Mount Rushmore Self-Guided Audio Tour Guide

New To The Site! Rapid City, USA

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8 to 13 hours (Approx.)
Mobile Ticket
Instant Confirmation

Overview

Discover the grandeur of Mount Rushmore National Memorial with our engaging and amusing audio tour! Marvel at the colossal faces of four iconic U.S. presidents while our witty guides share fascinating stories, fun facts, and historical insights. Learn about the incredible artistry and engineering behind this monumental achievement, as well as the legends and lore surrounding it. Perfect for families, history buffs, and curious travelers, our audio tour adds a delightful twist to your visit. Simply download, plug in your headphones, and embark on a memorable adventure through Mount Rushmore!

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Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Rapid City, SD, USA

Open in Google Maps

Tour starts in Rapid City in South Dakota.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Description

Stop At: Cosmos Mystery Area, 24040 Cosmos Rd, Rapid City, South Dakota 57702

In 1952, two college students discovered strange occurrences on the site of an old summer cabin.

Balls rolled uphill, water flowed upwards, and people appeared shorter or taller than they actually were.

Today, Cosmos Mystery Cabin is a popular tourist attraction known for these mind-bending illusions and unexplainable phenomena.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Keystone, Keystone, South Dakota

Once upon a time, Keystone was a gold mine outpost. Then, it became a home base for the folks that carved Mount Rushmore. Now, it's a lively resort town!

Keystone offers a taste of the gold rush era with restaurants, gift shops, old old-fashioned candy stores, alongside thrilling adventures like zip lines and helicopter tours.

It's the perfect basecamp for exploring the Black Hills' natural beauty and iconic monuments.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Mount Rushmore National Memorial, 13000 SD-244, Keystone, SD 57751, USA

There's so much more to do at Mt. Rushmore than gaze at those four iconic faces. Hike the 0.6-mile Presidential Trail for a closer look.

Learn about sculptor Gutzon Borglum at his studio, and explore the visitor center's exhibits.

Catch a ranger talk or watch the awe-inspiring evening lighting ceremony, too!

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Wrinkled Rock Climbers Trailhead, Keystone, SD 57751, USA

Offers a variety of climbing opportunities and routes for all skill levels.

There are several free tent pad sites available near the trailhead on a first-come, first-served basis.

The trailhead provides parking, a restroom facility, and some climbing information.

Duration: 30 minutes

Pass By: Breezy Point Picnic Area, South Dakota Highway 244, Keystone, South Dakota

Five-site picnic area with accessible bathrooms and scenic overlooks of the Black Elk Wilderness, Mount Rushmore, and the Black Elk Peak

Stop At: Horse Thief Lake, Black Hills National Forest Hwy 385 South, Keystone, South Dakota

There are two hiking options here:

Shorter Scenic Hike: a 2.7-mile out-and-back, moderate trail. It follows a gentle creek with scenic views of rock formations and towering pines.

Longer Loop Adventure: a challenging 11-mile loop trail. This route takes you through dense Black Hills forests with occasional glimpses of dramatic rock outcroppings. Be prepared for some muddy sections and potential horse encounters.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Needles Scenic View, SD-87, Custer, SD 57730, USA

"This is a 14-mile scenic drive through Custer State Park. This historic road was built in the 1920s, and it twists and turns alongside dramatic scenery.

Keep an eye out for the iconic Needle's Eye Tunnel. This narrow passage (around 8 feet wide) cuts through a towering granite spire.

Don't forget to pull off and explore! Short trails lead to viewpoints where you can admire the Needles up close. For a panoramic vista of the entire Needles Highway, stop at the Cathedral Spires Overlook. Here, you can take in the breathtaking display of granite spires reaching towards the sky.

