mount rushmore tours 2023

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Mount Rushmore National Memorial Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Mount Rushmore National Memorial. We've got 62 adventures going to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, starting from just 5 days in length, and the longest tour is 24 days. The most popular month to go is September, which has the largest number of tour departures.

62 Mount Rushmore National Memorial tour packages with 3,705 reviews

Mickelson Trail Bike Tour

• In-depth Cultural

Wild West, Cowboys and Buffalos (End Rapid City, 9 Days)

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Coach / Bus

American Parks Trail (Classic, End Denver, 9 Days)

The trip was great! The tour director and the driver both were very knowledgeable.

National Park Wonders (Start Jackson, 9 Days)

Kory set the standard for excellence...she was told this by virtually everyone on that trip...she shyly deferred to Trafalgar saying that the Company gave her the tools to do her job....meeting Kory, in itself, was a once in a lifetime treat...her classiness, her personality, knowledge and patience were unparalleled.....she took a great trip and made it the most pleasantly memorable trip of a lifetime...every discussion we had with fellow travelers included comments of how the trip was positively effected by her....she gets 10 stars out of 5

Spotlight on South Dakota featuring Mount Rushmore & The Badlands (2024)

The Tour Director, Program content, Bus Driver, Timing and Hotel were excellent The food was very good and the connecting tour contractors. There seem to be a disconnect on sending some kind of black valise and name cards as I didn't and others didn't receive them. As you know the plastic laminated name cards are very helpful in 6 days of remembering the people's name on the bus

America's National Parks

I liked the bus tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and the tour was not rushed. Most our hotels were conveniently located rather than on the outskirts. I sistered this tour with a Cosmos tour. Globus used to offer a New Mexico tour, but I can't find any longer

Exploring America's National Parks

Many places covered well... And the tour director had good knowledge of the places we visited

Spectacular Canyons and National Parks (End Denver, 13 Days, Denver Airport And Post Trip Hotel Transfer) (19 destinations)

It was an enjoyable good for thw value tour. The first night accomodation in Circus Circus was very poor. Other accomations were fair to good. The transportation was good. A little more information about geography and history would be helpful and add to the total experience. All breakfasts and some dinners need to be included to make it hassel free.

Spectacular Canyons and National Parks (End Rapid City, 13 Days, Keystone To Rapid City Airport Coach Drop)

America's National Parks with Denver

Excellent driver and director. Would have liked more time in Yellowstone as there was a lot we didn’t get to see eg Grand Prismatic Spring which was disappointing. Good hotels

America's Cowboy Country (Rapid City, SD to Cody, WY) (2024)

America's Magnificent National Parks (Classic, End Denver, 15 Days)

• Walking Adventure
• Sightseeing

America's Greatest Treasures with Rapid City Start

Both driver and guide were amazing. The tour overall was perfect for my 86 year old dad who was my travel partner!

Mt. Rushmore and Badlands Bike Tour

U.S. National Parks - The Rockies to San Francisco

Reviews of mount rushmore national memorial tours.

Tom Williams was super knowledgeable about the area we traveled through in the western US national parks. Best tour director I have ever traveled with. He made the trip fun and informative!

Could not have asked for a better time. Our Tour Guide Katie and Driver Joe were phenomenal . All aspects of our comfort were taken into account. The attention to detail is evident and appreciated

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International Versions

• Deutsch: Mount Rushmore Rundreisen
• Français: Circuits et voyages au Mémorial national du Mont Rushmore
• Español: Circuitos y viajes por Monumento Nacional del Monte Rushmore
• Nederlands: Mount Rushmore Rondreizen

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Spotlight on South Dakota

About this tour.

