
Stars & Stripes: Mount Rushmore Night Ceremony
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Non-refundable booking. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Stars & Stripes: Mount Rushmore Night Ceremony worth booking?
Stars & Stripes: Mount Rushmore Night Ceremony is a 5-hour experience in Rapid City, United States, from $795 per person. It scores 51 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 8 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 51 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (8)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $795 per person
Discover the best of the Black Hills on this unforgettable evening adventure. Your tour begins with a scenic drive along the world-famous Iron Mountain Road, a winding masterpiece with pigtail bridges, mountain vistas, a
What you get
About this experience
Discover the best of the Black Hills on this unforgettable evening adventure. Your tour begins with a scenic drive along the world-famous Iron Mountain Road, a winding masterpiece with pigtail bridges, mountain vistas, and tunnels leading to Mt. Rushmore. Along the way, your guide shares insightful stories of the region’s history, people, and natural beauty. Arriving at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, we’ll stroll the Avenue of the Flags for a first close-up view of the monument. Your guide will bring the story of its creation to life with engaging details about the vision, artistry, and challenges behind this American landmark. As night falls, you’ll take part in the moving Evening Illumination Ceremony, where patriotic music and storytelling culminate in the dramatic lighting of the monument. This tour blends breathtaking scenery with cultural heritage and national pride, making it one of the most memorable ways to experience Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Begin your journey with the convenience of pickup directly from your accommodations. From the moment we set out, your guide shares fascinating stories about the Black Hills of South Dakota, its dramatic landscapes, rich history, and the people who shaped this remarkable region. Upon arrival, we’ll walk together along the Avenue of the Flags, where each state is honored, leading you toward the awe-inspiring view of the monument itself. Your guide brings the story of Mount Rushmore to life with engaging details about the vision, artistry, and challenges of its creation. In the evening, you’ll experience the moving Illumination Ceremony, a patriotic tribute that lights up the monument and leaves a lasting impression. This is more than just a visit to Mount Rushmore; it’s a fully guided adventure that blends history, culture, and natural beauty, making it one of the most memorable highlights of your Black Hills vacation.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Iron Mountain Road
In the late afternoon and early evening, Iron Mountain Road becomes the perfect prelude to Mount Rushmore. The drive is more than just transportation—it’s part of the experience. Designed with winding curves, pigtail bridges, and scenic pullouts, the road encourages a slower pace, where every turn feels intentional. Guests have time to relax into the landscape, leaving behind the bustle of towns and settling into the quiet majesty of the Black Hills.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- My XO Adventures
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
8 verified traveler reviews for Stars & Stripes: Mount Rushmore Night Ceremony. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Beautiful Ceremony
My XO was great! We got front door parking and they took great pics to share. Glad I went on the 4th. Very moving experience
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to share your review! We’re really happy you had a great time and a memorable moment. That’s our aim and what we love to hear. It was a pleasure being your host, and thank you for choosing My XO Adventures! We hope to see you down the road….
via Tripadvisor
Great Experience
We spent the day with XO Adventures and then did the Stars& Stripes evening ceremony with them as well. It was impressive and emotional when they honor all active military personnel, veterans and Gold families. Logan , our guide from XO Adventures, was fantastic and brought a warm blanket for us, so we wouldn't be cold.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience with XO Adventures. We’re honored that you joined us for both the day tour and the Stars & Stripes evening ceremony. It’s always moving to witness the tribute to active military, veterans, and Gold Star families, and we’re glad it left such an impression. We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to Logan. His thoughtfulness, like bringing a blanket to keep you comfortable, truly reflects the care we strive to give every guest. We hope to welcome you on another adventure soon!
via Tripadvisor
Friendly guide, Awe-inspiring experience
Awesome patriotic experience. Dan took us on sidebar trips both there and back that we would have never seen. Highly recommend
Response from the operator: Thank you for joining our Stars and Stripes: Mount Rushmore Illumination Tour! We're so glad you had an awesome patriotic experience. Dan is fantastic at finding those lesser-known side stops that make the journey unforgettable. Guides like him help us go beyond the ordinary and make every tour feel personal. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again for another adventure under the stars, or in the daylight!
via Viator
ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING
If you are going to see Mt. Rushmore, you definitely need to see it at night. The tour guide Dave was so full of information. This was also an emotional tour as they had all the veterans in the audience come up on the stage. This is definitely a must see!
Response from the operator: We love Dakota Dave, and know when he takes a group out, you're guaranteed to have an awesome experience. We're so grateful to have had the opportunity to host, and we hope you tell your friends!
via Tripadvisor
A BEAUTIFUL AND EMOTIONAL TOUR
It was a fantastic and memorable trip to see the nighttime viewing of Mount Rushmore. Our tour guide was DAVE and he was absolutely excellent. He was a wealth of information and explained a lot of things to us on our way to Mount Rushmore. I would highly recommend this tour it was a great value, and I’m so glad we took it.
Response from the operator: Thank you kindly for the review! We sincerely appreciate every one. Dave is an excellent guide and a valued member of our team. He can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary! We're so happy you had a great time and invite you to come back again!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- 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
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 51
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Stars & Stripes: Mount Rushmore Night Ceremony: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rapid City.
How much does Stars & Stripes: Mount Rushmore Night Ceremony cost?
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Prices start at $795 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 Stars & Stripes: Mount Rushmore Night Ceremony take?
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Plan for about 5 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 Stars & Stripes: Mount Rushmore Night Ceremony worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 51 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Rapid City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Stars & Stripes: Mount Rushmore Night Ceremony?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Stars & Stripes: Mount Rushmore Night Ceremony suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Stars & Stripes: Mount Rushmore Night Ceremony?
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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?
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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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Stars & Stripes: Mount Rushmore Night Ceremony 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?
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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?
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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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