Duration: 1 hour

Pass By: Little Devil's Tower Trail, Needles Highway, Custer, South Dakota

The trail is a 3.8-mile out-and-back with moderate difficulty. The initial section is easy, but expect switchbacks and some climbing later on. The final ascent to the top of Little Devils Tower involves some scrambling over rocks. Despite the climb, the payoff is incredible. Enjoy 360-degree views of the Black Hills, including the Needles, Black Elk Peak fire tower, and more.

Stop At: Needles Eye, Custer, South Dakota

The Needle's Eye Tunnel is 8 feet 4 inches wide by 12 feet high. It was carved carved through a towering granite spire, is a highlight of the scenic Needles Highway. Imagine driving through a natural frame, with the rock formation mere feet from your car! It allows only one car at a time, adding a touch of excitement (or challenge) to your road trip adventure.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Cathedral Spires Hiking Trail, Custer State Park, Custer, South Dakota

Short but moderately challenging 1.5-mile out-and-back trail. The trail leads you right up to the base of the Cathedral Spires, towering granite pillars that resemble a cathedral. Be prepared for some sections where you might need to scramble over rocks. The hike rewards you with stunning views of the Needles, a unique landscape of spiky granite formations.

Duration: 45 minutes

Pass By: Custer State Park, 13329 US Highway 16A, Custer, South Dakota 57730

Nestled in South Dakota's Black Hills, Custer State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Cruise the Needles Highway, a scenic drive with tunnels that pierce granite spires. Hike to the top of Little Devils Tower for panoramic views. Spot bison roaming free in the wild or take a scenic train ride. The park offers a historic lodge, campgrounds, and cozy cabins for an unforgettable Black Hills adventure.

Stop At: Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center, 13329 US Highway 16A, Custer, South Dakota 57730

The Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center ignites curiosity about the Black Hills' wonders. This historic lodge, built from local stone, is a haven for families. Inside, exhibits showcase the park's wildlife, geology, and history. Kids can explore a recreated mine and learn about nature through interactive displays. Outside, play areas and trails provide hands-on learning adventures for all ages.

Duration: 30 minutes

Pass By: Wildlife Loop Road, Custer, South Dakota 57730

Custer State Park's 18-mile Wildlife Loop is an unforgettable animal encounter. This scenic drive winds past rolling prairies, forests, and canyons. Be sure to pack your binoculars! The star attraction is the park's 1,300-strong bison herd, often grazing in the meadows. Keep your eyes peeled for other residents like elk, deer, pronghorn antelope, and even the occasional bighorn sheep or burros. Remember, stay in your car and observe from a distance – these are wild animals!

Stop At: Badger Hole Historic Site, Custer State Park, Custer, South Dakota

This humble cabin was once home to South Dakota's beloved poet, Badger Clark. Explore the site and imagine Clark crafting cowboy poetry amidst the Black Hills' beauty. While the cabin itself might be closed for preservation (depending on the season), the surrounding area offers a short trail for a peaceful walk through history.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Custer, Custer, South Dakota

Stroll down historic Main Street lined with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Take a ride on the 1880 Steam Train for a nostalgic journey through the Black Hills.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Crazy Horse Memorial, 12151 Avenue of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse, South Dakota 57730

This colossal work in progress depicts Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse on horseback, honoring his fight for his people's freedom. Started in 1948, it's the world's largest mountain carving underway. At the visitor center, you can explore the Indian Museum of North America to delve into the rich history and culture of the Lakota people. Catch traditional Lakota dance performances or browse authentic Native American arts and crafts. Special events throughout the year offer a deeper dive into their heritage.

Duration: 30 minutes

Pass By: Wind Cave National Park, Beaver Creek, South Dakota

Explore intricate caverns adorned with glistening crystals on a guided tour. Marvel at the Boxwork Formation, a one-of-a-kind web of calcite blades. Feel the cool air rushing through the cave – it's the namesake wind, one of the strongest winds ever recorded underground! Above ground, hike scenic trails spotting prairie wildlife. Wind Cave offers a unique adventure for all ages.

