Jeep Bison Safari - Custer State Park (Public)

Overview

Please note -
*The Night Ceremony at Mt Rushmore is only available from MAY 26TH to AUGUST 10th: ceremony starts 9 PM - And AUGUST 11TH to SEPT 30TH: ceremony starts 8PM

*October 1 to May 25th we provide the tour of Mt Rushmore with a Mountain Sunset and Stargazing.

Black Hills Open-Top-Tours is the only tour company offering a Mt Rushmore tour that also includes the Night Lighting Ceremony, a tour of the Iron Mtn Tunnels and night stargazing (depening on weather).

We tour in a variety of classic unique convertible top vehicles. Our unique 'Woody' Vans, specialized Jeep Gladiators or a Mercedes Glass-Top Sprinter van. All are comfortable and safe convertible top vehicles. They offer great elevated views and photo ops without needing to exit.

This 5 hour tour departs from Rapid City between 5:30 and 7:00pm (depending of time of sunset).

Private Tours Available for Groups.

City: Rapid City

Sat 31 May

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $169.00

Make a reservation

Sat 31 May

Starting at $169.00

Make a reservation

New York City Tours

Unique Activities (21) Transfers & Transportation (175) Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises (252) Entry Tickets (96) Sporting Events (4) Good for Small Groups (27) Seasonal & Holiday Tours (113) Walking Tours (705) Outdoor Activities (48) Limitied Availability Tours (29) LGBT Friendly Tours (9) Family-friendly Activities (8) Wildlife Activities (6) Solo Travelers' Tours (147) Food & Drinks (96) Travelers recommend (174) Good for Groups (32) Top Activities (75) Guided Audio Tours (10) Art, Culture & History (406) Attractions to explore (43) Sustainable Tours (1) Limousine Transfers (5) Donut Walking Tour (2) Virtual Experiences (1) Additional fees (7) DSA non-compliant (17)

What's Included

Bottled water

Snacks

Driver/guide

Fees

Additional Info

Service animals allowed
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Other rates apply only when sharing with 2 paying adults
A minimum of 2 Adults per booking is required
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Layered clothing, comfortable shoes, and a hat are recommended

What To Expect

Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway

A masterpiece of artistic engineering, this byway includes spiraling bridges, hairpin curves, granite tunnels and awe-inspiring views. No wonder it was named one of the 10 Most Outstanding Byways in America. At its peak is Norbeck Overlook. The overlook takes you to great views of Mount Rushmore, Black Elk Peak and and its a great platform to view the setting sun and pause for stargazing . . . multitude of stars, constellations, and even galaxies.

Iron Mountain Road

After the stargaing on our return home, we drive Iron Mountain Road and its pigtail bridges, magnificent views through the one-way tunnels that frame the lighted national monument. We pause for photos.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

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. At sunset the rangers provide a progam that honors our veterans, including a patriotic movie and the lighting of the mountain.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (29)

Stephen_B

Oct 2024

Gene our driver was a font of knowledge, his personal story's from growing up in the area made the whole experience come alive. The routes that the company use are breathtaking and make for a thoroughly enjoyable day.

Response from Host

Oct 2024

Howdy Stepheny - Gene is a new with us this year and we are very proud to have him on our team. He has brought along so much local knowledge. His family was here in the begining of the gold rush and homesteading . . . so much history. Thanks for taking time to review. Be Well - Rich

George_M

Oct 2024

Gene our tour guide was a very friendly person and was knowledgeable about the places he took us. We saw incredible scenery and lots of wildlife. The bad part was the jeep he was given to drive us around. There was absolutely no protection against the wind. No wind guards or any kind of shades to protect the passengers. It was really bad when Gene drove down the highway at 45-55 miles an hour. It should never have been like that. Now we know what hurricane winds feel like. My husband got wind burn on his face and I got wind burn on my nose and now have cold sores from the irritation. The jeep was also dangerous. The back was open and if Gene stopped too fast someone could have fallen out. DID NOT feel safe. We will NEVER do this again or recommend it to anyone.

Response from Host

Oct 2024

Hello George - I took a little time in replying in order to discuss the tour with you guide. From our point of view you recieved the standard Jeep Bison Safari Tour to Custer State Park as described on our website. The Safari Tour was provided in a 2020 Jeep Gladiator Pickup. It has the standard four door front two row seats, with AC/heat and a convertible top that opens for viewing. The rear box of the pickup has been converted to seat up to 7 guests. Each guest has a lap setbelt to be used when traveling for safety and to keep "someone from fallen out". The rear has a canvas/vinyl see through top and the sides are open, in order to view the animals and landscape. There will be more wind when the Jeep in moving. Each guest is given the option to sit up front in the first two rows and that has more cover from wind. Most people prefer the rear seating because of the excellent viewing. Some people move back and forth throught the tour. Your guide says he offered you the option to sit where you wanted. You selected the rear seats. So, you purchased our standard Jeep Bison Safari in a Jeep. We offer other tours to Custer State Park in convertible top vans that might have fit you better. I'm sorry you did not enjoy your tour. But I'm happy you enjoyed the scenery, wildlife and the guide. Be Well - Rich To our future guests. Custer Park does not allow any travel off the park roads and the speed limit is posted 20 to 35 miles per hour through the Park. This Jeep tour is not a rockcrawler tour like they offer in Arizona, traveling at slow speeds over the rocks. That kind of tour is not allowed in the Parks and National Forests in South Dakota because of the soft soil. FYI - If you are purchasing a tour through a third-party seller . . . mistakes happen often. We average one per day during our peak season. Sometimes their tour discriptions are not the same as what the tour offers. It is always best to contact the tour provider and discuss the tours before buying. Thanks and Be Well - Rich

Linda M

Sep 2024

What a great tour with our guide Will!! We enjoyed a beautiful day and were shown all the places we wanted to see including lots of bison and wild donkey. We loved all the views of Mount Rushmore and the thrills of Needles Highway.

Response from Host

Sep 2024

Howdy Linda - Thank you for reviewing your Jeep Safari. Custer State Park is the largest state park in the country (110 sq miles) and has an abundance of wildlide. I'll let Will know you enjoyed your tour. Be Well - Rich