Our family of four had an absolutely phenomenal experience with GeoFunTrek, booked through Viator. Our guide, Chris, was exceptional - his deep local knowledge and personal stories brought the Black Hills to life.
The tour was perfectly paced and full of highlights:
⢠The Doane Robinson Tunnel. When we exited the vehicle and looked through the tunnel, it perfectly framed Mount Rushmore. It was a fantastic picture taking opportunity!
⢠Up-close encounters with wildlife (bison herd, pronghorn, burros, whitetail deer). The herd of several hundred bison was right next to the roadway and we had to stop to let them cross the road. There were also 20 or so wild burros in the same section and they also were right next to the road, making for a great video opportunity. The pronghorn antelope we saw at another point in the tour were a bit further away but still within excellent picture taking range.
⢠Climbing the stairs and exploring Mount Rushmore. This was the highlight of our trip! Chris provided us with a tremendous amount of historical information and super interesting stories. We traversed the wooden walkway and stairs in front (and below) the sculptures, where we could seed the phenomenal detail and craftsmanship of the work.
⢠Crazy Horse Monument. The story and monument of Crazy Horse was impressive. This monument is taller than Mount Rushmore but will not be fully completed for many years to come. The view of this sculpture from the pavilion is the profile of Crazy Horse and there is a separate tour by a different company needed to get close and see a frontal view of the sculpture.
⢠Breathtaking views at Needles Highway. The drive down this highway had breathtaking scenery! We also saw the lake the was used in National Treasure 2 that was claimed to be at the top of Mount Rushmore.
Chris's expertise shone through as he navigated us to the best viewpoints and shared fascinating historical insights. He even recommended a great lunch spot at Custer State Lodge.
GeoFunTrek's attention to detail was impressive - from prompt pickup at our campsite to providing snacks and water throughout the day. We had ample time to soak in the sights and browse souvenir shops.
If you want a personalized, in-depth tour of the Black Hills that goes beyond the typical tourist experience, look no further than GeoFunTrek. It's clear why this family-owned business comes so highly recommended. An unforgettable day that exceeded all expectations!