Stop At: Iron Mountain Road, Custer State Park, Custer, South Dakota

Cruise the scenic Iron Mountain Road, a 17-mile adventure connecting Custer State Park to Mount Rushmore. Prepare for twists and turns with breathtaking Black Hills views. Keep an eye out for the Doane Robinson and Scovel Johnson tunnels. Time your drive to see Mount Rushmore framed perfectly through the openings! Pigtail Bridges: These ingenious structures loop the road back under itself, allowing for steeper climbs and showcasing engineering marvels.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Norbeck Overlook, US-16 Scenic, Keystone, SD 57751, USA

Perched along the Iron Mountain Scenic Drive, the Norbeck Overlook offers a free glimpse of Mount Rushmore's grandeur. This short detour rewards you with a breathtaking vista of the Black Hills, with the iconic presidents' faces peeking above the pines in the distance. It's a perfect spot to snap photos and appreciate the scale of Mount Rushmore without the entrance fee. For a closer look, continue your journey on the scenic drive towards the monument itself.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Jewel Cave National Monument, 11149 US Highway 16, Building B12, Custer, South Dakota 57730

Explore a labyrinth of sparkling calcite crystals on a ranger-led tour. Descend hundreds of feet for a glimpse of the otherworldly formations – glistening frostwork, delicate needles, and massive cave balloons. Choose from easy walking tours to lantern-lit spelunking adventures for a taste of historic cave exploration. While the surface offers hiking trails, the true wonders lie beneath, waiting to be discovered.

Duration: 1 hour

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What To Expect

  • Reservations are REQUIRED for all bookings
  • Book Your Package On-Line and Receive Your Confirmation
  • Departure point: Detailed check-in instructions - including the address and parking information if applicable - will be included in your final confirmation email.
  • Duration: 8 to 13 hours (Approx.)
  • Departure Time:
    Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
    Mount Rushmore Self-Guided Audio Tour Guide
    6/18/2024 - 1/2/2026
    Monday - Sunday :12:00 AM - 11:30 PM
  • Return Details: Returns to original departure point

What's Included

  • Take the tour when you want
  • Tours NEVER expire
  • Freedom to explore at your own pace
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup not offered
  • Private transportation
  • Meals and refreshment
  • Entrance Fees
  • Parking Fees
See 6 More

What To Bring

  • Confirmation Voucher (printed or mobile)
  • Any required or suggested items listed on your confirmation email.
  • A Smile!

Additional Info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional Starting Points: Three Forks, Highway 16, Highway 385 and Highway 87
  • Get Started Easily: • Book Your Tour: Receive a confirmation and easy instructions via email. • Download the App: Follow the simple steps in your email. • Redeem the Tour: Use the redeem code in your email to redeem the tour in the app. • Prepare Ahead: Download the tour using strong Wi-Fi.
  • Begin Your Journey: • Select Your Tour: Go to the My Stuff tab in the Shaka Guide app to launch the tour. • Start the Tour: Select the tour starting point and follow the GPS instructions. • Follow Shaka Guide: Stick to the suggested route and speed for the best experience.
  • Why Choose Our Audio Tour: • Cost-Efficient: One tour for the entire vehicle—no per-person fees! • Ultimate Flexibility: Start, pause, and resume on your schedule. • Convenience: Use the tour any day, over multiple days if needed.
  • Top Features: • Hands-Free: The tour works automatically - GPS-activated stories, directions, and music play as you drive for a seamless experience. • Works Offline: No need for continuous wifi or data. • Reliable Support: Get help via call, chat, or email.
  • Private and Personalized: • Crowd-Free: Enjoy a private tour with just your group. • Customizable Stops: Pick the stops you want and skip the ones you don’t!
  • The Ultimate Guided Tour: • Detailed Itinerary: Includes travel tips and recommendations. • Engaging Narration: Captivating stories and history.
  • What Our Users Say: • “A fantastic way to explore! Easy to use and very informative.” • “Loved the flexibility to stop and go as we pleased. Highly recommend!”

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-102020P106

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