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 Feb

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $169.00

Make a reservation

Thu 12 Feb

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)

luggageliza

Sep 2021

Seeing the bison up close and personal was a real highlight. Animals can be pretty elusive and we understood that if we saw them they may be further away. Beth, our super informative guide, did not disappoint. She was able to find them, and best of all there were no other vehicles around. The entire day was interesting, FUN, historical and such a great to be in this beautiful area. Lunch provided by subway sandwiches was great in our picnic area. Several stops along the route and great photo opportunities. Take this tour and relax and enjoy this sights without a steering wheel or map at hand.

Response from Host

Sep 2021

Hi 'luggage' - Thank you for your kind review. We have had a great year finding the bison at Custer Park. With our Jeeps we have been able to 'track' them down on the secondary dirt roads. I'm very pleased you enjoyed your tour with Beth. She is new with us this year but knows the Park very well and has previous guiding experience. Thanks Again! Be Well - Rich

Bena W

Aug 2021

Joe was our tour guide for the day and he was amazing! We were picked up at our hotel a few minutes before 9:00, got our Subway sandwiches ordered and in the cooler and we were off! Joe was a knowledgeable guide and able to answer all of our questions. We spent five and a half hours touring Iron Mountain Road, Custer State Park wildlife loop and Needles Highway. We had a great lunch on top of Mt. Coolidge. We saw an astounding number of Buffalo. Our group was so grateful to have a great tour guide to did all off the driving, so that we were able to look at the sights and enjoy the ride. I would highly recommend Black Hills Open Top tours! Worth every penny!

Response from Host

Sep 2021

Howdy Bena - Having "a great lunch on top of Mt. Coolidge" . . . that's my favorite place to picnic. At 6020 feet you are looking down on the Southern Hills and can Mt Rushmore, The Needles, Crazy Horse and in the distance the Badlands. I'm glad you enjoyed your touring with Joe. He is very knowledgeable about the Southern Hills. Previously he guided at Crazy Horse for six years. Thanks for you kind review. Be Well - Rich

Veronica_B

Aug 2021

Joe was an amazing tour guide, very nice and knowledgeable. This is a great, relaxing way to see the Black Hills. It was so nice to enjoy the time with the kids, worry free. The kids loved being in the back of the jeep, wind blowing, and eating lunch while buffalo passed by. I would have never gone on the dirt roads and would have missed some amazing views. Highly recommend!

Response from Host

Aug 2021

Hi Veronica - When Joe came back today he was explaining what a fun day he had with you and your family. I'm glad to hear you all enjoyed your time in the Park and got to see that many buffalo. The Safari Jeeps allow us to travel the secondary gravel roads looking for the bison. Exploring deeper into the 'Winderness' provides better odds than only driving along the Wildlife Loop. Thank you so much for taking time to review your tour! Be Well - Rich