The Mount Rushmore 9 hour tour + 2 meals and a show was worth every penny. It began at Fort Hays at 7:30 A. M. with a Cowboy Brerakfast. This was actually the only low point of the experience. Cold pancakes and mediocre biscuits were disappointing. Since the bus didn't depart until 9 A.M., it left time to visit buildings that were used in the filming of the Kevin Costner movie, Dances With Wolves where artisans made ropes, tin plates, etc. They were all very pleasant and knowledegable about their crafts.
The buses were boarded in the order of the date of your reservation and since we had booked about a month in advance on line, we had the first choice of seats. This was the fairest boarding process that my husband and I have ever seen.
We toured Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monument without the hastle of parking and long walks form the parking lots.The bus driver/guide was very informative and had a great sense of humor.
During our tour of Custer National Park we were delayed for about 40 minutes when about half of the 1500 buffalo herd crowded ,crossed the road and walked alongside the buses and cars.on their migration to the south of the park.
Lunch was on your own at a 19th century Lodge where buffalo stew was one of the menu choices.
We drove through the old towns of Custer, Hill City and Keystone and learned about their history.
Upon returning to Fort Hays, we had a Cowboy dinner with plentiful portions of beef or chicken, sides and dessert. Althouigh my expectations for the show were low, I was very pleasantly surprized by the talent of the musicians who also sang and told jokes.The fiddler who was a music teacher at a local school was outstanding.
If you are in the Black Hills, this is a most enjoyable way of visiting the major attractions and leaving the driving to them.