Discover the spirit of the American West and come to know the legends of the past. Discover the stories of the Lakota and Sioux through a Native American chronicler and a visit to a Oglala Lakota Living History Village. See Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest mountain sculpture still in progress. Visit iconic Mt. Rushmore. Journey through the natural beauty of Badlands National Park and stop to browse at Wall Drug. Explore historic Deadwood, the former home of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Choose how you delve into the local history, with a tour of the Adams Museum in Deadwood or at the exhibit Tatanka: Story of the Bison. Travel the backcountry of Custer State Park on a Jeep safari. Marvel at Devils Tower, the country’s first National Monument. Rapid City is your gateway into wild landscapes and historical landmarks.

Your Tour Includes

• 1 Handpicked Accommodations
• 2 Choice on Tour Options

Included Highlights

• Mount Rushmore
• Oglala Lakota Living History Village
• Badlands National Park

Your Tour at a Glance

6 Breakfasts

2 - Moderate

Travel Style

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Travel Styles

Highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

Explore Deadwood, a National Historic Landmark that pays tribute to the ways of the Wild West.

Visit epic Mount Rushmore.

Travel to the otherworldly Badlands National Park.

Cultural Experiences:

Search for buffalo and other wildlife in Custer State Park on an exciting off-road Jeep safari.

Stroll past 150 years of American history on the Presidential Trail.

Enjoy time to explore at the lofty Devils Tower.

Culinary Inclusions:

Delight in local flavors during a Western dinner show.

• Choice on Tour
• High Plains Heritage Center
• Off-Road Jeep Safari at Custer State Park
• Crazy Horse Memorial
• Devils Tower National Monument

Book with Confidence

* With Insurance Purchased

• *No Hassle Refunds
• Traveling Well Safety
• No booking fee, *no change fees
• Top Rated Travel Protection

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Getting Prepared

Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour.

• Choice On Tour

Pre and Post Night Stay

Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Enhance Your Trip

• Tour Extensions

Hotel-Residence Inn Rapid City Marriott

Accommodations

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Pre Night: Residence Inn Rapid City Marriott From $70 per night

Residence Inn Rapid City Marriott

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Mount Rushmore

Michael Trevis

Michael has a BA in History & American Studies and an MSc in American History from the University of Edinburgh. He comes from a proud military family and has spent most of his career as an educator in the Middle East and Asia. His passion is travel, and he seizes any opportunity to share his experiences in the most immersive way possible, whether at sea or on the land.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial, located 23 miles southwest of Rapid City, is something you don't want to miss. It's the greatest FREE attraction in the U.S.!

"Until the wind and the rain alone shall wear them away." Those are the famous words Sculptor Gutzon Borglum used to describe the length of time his most famous work, Mt. Rushmore, will endure.

The mountain itself was originally named after Charles E. Rushmore, a New York lawyer investigating mining claims in the Black Hills in 1885. Gutzon Borglum chose this mountain due to its height (5700' above sea level), the soft grainy consistency of the granite, and the fact that it catches the sun for the greatest part of the day. The presidents were selected on the basis of what each symbolized. George Washington represents the struggle for independence, Thomas Jefferson the idea of government by the people. Abraham Lincoln for his ideas on equality and the permanent union of the states, and Theodore Roosevelt for the 20th century role of the United States in world affairs. The carving of Mt. Rushmore actually began on August 10, 1927, and spanned a length of 14 years. Only about six and a half years were spent actually carving the mountain, with the rest of the time being spent on weather delays and Borglum's greatest enemy - the lack of funding. The total cost of the project was $900,000. Work continued on the project until the death of Gutzon Borglum in 1941. No carving has been done on the mountain since that time and none is planned in the future.

The granite faces of four American presidents' is scaled to men who would stand 465 feet tall! President Calvin Coolidge believed Mount Rushmore was "decidedly American in its conception, magnitude and meaning. It is altogether worthy of our country," Coolidge proclaimed at the dedication of the project in 1927.

The most spectacular program at Mount Rushmore is the evening lighting ceremony held in the new amphitheater, 9:00 p.m. sharp. A must see when you are touring the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota.

