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

Thu 12 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $169.00

Make a reservation

Thu 12 Jun

Starting at $169.00

Make a reservation

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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)

John_B

Aug 2021

My wife texted and called the day before our tour tom confirm. Rich, the owner, said we were all set for 8:30AM tour, which was the Buff tour. We arrived at 8:30AM and met what we thought was our guide. We jumped in the jeep and we were off. About 10 min in the driver gets a call saying he has the wrong group. We go back to the starting point only to find out Rich did not have a vehicle or driver for us. He got Barry, his mechanic, to come out to provide the tour. Barry arrived at 10AM, an hour and a half later than we scheduled. We had booked an early tour because we wanted to avoid the heat of the day. Subsequently we also had some other sightseeing planned for the afternoon, which we passed on because we were 2 hours later than we expected and it was very hot in the jeep as it’s an open air jeep. To make matters worse, the jeep is in very poor condition. The outside looks decent but the inside is horrible. Barry was professional, polite and really tried hard to help out. He appeared to be pretty knowledgeable. That is why I gave this a 2. I contacted Rich about our displeasure. He said he refunded us 20%, which I found out he did do. However, I said given all the issues including the very poor condition of the jeep that was insufficient. He said that was the jeep we rented and he appreciates my perspective. I should also note, we were under the impression that the jeep could go off road closer to the Buffalo. That is not the case. The only Jeep’s that can go on special trails are the ones run by Custer Park. This is just an FYI. Those are Buffalo Safari Jeep Tours. I would look for a more reputable company if I were going to book another tour.

Response from Host

Aug 2021

Hi John. I'm very sorry we were late for your tour. Your tour information was entered into our booking calendar on the wrong date. We had your Jeep ready at the Keystone office but a guide was not scheduled. When I was informed about our error I asked Barry to drive and meet you for tour. I apologize for the late start and I refunded 20% of your payment in a effort to make amends. Barry said he had a good time with your group and said you enjoyed your tour and that you saw a lot of wildlife and a big herd of buffalo. I'm disappointed to find out that was not the case. To clarify a few things. Barry - I'm not sure were you got your information about your guide . Barry is one of my part time mechanics and also part time guide. He has been trained for the Jeep Safari Tour and has been providing three or four tours a week for the last month. Buff - The tour you booked was in our Jeep Wrangler "Buff". It is a Wrangler Unlimited and seats 5-6 adults. It's not as large as the new Jeep Gladiators (they seat up to 10 adults). I have not had any previous complaint or bad review about this Jeep. It's understandable that you might be disappointed . . . at first touring in a the bigger Gladiator and then switched to the smaller Wrangler you reserved. Once again I apologize for the mix up with the date. Be Well - Rich For our future guests - The Jeep Bison Safari from Open-Top-Tours is a 6 hour tour to all of Custer State Park. It includes the drive along Wildlife Loop (we also travel the Parks secondary gravel roads searching for the buffalo), State Game Lodge, Mt Coolidge Fire Lookout, Sylvan and Stockade Lakes, Needles Highway and Iron Mtn Road. Tour includes: fees, bottled water, snacks, picnic lunch and beer/wine on request. Custer State Park Buffalo Jeep Safari is a very good tour and is popular. It is 1.5 hours long and travels the Wildlife Loop in search of buffalo and has access to some Jeep roads that other vehicles are prohibited. Tour includes: fees Thanks - Rich

Fedeles

Jul 2021

I would recommend this excellent fun jeep tour to everyone! Kevin was so knowledgeable and accommodating.

Response from Host

Jul 2021

Hi Fedeles - I appreciate your taking time for your review. I'm very happy you enjoyed your Jeep Safari tour. This time of year we have been fortunate to find huge bison herds along the roadsides. Thanks again. Be Well - Rich