer can change the value of a low headline price.
What to look for on the listing
- Group size: a private tour buys flexibility; a shared tour usually wins on price.
- Actual inclusions: look for transportation, guide, admission, meals, and parking listed separately.
- Route: a scenic-drive combo is a different product from a direct memorial transfer.
- Weather policy: mountain roads and outdoor stops can change the day, even when the memorial is open.
Can you visit without a tour?
Yes. Self-guiding is usually the simplest choice if you have a car and want to control the timing. Pay attention to parking, arrive early in summer, and use the memorial’s own visitor information for current programs. See what it costs to get into Mount Rushmore before you go.
Where should you stay?
Keystone is closest, Rapid City has the broadest hotel selection, and the best hotels in Custer, SD are useful when the same trip includes Custer State Park. Compare Keystone hotels before locking in a pickup location.
Ready to compare availability?
Start with the tour options above, then match the pickup, duration, and cancellation policy to your itinerary.