A $56 million redevelopment was completed in 1998 with the addition of a new parking structure, amphitheater, museum/theater complex, Visitor Orientation Center, Presidential Trail, gift shop, bookstore, and dining facilities. To complete your Rushmore experience, view the evening lighting ceremony. The National Park Service sponsors a special program Memorial Day through Labor Day. It consists of a 10-minute talk followed by a 20-minute film. The highlight of the evening is the slow exposure of light to the monument until it is fully illuminated. It's a good idea to go early and bring a jacket. Program times are as follows: 9:00-9:30 p.m. lighting ceremony, 9:30-10:30 p.m. illumination. For these traveling in the off season, the faces are illuminated nightly. There are few people who are not subdued by the moments as they gaze upon the beauty of Mt. Rushmore. Just as the monument challenged its creator, so should its splendor challenge its viewer.

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Mt. Rushmore | 9 days/8 nights June 10-18, 2023

Visit Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Deadwood, view the spectacular Badlands and tour the Wildlife Loop at Custer State Park.

$75 due upon signing. $1,035 for double occupancy. $1,370 for single occupancy.

Departs Cookeville 8am

For reservations or more information contact Dean Hutson

p. 931-528-5200

[email protected]

Mt Rushmore & Yellowstone

Dear Traveler, Welcome to a great vacation at an affordable price. Mt.Rushmore, Yellowstone tour is fully guided with all hotels, activities, and some meals. Happy Travels! Caravan

Mount Rushmore Guided Tours

The benefits of taking a guided mount rushmore tour, unique mount rushmore experiences with caravan guided tours, day 1: rapid city in south dakota, day 2: crazy horse memorial, day 3: little bighorn and billings, day 4: yellowstone national park (part i), day 5: yellowstone national park (part ii), day 6: from grand tetons, jackson, to pocatello, idaho, day 7: pocatello, day 8: return to salt lake city, experience and see all the beauty mount rushmore has to offer, 2024 hotels, days 1, 2, 3 • rapid city, south dakota, rushmore hotel, day 4 • billings, montana, hilton garden inn, day 5 • west yellowstone, montana, gray wolf inn, west gate hotel, days 6, 7 • grand teton national park, wyoming, jackson lake lodge, day 8 • salt lake city, utah, airport transfers, arrival transfers, departure transfers, passports & visas, weather & clothing, temperature °f (high/low) rainfall (inches), clothing tips, travel tips & faqs, are meals included, children on tour, family trips, my tour price does not include, my tour price includes, age of travelers on a caravan tour, forms of payment, many tours sell out each year, fully guided tours since 1952, size of tour group, a well-paced itinerary, caravan’s $129 travel protection, customer reviews.

"Beyond description, and I’m an English teacher! We chose Caravan for our 50th anniversary celebration and could not have been more pleased. Incredible offerings and accommodations made for personal needs at each stop. Loved the sights and photo ops, a totally comfortable amount. Loved that we could watch beautiful and informative films if we so chose. Never felt tired, and we loved the mini-hikes. Our TD was truly extraordinary, the ✭ director of the year, and all museum guides and assistants were inspirational. We may consider another tour in the future (this was our first), it was such a positive experience." Mr. R.B., Englewood, New Jersey

"Looking for a carefree vacation? Caravan takes care of everything. Logistics, including airport and baggage transfers, hotels, sightseeing and activities, and reservations for all the events. Long coach rides can be quite boring, right? Not so if you were fortunate enough to have booked the Caravan Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore and Grand Tetons tour in August this year. Our awesome driver guided us as we traversed 1250 miles of spectacular scenery for six days. Mother nature treated us to thrilling views; geysers, hot springs, abundant lodgepole pine trees, lakes, rivers and wildlife. Bring your camera so you can capture the significant milestones and awesome sights along the way. We were on watch for waterfowl, beaver, osprey, eagles, and big game elk, bison, and deer. The Grand Tetons provide a fantastic backdrop as you take it all in. And don’t worry if you slept through geography and social studies class in high school. Enter our director, a great storyteller with colorful speech and quick wit. Never dull, the daily excursions traveling through the west all rolled up into one incredible trip." Mr. C.R., Chattanooga, Tennessee

