Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony in Rapid City
Rapid City, United States

Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony

Outty Ranking 68 5.0 · 38 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom $760

Pick your date

Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.

September 2026

SMTWTFS

Loading live availability

Who is going?

Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.

From, per person$760
View availability on Viator

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.

Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

68/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 38 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony worth booking?

Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony is a 6-hour experience in Rapid City, United States, from $760 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 5/5 rating across 38 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
68 / 100
Rating
5/5 (38)
Duration
6 hours
From
$760 per person

Experience the stunning beauty of the Black Hills on this unforgettable private afternoon & evening tour, designed to highlight the region’s most scenic drives & end with the Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony. First, we vis

What you get

    About this experience

    Experience the stunning beauty of the Black Hills on this unforgettable private afternoon & evening tour, designed to highlight the region’s most scenic drives & end with the Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony. First, we visit the tranquil Sylvan Lake, nestled among pine-covered hills & dramatic rock formations. We continue with a picturesque journey along the legendary Needles Hwy, where towering granite spires, narrow tunnels, & sweeping views create an unforgettable drive. You’ll have plenty of time for photo stops, short walks, and commentary from your knowledgeable local guide. Then, travel the engineering marvel of Iron Mt Rd, known for its pigtail bridges, scenic switchbacks, & tunnels that perfectly frame Mt Rushmore in the distance. We arrive at Mt Rushmore with time to explore, then as night falls, gather at the amphitheater for the Lighting Ceremony—a patriotic & heartfelt experience that includes a short film, tribute to veterans, & the illumination of the iconic carvings.

    What's included

    Included

    • Bottled water
    • Entrance fees
    • Snacks
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
    • Local expert guide

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Hotel Pick up and drop off IF OUTSIDE OF RAPID CITY
    • Personal expenses
    • Meals

    What you'll see and do

    1. Sylvan Lake

      A lovely drive out west of Rapid City takes us into the Black Hills National Forest and into Custer State Park. Drive time ~45min - 1hr. Visit Sylvan Lake and Drive Needles Hwy See the jewels of the Black Hills in Custer State Park! Sylvan Lake glitters at 6,145 feet. Time here for photos and a quick wander. We then move onto Needles Hwy. Gorgeous rock formation frame this famous drive as we learn of the geological history and the importance of the Native American History of the area. Plenty of opportunities to stop and take in this stunning natural wonder.

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Needles Eye

      Of course we will stop along the route to photograph and enjoy the incredible formations - Needles Eye being the most famous!

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway

      We make our way along the Norbeck Scenic Byway, with lots of stops for photographs. See Rushmore as it lies in its natural landscape - gorgeous Norbeck overlook is a prize along the cenic Byway. Our first views of Mt Rushmore from about a mile away are a great precursor to the monument itself!

      15 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Iron Mountain Road

      The fun part! Our travel from Norbeck Overlook is the amazing Pigtail bridges and famous tunnels of Iron Mountain Road. This scenic road was built for fun to compliment Mt Rushmore - an engineering marvel and an enjoyable way to get your closer to the 4 faces!

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    5. Mount Rushmore National Memorial

      Next we are on to the monument. Your guide is an expert in all things Rushmore, and will be able to share all they can about the history and building of the carving. We have time for guests to wander through museums, take the presidential trail and visit gift stores. Get a bite to eat from the Carvers Cafe. Planned arrival ~ 6-6:30pm (for 8pm lighting ceremony) 7-730pm for 9pm lighting ceremony. - Lighting Ceremony - Join a park ranger in the park's outdoor amphitheater for an inspirational 45-minute program focusing on the presidents, patriotism and the nation's history. Beginning with a ranger talk, this program continues with the film "Freedom: America's Lasting Legacy" (captioned) and culminates with the lighting of the memorial.

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Rapid City

    Please meet out the front of the lobby

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations.

