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Prairie Grasses and the Badlands
Mt. Rushmore
Evening Lighting Ceremony at Mount Rushmore
Devils Tower
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 Pricing

$3,119.00 Per Person Double Occupancy

$3,569.00 Per Person Single Occupancy

$2,919.00 Per Person Triple Occupancy

$2,819.00 Per Person Quad Occupancy

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Tour Dates

Black Hills of South Dakota Guided Tour | 2025 Highlights

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
  • 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

International Visitors National Park Pass Entry (Non-U.S. Residents)

 

Itinerary:

  • Today your Black Hills experience begins as you arrive at the Rapid City Airport and meet your Southwest Adventure Tours tour director. All Guests should arrive in Rapid City Airport (RAP) by 3 pm. 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Devils Tower

    Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for Wyoming and traveling to Devil's Tower National Monument. Upon arrival, take time to tour the monument and enjoy a scenic walk around this awe-inspiring monolith. After lunch on your own at a local restaurant just outside the park, continue the journey back toward South Dakota with a stop at Vore Buffalo Jump to learn about its historical significance. Later, arrive in the legendary Old West town of Deadwood for a guided tour, followed by free time to explore the town at your own pace and enjoy dinner on your own. In the evening, return to the hotel, with the rest of the night free to relax or explore on your own.

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

    Meals: B

  • 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

  • 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, driver, local guides and outfitters

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

black-hills

SWAT Trip Protection Plan (TPP)

Travel with Confidence. Cancel with Flexibility.

The SWAT Trip Protection Plan (TPP) gives you the freedom to cancel your tour for any reason up to the day before departure and receive a full refund of your SWAT-collected tour payments. It’s a simple, transparent cancellation waiver designed to provide flexibility for our guests and clarity in our booking process.

What TPP is-and Isn't

  • Not Insurance. It is SWAT's own cancellation waiver.
  • Coverage: Full refund of Swat-collected tour price and SWAT-sold add-ons (e.g., optional activities, additional nights of lodging, etc).

Who & What's Eligible

  • Who:  Any named traveler on a SWAT booking (direct or qualifing agency/partner sale).
  • When: Must be added at initial checkout (cannot be added later).
  • Exclusions:
    • ​Cruise or third-party products (e.g., AMA Waterways) outside SWAT's control.
    • Air or rail tickets not booked by SWAT
    • Government fees (e.g., park passes).
    • Wholesale agreements that prohibit supplier waivers.

How to Purchase

  • At checkout, you'll see an unchecked box offering TPP at 10% of your SWAT cart total.
  • Check the box to add TPP; leave it unchecked to decline.
  • Once you leave the checkout page, you cannot add or remove TPP.

Cancelling Under TPP

  • Deadline: You may cancel through 11:59 pm local time in your tour's start city on the day before your first activity.
  • Process:
    • ​Call or email the contact on your confirmation notice.
    • We'll log your request timestamp (with time zone) and ask for a brief written confirmation via email to info@southwestadventuretours.com.
  • Refunds: We refund 100% of all SWAT-collected tour and SWAT add-on amounts. The 10% TPP fee is retained.

After the Deadline

  • If you cancel on or after your tour start date, or are a no-show, SWAT cancellation terms apply (no refund of tour amounts).

Rescheduling

  • You may reschedule your protected booking once within 12 months of your original departure date at no additional TPP fee.
  • If your new tour price is higher you pay only the difference in TPP fee; if lower, there will be no refund of the original fee.

Timing of Refund

  • Once we receive your written cancellation request, Accounting initiates your refund within 5-7 business days.
  • Actual bank posting time depends on your bank's processing schedule.

FAQ

What does TPP cover?

SWAT-collected tour and SWAT-sold add-on payments only.

When must I buy?

At initial checkout, cannot add later.

Can I cancel for any reason?

Yes, up to the day before your tour starts.

Is TPP refundable? 

No, the 10% fee never refunds.

Can I move my trip?

Yes, once within 12 months at no extra TPP fee.

By choosing SWAT Trip Protection Plan, you gain flexibility to cancel worry-free, while SWAT maintains clear, consistent operations and revenue handling. Enjoy your adventure with confidence!

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