"When I’m ready for another guided tour, Caravan would be a top choice. I was totally impressed with how organized everything was. So many great activities and sights: the hikes around the hot springs. Our tour director made the trip so fun, and our driver was excellent, always smiling, helpful and welcoming us aboard. Lots of rest and photo stops made our vacation enjoyable." Mr. & Mrs. A.N., East Syracuse, New York

"Outstanding. I cannot emphasize enough how pleased we were to go on our 2nd trip with Caravan. This was equally, if not better, than our last trip to Yosemite. We had a great time, felt safe, and couldn’t have seen as much or learned as much if we went at it alone. We cannot say enough good things about your staff and our experience. They aced it. Our TD was an excellent animator and director delivering on what was promised and more. We enjoyed all the sights and guided tours, very well chosen. Relaxing, scenic and very memorable, we’d recommend it to anyone." Mr. & Mrs. A.M., Abington, Pennsylvania

"This is my third Caravan tour and by far the best. I have highly recommended you to many people and show them your brochure. I was very happy with the provided activities and sights and especially liked our director’s narration about what we were seeing as it greatly enhanced our experience. I never had and probably never will have a finer tour director." Mr. J.B., Mount Vernon, Ohio

"I am very happy that I took this tour through history, and happy with all we were able to see and do. We have a beautiful country right here and to be able to finally visit things and learn about them was an amazing experience. So many breathtaking moments along with a narrative by a professional; again, amazing. Even during longer drives, our director kept us informed about where we were and any important history that tied our tour together. He was an excellent tour director. Entertaining, he held my attention and his time management was impeccable. I was impressed with his concern for us and his preparedness; he was a pleasure to travel with for the seven days. Thank you." Mrs. P.P., Lavallette, New Jersey

"Excellent trip in all aspects and a great value! Caravan took good care of me from the airport arrival to the airport departure. Yellowstone and Grand Tetons were beautiful. Loved the geysers and thermal activity, canyons, waterfalls, mountains and wildlife. Will certainly consider booking another Caravan adventure in the future." Mr. L.R., Lebanon, Ohio

Why Travel with Caravan?

Excellence since 1952, caravan care, caravan's proud history, great hotels, complete sightseeing, fully guided by tour directors, all-inclusive, shopping freedom, great value, book early, how does caravan tours sell these tours for such a low cost, trade association memberships.

Explore Mount Rushmore in the Winter

• Duration 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
• Availability October 12th - May 13th
• Pick-up at your hotel in Rapid City
• We spend at least an hour visiting Mount Rushmore. We have plenty of time to see all the park has to offer, including the sculptors’ studio and the Lincoln Borglum Museum.
• We stay for at least an hour as we visit the largest mountain carving in the world. You can visit the memorial and museums and learn about the sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski in his home studio museum.
• Return to Rapid City

Pricing and Reservations

Per Person Pricing - Ages 13 and Older

Per Person Pricing - Ages 12 to 5

Photo Gallery

Winter mount rushmore sightseeing tour, related tours and activities.

• 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• May 14 - October 12, 2023

Mount Rushmore Sightseeing Tour

• 8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
• May 21 - September 30, 2023

Mount Rushmore Sightseeing Tour Package

• 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
• May 21 - October 12, 2023

Chuckwagon Supper & Music Variety Show

Home » Mount Rushmore Tours » Winter Mount Rushmore Sightseeing Tour

Contact Information

• (605) 343-3113
• [email protected]
• 2255 Fort Hayes Drive Rapid City, SD 57702

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Book direct online.

Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 48 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.

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Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks

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• Small Group

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Choose from classic or small group (averaging 24 guests).

