We took the trip and spent the day with our guide, Deanna. It was a full day and very enjoyable. We started with Mt Rushmore and had incredible views. We went to Sylvan Lake and then on Needles Highway and were blessed with a briefly empty parking area at the needle/tunnel and got some great shots. The top was then opened. The open top was great for enjoying the nice weather and taking photos when Deanna stopped, but it did get hit with the sun beating down. Be sure to wear sunscreen and/or a hat. It seemed the seats on the edge got a break from the direct sun, most often on the passengers side. At lunch we picked up subs/chips at Subway and went to a picnic table at Stockade Lake. The view was beautiful and my only suggestion is an option of shade would have been nice. After the sun beating in the open top, we sat in an open area at the picnic tables.
We then went on to Custer State Park wildlife loop and were blessed with sightings of baby bison, pronghorn/antelope, prairie dogs, deer, and mountain goats at various spots in the park. We were extra lucky and the road to Mt Coolidge was open so we were able to go to the top and get amazing views of the area, including being able to see all the way to the Needles and beyond. The stop at Crazy Horse took in the 22 min movie giving the background on the site (very interesting) and a stroll through the North American Indian museum. All items have been donated from over 500 tribes across North America- incredible! The outside platform gave the best picture taking spot of the ongoing sculpture work. Note, the tour did not include the bus ride to the base of the statue (the closest you can get to it except during Volsmarch). It was an additional price and there was not enough time on the tour to do it on our own.
The day was wrapped up with a drive on Iron Mountain Road. We experienced 3 pigtail bridges (what a marvel) and then the “framing of Mt Rushmore” in the tunnel before turning and going back down the pigtails.
Throughout the day, Deanna was very friendly and engaging. She was knowledgeable on the area and it’s history; very happy to share it and answer any questions we had.
I highly recommend this tour and Deanna as your guide. With that combination, you won’t be disappointed!
Ответ от хоста
Jun 2019
Hi Dean -
Thank you for such a thorough tour review. I'm very happy that you enjoyed your open-top adventure. Deanna is great and one of our best guides. She is also excellent guiding the Badlands tour . . .
Thanks again for your kind review. Be Well - Rich
To our future guests:
"Suggest you bring: sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, jacket, binoculars and camera."
This advice is listed under "Notes" on your invoice and also on our website. Basicly treat this as you would when you visit the beach. Thanks