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Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony

37 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 37 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Rapid City, USA

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6 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket

Overview

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.

What's Included

  • Snacks
  • Bottled water
  • Entrance fee
  • Meals
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel Pick up and drop off IF OUTSIDE OF RAPID CITY
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

We pick up for this tour in Rapid City. Please let us know if your location is outside of our pick up zone in central Rapid City and we can arrange an alternative.

OR
Meeting point

North 5th Street
Rapid City, SD 57701, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

Sylvan Lake

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.
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2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Needles Eye

Of course we will stop along the route to photograph and enjoy the incredible formations - Needles Eye being the most famous!
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway

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!
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Iron Mountain Road

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!
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

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.
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2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (MDT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-56418P4

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
37 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 37 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
37
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0

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What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Snacks
  • Bottled water
  • Entrance fee
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
  • Local expert guide
  • Meals
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel Pick up and drop off IF OUTSIDE OF RAPID CITY
  • Personal expenses

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available

Report Product Issue

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free Cancellation

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (MDT).

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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