• 2024 Classic
• 2024 Small Group
• 2025 Classic
• 2025 Small Group

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Uniquely Tauck

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Insider stories about the national parks during filmed narratives by Ken Burns & Dayton Duncan

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

Stays at sought-after inside-the-national-park accommodations in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks

Rafting adventure along the Snake River, surrounded by the spectacular scenery of the Tetons

Visit to the Mormon Row Historic District inside Grand Teton National Park

Extensive exploration inside the world's first national park, Yellowstone National Park

Visits to the Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Often robust – may include long days, active sightseeing, early starts, evening activities, significant travel times.

Legendary Journeys and Adventures

The soul of the American West... Naturally inspiring, the landscapes of the American West challenge the imagination with jaw-dropping canyons, gurgling mud pots, geysers, and wide-open spaces... while towering mountains are a study in contrast, harboring wildlife and man-made wonders. 

A day at ta guest ranch, a taste of the cowboy life at a working wyoming ranch.

Make your way through Wyoming's breathtaking Bighorn Mountains to an authentic (and fun) western ranch experience at TA Guest Ranch in Buffalo. Homesteaded in 1884, the ranch was once the site of a shootout during the infamous Johnson County War that pitched cowboy against cowboy in these parts in 1892 – you can still see some of the old bullet holes! But today's visit will be a peaceful one… where you can choose to meet a horse whisperer, learn roping techniques from real cowboys, ride in a horse-drawn wagon, or saddle up for a horseback ride... and enjoy a private lunch on the ranch.

A night at the rodeo

Attend the exciting cody nite rodeo (seasonal, june – august).

Way out here in Wyoming, nothing promises more real Western fun than an honest-to-goodness rodeo... especially in a town named for the legendary Wild West showman, "Buffalo Bill" Cody, and often called the "Rodeo Capital of the World." Established in 1938 and operating June through August, the Cody Nite Rodeo is the world's longest-running nightly rodeo. Get set for an evening filled with bull riding, saddle bronco riding, team roping, barrel racing, rodeo clowns, and a "calf scramble" for kids 12 and under.

Old Faithful Inn

Stay in a classic national historic landmark in yellowstone national park.

One of the largest log structures in the world, Old Faithful Inn was designated a National Historic Landmark. Built in 1904 of native lodgepole pine – and the epitome of the "National Park Rustic" architectural style – it is set within walking distance of Old Faithful Geyser, just one of Yellowstone's many natural wonders... including geysers, fumaroles and boiling hot springs.

This relatively untamed territory makes you proud of those who had the foresight to set aside the space for National Parks.

Dean Horton

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Where you stay is an important part of your journey – with Tauck, accommodations have been handpicked and carefully selected for their location and ambiance, enhancing the destinations you explore. Download accommodation details and your travel plans begin!

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Overnight Accommodations

Extend your stay

Arrive Early

Jackson lake lodge.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins

Holiday inn® cody at buffalo bill village.

Cody, Wyoming

The Ranch at Ucross

Ucross, Wyoming

The Rushmore Hotel & Suites

Rapid City, South Dakota

Your Journey

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About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks begins and ends in the U.S.

Real ID Act - Effective May 7, 2025

Beginning in May 2025, some state IDs will no longer permit you to board a domestic flight. Currently, some states are compliant, some have received extensions, and some are not compliant.  Click here  to see the status of your state. If your state license is not compliant, you can use a passport in lieu of a valid state ID. 

Please Note:  The federal government has extended the deadline to May 7, 2025 for domestic airline passengers to secure a Real ID driver's license for use as identification at the airport. Travelers without a verified license or ID card will also have the option of showing other identity documents, such as a passport or military ID to board a plane.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally,   you should contact an embassy or consulate of the U.S. to determine what travel documentation is necessary. You may also log on to the U.S. State Department's Internet site by clicking  here.

If you are traveling by air to join and/or depart from this tour within the U.S., please read the section entitled Airline Security Measures under Additional Information to determine what travel documentation is required.

