Prairie Grasses and the Badlands

Evening Lighting Ceremony at Mount Rushmore

Black Hills of South Dakota

Buffalo herd, Custer State Park

Sylvan Lake, Black Hills SD

Prairie Dog, Custer State Park

Deadwood, South Dakota

Black Hills of South Dakota

The Black Hills, located in the southwestern portion of South Dakota, are a small, isolated mountain range that rises out of the Great Plains and is a treasure trove of fascinating landmarks. The centerpiece of the Black Hills is undoubtedly Mount Rushmore. But this famously sculpted mountain is just one of many attractions, including the Mammoth Site, the classic mining town of Deadwood, the Crazy Horse Monument, Custer State Park, and more. Nearby the Black Hills are Devil's Tower National Monument and Badlands National Park.

Head out with Southwest Adventure Tours for an intimate six-day tour to get a glimpse of all these places. We know the back roads through the Black Hills and all the special places to stop at and enjoy. With the stone sculptures of U.S. presidents and the lore of Custer's Last Stand, the places you'll see around the Black Hills have become quintessential Americana for centuries.

Tour Highlights:

Badlands National Park
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Evening Lighting Ceremony at Mount Rushmore
Crazy Horse Monument
Devils Tower National Monument
Ride on the Black Hills Central Railroad
Visit to Deadwood
Mammoth Site
Jeep Safari through Custer State Park

Inclusions:

Services of a Southwest Adventure Tours tour director – a professional tour guide
Comfortable transportation
5 nights of hotel accommodations
5 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Fees for attractions (train ride & jeep safari)
Park entrance fees
Airport transfers
Gratuities for included meals and activities
Applicable taxes and fees

Daily Breakdown:

Day 1: Arrive in Rapid City, SD
Day 2: Badlands National Park
Day 3: Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Black Hills Central Railroad & Crazy Horse Monument
Day 4: Devils Tower National Monument & Deadwood
Day 5: Buffalo Jeep Safari at Custer State Park & Mammoth Site
Day 6: Journey Home

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Rapid City

Today your Black Hills experience begins as you arrive at the Rapid City Airport and meet your Southwest Adventure Tours tour director. Transfer to your hotel in the heart of the Black Hills near Keystone and check in for a 5 night stay. Then join the group for a welcome dinner.

Lodging: K-Bar-S Lodge (or similar), Keystone, SD

Meals: D

Day 2: Badlands National Park

The stiped hills of the Badlands

Take a short drive to Badlands National Park for sightseeing and hiking. After this incredible park, make a stop at world-famous Wall Drug for lunch and some free time. Then stop in Rapid City and visit the Prairie Edge Trading Company. There will be time to explore the wonderful shops and art galleries of Rapid City. Return to Keystone for overnight.

Lodging: K-Bar-S Lodge (or similar), Keystone, SD

Meals: B, L

Day 3: Mt. Rushmore – Black Hills Central RR – Crazy Horse

Mount Rushmore

Start the day with sightseeing at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Next, board an 1880s train at the Black Hills Central Railroad for a historic ride through the Black Hills. Then it’s off to visit the Crazy Horse Monument, a colossal but still unfinished project that honors this famous Sioux warrior. Return to Keystone and enjoy some free time to relax and have dinner on your own, then return to Mt. Rushmore and experience the Evening Lighting Ceremony, a touching and patriotic presentation.

Lodging: K-Bar-S Lodge (or similar), Keystone, SD

Meals: B

Day 4: Devils Tower National Monument & Deadwood

Devils Tower

This morning, travel to Wyoming on your way to Devils Tower National Monument for touring and a scenic walk around this magnificent monolith. Return to South Dakota and arrive in the notorious old west town of Deadwood for some more touring. After some free time to explore on your own, return to Keystone.

Lodging: K-Bar-S Lodge (or similar), Keystone, SD

Meals: B

Day 5: Mammoth Site & Custer State Park Jeep Safari

Buffalo herd, Custer State Park

Begin your day with a fascinating visit to The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, South Dakota— a world-renowned active paleontological dig site. Here, you'll see Ice Age fossils and artifacts up close and learn about the prehistoric creatures that once roamed the area. Next, we'll travel north to Custer State Park, one of the crown jewels of the Black Hills. Experience the breathtaking landscape and abundant wildlife, featuring herds of majestic bison and graceful pronghorns, as well as elk and other native animals. In the afternoon, embark on an exciting open-air Buffalo Jeep Safari, venturing deep into the park's wilderness for up-close encounters with its iconic wildlife and sweeping prairie views. We'll then return to Keystone for a special farewell dinner, where we'll come together to celebrate the incredible journey through the Black Hills.

Lodging: K-Bar-S Lodge (or similar), Keystone, SD

Meals: B, D

Day 6: Journey Home

After breakfast, transfer to the Rapid City Airport for your departure flight home.

Meals: B

Tour Details:

Not included

Items of a personal nature (alcohol, room service, etc.)
Meals (other than listed in the itinerary)
Optional activities
Airfare
Gratuities for the tour director

Arrival / Departure Information

Arrival Location: Rapid City Airport (RAP)
Arrival Time: by 3:00 PM on day 1 of tour
Departure Location: Rapid City Airport (RAP)
Departure Time: Any time on day 6

Physical Requirements

Guests should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain for an average of 1 to 3 miles at a time.
Elevation gain and loss averages between 50 to 300 ft over the course of the areas visited during this tour.
Touring and overnight locations are above 6,000 to 8,000 ft above sea level
Deboard and board van each time at a viewpoint – a portable step will be available
Please let us know if you have any other physical/health limitations or requirements

Pricing 2025:

$2,699.00 Per Person Double Occupancy
$3,199.00 Per Person Single Occupancy
$2,425.00 Per Person Triple Occupancy
$2,349.00 Per Person Quad Occupancy

Pricing 2026:

$2,999.00 Per Person Double Occupancy
$3,499.00 Per Person Single Occupancy
$2,749.00 Per Person Triple Occupancy
$2,649.00 Per Person Quad Occupancy

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