Mt Rushmore 8pm Lighting Ceremony Shared Tour in Rapid City
Rapid City, United States

Mt Rushmore 8pm Lighting Ceremony Shared Tour

Outty Ranking 69 5.0 · 8 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $100

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

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Age 12 and under

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From, per person$100
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Outty Ranking

69/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Mt Rushmore 8pm Lighting Ceremony Shared Tour worth booking?

Mt Rushmore 8pm Lighting Ceremony Shared Tour is a 3-hour experience in Rapid City, United States, from $100 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 5/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
69 / 100
Rating
5/5 (8)
Duration
3 hours
From
$100 per person

We would pick you up from your Rapid City hotel at 6:30-6:45 pm in 7 or 12 passenger van depending on if we have others going. It is a 45 minute drive to Mt Rushmore. You would have half an hour to get to the amphitheate

What you get

    About this experience

    We would pick you up from your Rapid City hotel at 6:30-6:45 pm in 7 or 12 passenger van depending on if we have others going. It is a 45 minute drive to Mt Rushmore. You would have half an hour to get to the amphitheater to get a seat for the program that starts at 8:00 pm. There is a 10 minute Ranger Talk about some topic about the 4 presidents. After the talk is a 20 minute video about the growth of the country in relation to the 4 presidents. At 8:30 pm, the Star Spangled Banner is sung and the lights go on the faces. Veterans and military are invited to the stage to help retire the flag and be honored. It is about a 45 minute program. We do have blankets for you in your vans if it is a chilly night. But, plan on bringing a jacket as it cools off once the sun goes down. We would get you back to Rapid City around 9:45 pm.

    What's included

    Included

    • Bottled water
    • Admission fees
    • Snacks
    • English Speaking Guide
    • In-vehicle air conditioning

    Not included

    • Meals
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Mount Rushmore National Memorial

      The evening begins with a scenic 45-minute drive from Rapid City, arriving at Mount Rushmore by 7:30 PM to allow ample time for you to secure a seat in the amphitheater before the 8:00 PM start. The formal program opens with an insightful 10-minute Ranger Talk focusing on the history or characteristics of the four presidents, followed by a 20-minute film documenting the growth of the United States. The highlight of the night occurs at 8:30 PM, when the National Anthem marks the moment the massive granite faces are illuminated against the night sky. The ceremony concludes with a moving tribute where veterans and active military members are invited to the stage for the retirement of the flag, wrapped up by 9:00 PM for your return trip. Given the drop in temperature once the sun sets in the Black Hills, it is highly recommended to bring a jacket to supplement the blankets provided in the van for the ride back to your hotel.

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 12 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Affordable Adventures

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Mt Rushmore 8pm Lighting Ceremony Shared Tour in Rapid City, photo 2Mt Rushmore 8pm Lighting Ceremony Shared Tour in Rapid City, photo 3Mt Rushmore 8pm Lighting Ceremony Shared Tour in Rapid City, photo 4Mt Rushmore 8pm Lighting Ceremony Shared Tour in Rapid City, photo 5Mt Rushmore 8pm Lighting Ceremony Shared Tour in Rapid City, photo 6

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    3 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    7 verified traveler reviews for Mt Rushmore 8pm Lighting Ceremony Shared Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    7
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Vacation15852734958 · August 2026

    Hidden Gem

    Ann went the extra mile showing us things we really enjoyed along the way and on our return back to our hotel. Great job Ann!

    via Tripadvisor

    Susan_V · August 2026

    Majestic Mt Rushmore

    The tour starts in daylight and completes after the lighting of the monument giving opportunity to see Mt. Rushmore two different ways. There is a magnificent patriotic tribute that incorporates music and history of the 4 Presidents.

    via Viator

    KakiH · August 2026

    Great experience!

    This tour was excellent! Our tour guide and driver, Jerry, did a wonderful job! He even showed us places to get a nighttime view of a side face of one president and a full view through a tunnel. He was very prompt in picking us up. He also showed us parts of Rapid City and was extremely knowledgeable about the area. I would recommend this tour to everyone!

    via Tripadvisor

    983emiles · August 2026

    Very good

    Nice patriotic experience Hotel pick up and guide was very good and informative

    via Tripadvisor

    michonm377 · June 2026

    Awesome despite the storm!!

    This was a last minute trip!! Ann was so gracious to alllow me to book in the same day!! I was so grateful and excited!! Trevor was the tour guide and he was so kind and very accommodating!! A storm happened as we arrived and it caused the cancellation of the Ranger presentation in the outdoor amphitheater. Trevor provided options and allowed is to take our time in light of the cancellation. On the way back, he took the scenic route!! He was the best!!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    3
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 69

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)93
    Review evidence (18% weight)34
    Booking momentum (14% weight)26
    Value for money (12% weight)83
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)55
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Mt Rushmore 8pm Lighting Ceremony Shared Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rapid City.

    How much does Mt Rushmore 8pm Lighting Ceremony Shared Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $100 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Rapid City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Mt Rushmore 8pm Lighting Ceremony Shared Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Rapid City is not rushed.

    Is Mt Rushmore 8pm Lighting Ceremony Shared Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Rapid City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Mt Rushmore 8pm Lighting Ceremony Shared Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Mt Rushmore 8pm Lighting Ceremony Shared Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Mt Rushmore 8pm Lighting Ceremony Shared Tour?

    +

    Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Rapid City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Rapid City and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Mt Rushmore 8pm Lighting Ceremony Shared Tour start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Rapid City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Rapid City?

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    Rapid City is the base for Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse tours, Badlands National Park loops, Custer State Park wildlife drives and Black Hills cave visits. On Outty we rank every Rapid City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Mount Rushmore and Black Hills Tour with Two Meals and a Music Variety Show, Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills, PREMIER PRIVATE Tour: Mt Rushmore, CrazyHorse & Custer State Park. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Rapid City?

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    May to September, with Sturgis crowding early August. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Rapid City?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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