If you are a citizen of the U.S. or Canada who travels frequently between the two countries, you may benefit from the NEXUS program, which is a joint initiative between the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency and the Canada Border Services Agency that allows pre-screened and approved travelers faster processing at designated highway lanes in high-volume border crossing locations, at a NEXUS kiosk at several airports, and at certain marine reporting locations in the Great Lakes and Seattle regions. For further information, you may log on to the Nexus Internet website by clicking here . Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

Note: For activities marked with an asterisk (*) in day-by-day descriptions, participation is at your own risk; a signed liability waiver will be required.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposit & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $350 per person

Final Payment:

Final Payment is due to Tauck 60 days before departure for lands trips, and 120 days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Travel Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement for up to $5,000 to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is: $349  per person

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 1, 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPDOM .

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees. If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

Loss of Guest Protection fee, per person

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan :

60 days or more before departure = $350 per person

59-8 days before departure = $600 per person

7-1 days before departure = $900 per person

Time of cancellation  will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control,  Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Note:  All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Fee Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify Tauck as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

VACCINATIONS

If you are a resident of another country traveling to or within the U.S., we suggest that contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to obtain information regarding vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases for which you might be at risk when you reach your destination in the U.S. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here.

To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The amount of walking you do, however, is at your discretion.

Some of the excursions on this tour are:

• Whitewater rafting on the Snake River, the journey is roughly 2 hours and requires stepping in and out of an inflatable raft
• Guided horseback riding on a working cattle ranch, guests are required to show ability to mount/unmount and for safety reasons, a weight restriction of 225 pounds is in place. 

There are no elevators at The Ranch at Ucross or at the Holiday Inn® Cody at Buffalo Bill Village, and while none of the planned activities are especially strenuous or difficult, we urge caution when engaging in activities at high elevations. If you have a heart condition or lung ailment, please consult your physician before you book your trip.

PLEASE NOTE: We regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it. While drinking water is generally safe at all our hotels, bottled water will be available wherever the local water is not fit to drink. We also provide bottled water on the motor coaches.

The Jackson Lake Lodge, Old Faithful Inn and Lake Yellowstone Hotel are all non-smoking hotels and a very large fine will be assessed if it is determined that anyone has smoked while on property.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey! You can view the reading list  here .

The high temperatures in the summer months average 70 to 90°F (21 to 32°C) and the lows average 40 to 60°F (4 to 16°C). The overnight temperatures can drop to the freezing point even during the summer at the highest elevations. Rainfall is light to moderate throughout the region. Salt Lake City receives the least amount of rain with an average of less than 1 in (25 mm) per month during summer; Jackson averages 1.5 in (38 mm) and Rapid City averages 2.5 in (63 mm.)

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov , by clicking here.

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing. For the welcome and farewell receptions, casual resort wear is appropriate; formal wear is never required.

All of our hotels offer valet laundry service for a fee except for the Old Faithful Inn, Lake Yellowstone Hotel and The Ranch at Ucross.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

The national park lodges do not have televisions or Internet hook-ups, so bring along a good book to read!

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your journey to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks:

• Comfortable walking shoes (VERY IMPORTANT)
• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• Long pants or jeans (long pants and closed-toed shoes are required for the horseback riding)
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
• Reusable water bottle
• Insect repellent
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm functions (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Reusable zipper-lock bags or other waterproof bags
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• A book or e-reader to read in the evening, or downloaded podcasts or video programs to watch during your free time.
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

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Mount Rushmore and Black Hills Tour with Two Meals and a Music Variety Show