    Ends at

    Please meet out the front of the lobby

    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
    Black Hills Tour Company

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony in Rapid City, photo 2Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony in Rapid City, photo 3Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony in Rapid City, photo 4Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony in Rapid City, photo 5Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony in Rapid City, photo 6Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony in Rapid City, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 38 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    8 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    6 mentions

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

    Small groups

    3 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    38 verified traveler reviews for Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    38
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Bruce F · October 2025

    Outstanding Service

    Reservation staff was very accommodating went out of their way to make reservations on short notice. The guide was very flexible and provided extremely personalized service

    Response from the operator: Thanks Bruce - wonderful to hear you enjoyed your tour.

    via Tripadvisor

    Michael B · October 2024

    Southern Black Hills Monument Tour Is Amazing

    The tour was amazing. The guide, Aura, was very knowledgeable and fully covered the tour. It was a private tour for me and my wife. Never felt rushed. It was an excellent experience and we would highly recommend the tour. Our top experience in the Black Hills

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind words, we are so glad you enjoyed your tour. We so appreciate you.

    via Tripadvisor

    HappyTravelers1961 · October 2023

    Spectacular Trip to the Black Hills

    The private tour for my wife and I covered the Black Hills to include the Mammoth excavation site. We opted not to see the Monuments which we had seen previously. Joel, our tour guide, was an excellent driver with a wealth of knowledge about the area and its history. It was a stress free way to see the Black Hills and to be able to focus on the scenery. He picked excellent pull offs for the best views and made good photography recommendations. This tour was everything that we had expected and hoped it would be.

    Response from the operator: Thank you! So great to hear you enjoyed your time with Joel - he really is a wealth of knowledge as you said, and so enjoys sharing it. Thanks for working with us and safe travels.

    via Tripadvisor

    bpalm2424 · August 2023

    Amazing tour, hit all the best spots! Black Hills Gold!

    This tour is the “gold” standard for the black hills! We had an amazing time with Melina over our 2 days there. She was so kind and flexible with our plans, and we got to see everything we came to see in such a short time, including the Badlands. It was nice not to have to navigate and she really knew where to take us. Lunch and snacks were appreciated and delicious! We have recommended her to others coming to visit! She certainly made our trip so enjoyable! Thank you!

    Response from the operator: Oh thank you! We are glad you had a great time and could squeeze in the best of the area.

    via Tripadvisor

    sh0llyt · May 2022

    Spectacular Day with Spectacular Guide! Heart Hands to Joel!

    Joel was our perfect guide. We watched the newest Mount Rushmore documentary prior to our tour in preparation for our visit. Joel was very educated about Mt. Rushmore and had some unpublicized stories of Rushmore in addition to historical knowledge. Also lots of knowledge of roadside landmarks as we drove to Rushmore and Crazy Horse. He pulled over several times to point out geological structures and wildlife. Cold refreshments available in a chilled cooler along with snacks (granola bars, fruit bars, etc). He picked us up at our campground in a very comfortable Ford Van...captains chairs, cupholders, charging ports, tv for watching a Crazy Horse video in between Rushmore and Crazy Horse, plus a beautiful stop at Sylvan Lake. Joel has a depth of knowledge of the area that was extraordinary. He also took us through the Custer Wildlife loop where we saw buffalo with new babies (red dogs), elk, prong horn antelope, big horn sheep, marmots, bluebirds, and meadowlarks. Cathedral Spires is incredible and should not be missed. Needles Eye and Tunnel is not to be missed. Our tour was a full day and well worth it as we only had a day in Rapid City to see the local sites. In hindsight, we would have scheduled another day with Joel for an additional tour. We flew into Rapid City and rented an RV to drive back to California. Stayed at RC Elks Lodge for 2 nights. 2 Couples. Couldn't have had a better tour. Joel educated us for the entire tour, a joy to be with, exudes great vibes, and loves his South Dakota. Just do it!

    Response from the operator: Sholly, thank you so very much for such a great review. We really appreciate you taking the time to do so. I am so glad that you enjoyed your time in the area and that we could add some value and entertainment to the trip.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    6 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $760 to $1800
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    13
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 68

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)97
    Review evidence (18% weight)58
    Booking momentum (14% weight)50
    Value for money (12% weight)6
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)61
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony cost?

    +

    Prices start at $760 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 Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony take?

    +

    Plan for about 6 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 Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 38 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 Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony?

    +

    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 Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony?

    +

    Around 13 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 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony.

    Pick your date