• This Tour package includes the Chuckwagon Supper and Show that evening.
• Includes the All You Can Eat cowboy breakfast in the morning.
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Restroom on board
• Entry/Admission - Mount Rushmore National Memorial
• Entry/Admission - Iron Mountain Road
• Entry/Admission - Needles Highway
• Entry/Admission - Sylvan Lake
• Entry/Admission - Crazy Horse Memorial
• Entry/Admission - Fort Hays Old West Town and Dinner Show
• Driver / Guide Gratuity
• Fort Hays Chuckwagon Supper & Show, 2255 Fort Hayes Dr, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA The tour starts at Fort Hays Chuckwagon with checkin from 7:30-8:00 am. It is conveniently located on Hwy 16 just south of Rapid City on the road to Mount Rushmore. (Just 12 minutes from downtown Rapid City)
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 160 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Mount Rushmore National Memorial
• Crazy Horse Memorial
• Fort Hays Old West Town and Dinner Show

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Fort Hays Chuckwagon Supper & Show 2255 Fort Hayes Dr, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA The tour starts at Fort Hays Chuckwagon with checkin from 7:30-8:00 am. It is conveniently located on Hwy 16 just south of Rapid City on the road to Mount Rushmore. (Just 12 minutes from downtown Rapid City) See address & details
• 1 Fort Hays Old West Town and Dinner Show Stop: 60 minutes See details
• 2 Mount Rushmore National Memorial Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included See details
• 3 Iron Mountain Road Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included See details
• 4 Custer State Park Resort Stop: 60 minutes See details
• 5 Needles Highway Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included See details
• 6 Sylvan Lake Stop: 20 minutes - Admission included See details
• 7 Crazy Horse Memorial Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included See details
• 8 Fort Hays Old West Town and Dinner Show Stop: 2 hours - Admission included See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• okflip 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The tour left nothig to be wanting or seeing, the tour guide and starting location was a total surpise of the history. We travel a lot and have done countless tours of all sorts and this tour was by far the best and most informative and entertaining. It was well worth the cost and we are already planning another trip for 2024 and all the very same and more sights. It was wonderful is the best we both can say about it all and our driver was great Read more Written November 16, 2023
• Seaside739509 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Tour the Black Hills Highly recommend the Ft Hays bus tour and dinner program. The trip is very informative and fun with the drivers. The show is top notch and the dinner a good old fashioned cowboy dinner. The meat was amazing. Read more Written September 29, 2023
• deb r 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Billy, our tour guide was great. He was knowledgeable, approachable and competent. The day was well arranged. Billy our tour guide was outstanding. He was knowledgeable, competent and approachable. The day was well planned and carried through Read more Written September 28, 2023
• martyh510 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Mount Rushmore Bus Tour. Great trip. Driver was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Well worth the time. Great way to see Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Black Hills and Needles road. Read more Written September 27, 2023
• I5530MTcarlah 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles I would recommend this tour to everyone! Billy was a great guide! He was very knowledgeable and made it fun! The tour was a great way to see a lot of areas that we would have been unaware of. Read more Written September 26, 2023
• annpM4763SO 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Black Hills & Mt Rushmore Had a fantastic time. Driver was excellent and kept us entertained. Would highly recommend to any age group. Read more Written September 26, 2023
• marytU8630SH 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Stress free!!! It was great leaving the driving to experts. So relaxing! No fighting over where to go or park! 😁 Driver Pastor Martin was great! He tells a lot of good jokes! Read more Written September 22, 2023
• LoveTravel187639 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Beautiful scenery The views were breathtaking. So glad we did this as the roads are so windy we would have never driven this on our own Read more Written September 22, 2023
• Ontheroadagain1948 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing bus trip of Mount Rushmore and The Black Hills The bus trip was amazing, the views of this beautiful area were breathtaking. Our bus driver, Gary was exceptional! He drove us to many of the landmarks and shared the history of the area, and his expertise at maneuvering through Needles Tunnel was extraordinary! Highly recommend! Read more Written September 17, 2023
• FredBest 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful experience at the tour Tour exceeded my expectations - well organized, great tour guide and had a wonderful time over the 9 hours. Got a chance to visit and learn about the great culture, history and environment around Black Hills and SD. Read more Written September 9, 2023
• cavincarmen1208 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Nice tour Nice tour. For each stop, I had a reasonable time to explore. Our tour guide Dan was funny, and he brought our attention to each unique spot for photo op. There seemed to be a mistake on the start time though, because it said 8:15am in the app, but actually the bus would be there at 9am. Read more Written September 2, 2023
• bbeck5472 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Black Hills, leaving the driving to them A relaxing way to enjoy the sights of the Black Hills. Joe was an excellent driver and guide, as I learned more than if I had drove this myself. The journey in the bus through the Needles tunnel was especially entertaining. Great day! Read more Written September 1, 2023
• 772maylind 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles worth experiencing Excellent tour guide, with friendly tourists, weather so wonderful, service is all great, great food, nice and beautiful places. Read more Written August 29, 2023
• Jerry N 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Overall a great trip Overall, this was a great bus trip. We had signed up for the 8:15 departure but when we arrived, they said it was 9:15. Our driver said they combined trips since it was a slow day. So we wasted an hour before we left. The description said 6 plus hours, so we had assumed that meant a little extra time, but we were on the bus more than 8 1/2 hours, which meant we missed an appointment. Despite that, the actual tour was good, albeit a little longer than it needed to be. We were lucky enough to see many buffalo, which we hadn’t expected. All the stops were great. Read more Written August 28, 2023
• carolf562 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Mt. Rushmore, Black Hills, and Crazy Horse Tour was wonderful trip to Mt Rushmore and Black Hills. Our driver, Dan, was very informative. It was a great way to spend one of our days in South Dakota. Read more Written August 24, 2023

More to explore in Rapid City

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Mount Rushmore and Black Hills Tour with Two Meals and a Music Variety Show provided by Mount Rushmore Tours

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News Release

Mount rushmore celebrates independence day 2023.

Contact: Earl Perez-Foust , 605-574-3115

KEYSTONE, SD –– Visitors to Mount Rushmore National Memorial on July 3 rd and July 4 th will have the opportunity to experience a variety of educational programs, patriotic tributes, and musical entertainment in celebration of Independence Day. Planned events include Presidential re-enactors representing the four Presidents on the sculpture: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. The Presidential re-enactors will kick-off the park’s celebration on July 3 rd at 9:30 AM with an in-character news conference in the Carvers’ Marketplace. Visitors are encouraged to bring questions for the presidents to the event. At scheduled times, the Presidential re-enactors will give presentations, sign autographs, and mingle with visitors on the Memorial grounds. Also performing throughout the day will be internationally renowned hoop dancer, Jasmine Pickner-Bell, Native flutist and storyteller, Sequoia Crosswhite, and Native storyteller, Darrell Red Cloud. July 3 rd events will culminate with a special evening program beginning at 7:30 PM featuring a hoop dance performance by Jasmine Pickner-Bell and a musical performance by the U.S. Air Force Academy Band from Colorado Springs, Colorado. The Ellsworth Air Force Base Honor Guard will assist the Flag Folding Ceremony and Retreat; Col. Derek Oakley, the 28th Bomb Wing Commander at Ellsworth AFB, will introduce the band; and the Lakota Flag Song will be performed by Darrell Red Cloud. July 4 th daytime visitors can enjoy the Presidential re-enactors and Native performers, ranger-led programs, and the traditional Evening Lighting Ceremony. Visitors wishing to avoid the busiest times are encouraged to visit the park before 10:00 AM. There is no fee to visit the Memorial, however the $10 parking fee will be in effect. Active duty military personnel will park for free and parking for seniors is half price. Keep the parking receipt as it is valid for one year of parking. For a complete listing of the 2023 Independence Day schedule of events please visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial’s event calendar .  

About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s more than 400 national park units and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov .

Last updated: June 23, 2023

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Contact info, mailing address:.

13000 Highway 244 Building 31, Suite 1 Keystone, SD 57751

605 574-2523 Park information. Phones are answered from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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