Things to do in Rapid City, South Dakota (SD): The Best Tours

February 8, 2022 Jeremy Dunfee

Rapid City has long been considered one of the gateways to the West, and its rich cowboy and Native American heritage is the result. Visitors won't want to miss the area's mammoth outdoor sculptures. There's Mount Rushmore, of course, but work also continues on the nearby Crazy Horse Memorial, which will be the largest sculpture in the world when it is finally completed years down the line. Among the many local attractions are the scenic Black Hills, several nearby cavern systems that offer guided tours and the South Dakota Air and Space Museum.
Restaurants in Rapid City

1. Southern Black Hills Bicycle Tour - Private

Founders Park, 1510 W Omaha St, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA Black Hills Tour Company
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

This spectacular road ride features biking along some of the most scenic roads in the Black Hills; roads designed for the sole purpose of enjoyment. Ride through rock tunnels with views of Mt. Rushmore, down spiraling "pigtail bridges," and descend through the towering granite spires on Needles Highway. This tour is an all day bike tour, departing in the morning from Rapid City, with complimentary hotel pickup in Rapid City or along the way, and includes bike rental, helmet, and refreshments.  Please note, this ride is suitable for experienced road cyclists. The standard route is 45 miles with an elevation gain of 4,500ft. This tour is customizable as far as route and distance, contact us for more information.

Inclusions: Beverages, Bottled water, Driver/guide, Use of bicycle, Use of helmet, Snacks

Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch

Reviewed By debo395

We hired Black Hills Tour Company for a 5 day Private Tour. Went to the Badlands National Park, Wall Drugs, Southern Black Hills, Mi. Rushmore, Iron Mt. Road, Crazy Horse Memorial, Needles Highway/Sylvan Lake, Custer State Park, Northern Black Hills, Spearfish Canyon, National Science Lab, Mt. Moriah Cemetery and the city of Deadwood. Best was biking on the Mickelson Trail on the supplied "E" bikes. We even snuck in a trip to Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming. Each day, the Company provided water/snack and knew all the "best" restaurants and coffee shops. Company personnel was extremely knowledgeable about the area and willing to deviate from plans when we required a "shopping" pit-stop!

2. Private Tour of the Badlands

GeoFunTrek Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

The Badlands have many secrets and requires a seasoned guide to explain and reveal them. GeoFunTrek Tours' guides are local experts with decades of experience. We have no seasonal-guides, part-time guides or trainee-guides. All tours are conducted by the owners, Cindy and John Esposti. We have the knowledge and skills to make your day one to remember. You will always get the A-Team when you tour with GeoFunTrek Tours! All tours are Private Tours exclusive to the group booking the tour and no additional guests will be included. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult. Children 3 years and younger are free-of-charge and will have their own seat. Children's car seats must be supplied by family members when required. Our largest vehicle, a Sprinter van seats 9, and a larger vehicle may be rented or we can add a Honda Pilot for larger groups. This tour is great for 3-generation families with Children, multiple couples and groups of friends.

Inclusions: Light snacks, bottled water and apple juice, Snacks

Exclusions: We have time budgeted for a meal break at the guest's discretion and expense. Coolers are available for boxed lunches and picnic supples.

Reviewed By Lornadoone

We hired John Eposti through Tours by Locals and were thrilled with him as a guide through the Badlands National Park. We learned about the geological formations, hit a variety of different sites where we saw majestic overlooks, walked on trails, visited a missile installation and stopped to photograph wildlife. We had lunch at Wall Drug, which was a fun diversion, and even got to hear some cowboy poetry. John planned a wonderful day, and helped us appreciate a majestic landscape with warm conversation, informative facts and even arranged to have his wife meet us to help us turn in our van at the end of the day. Well worth the modest investment to enhance your trip!

3. Private Mount Rushmore and Flume Trail Hike

Black Hills Adventure Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

This tour gives you incredible in-depth knowledge of the Flume Trail, the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore. There is a two person minimum to book this tour.

Inclusions: Lunch will be at the historic Alpine Inn., Snacks

Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages

Reviewed By kathryncF4736LW

My husband and I had a four- day tour of the Black Hills which was excellent from start to finish. We contacted the owner of Black Hills Adventure Tours, Carrie, and she arranged the entire tour based on what we wanted to see and do which was perfect in every way. Karen Weik was our "Guiding Angel" who "knew her way around" and was professional, knowledgeable and compassionate. We visited Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, The Beautiful Black Hills, Badlands, Leads, Deadwood, Needles Highway, Sheep Mountain , Devils Tower, Custer State Park, Sturgis and much more. Needless to say, the entire Black Hills Adventure Tour will always be one of our most memorable experiences because of the "Planning" by Carrie and the "Guiding" by Karen.

4. Private Badlands Package

Black Hills Adventure Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

This tour provides a unique glimpse into the beauty and all that the Badlands have to offer! Learn about the history of the area, and spend the day taking in the rare geology of the Badlands. There is a two person minimum to book this tour.

Inclusions: Lunch, Snacks, Souvenir water bottle.

Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages

Reviewed By kathryncF4736LW

My husband and I had a four- day tour of the Black Hills which was excellent from start to finish. We contacted the owner of Black Hills Adventure Tours, Carrie, and she arranged the entire tour based on what we wanted to see and do which was perfect in every way. Karen Weik was our "Guiding Angel" who "knew her way around" and was professional, knowledgeable and compassionate. We visited Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, The Beautiful Black Hills, Badlands, Leads, Deadwood, Needles Highway, Sheep Mountain , Devils Tower, Custer State Park, Sturgis and much more. Needless to say, the entire Black Hills Adventure Tour will always be one of our most memorable experiences because of the "Planning" by Carrie and the "Guiding" by Karen.

5. Custer State Park - Private Group Van Tour

Wendy's, 1911 Haines Ave, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA Black Hills Open-Top-Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

This is the only Convertible-Top Safari Van Tour of Custer State Park. The vans have individual leather reclining window seats, center aisle, sliding 10 foot tops that open/close according to the weather and guests comfort. We drive among the buffalo and you just stand and look down on them. We make many restroom breaks and stop for the picnic lunch . . . but you never need to leave the van during the tour for photos. With the elevated height your best viewing and photo ops are from the van. The tour includes: all fees, bottled water, snacks, picnic lunch and chilled wine/cold beer (on request)

Inclusions: Subway, Crackers and Cookies, Bottled water, On request only. Must be 21 years of age., Air-conditioned vehicle, Heated Convertible-Top-Vans with individual leather window seats, center aisle and 10 sliding top., Minimum of 2 and Maximum of 10 guests per tour.

Exclusions: Gratuities Not Included

Reviewed By EthanMN

We had such a blast with Jeff and Open top tours. We ended seeing quite a bit more bison than I ever expected and the deep knowledge from Jeff was great for us and was very engaging for our young kids. Additionally, they went out of their way to give us additional ideas for the other days we spent in the Black Hills and make our entire trip a great one.

6. Private Badlands National Park Day Tour

1801 W Omaha St, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA Black Hills Tour Company
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

Tour with our knowledgable local guides and take in the park in your own time. Our private tours are flexible, with time to take photos, walk and enjoy the area as you wish to! This tour is customizable. Questions? Contact us for more information.

Inclusions: Lunch, Bottled water, Snacks

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By debo395

We hired Black Hills Tour Company for a 5 day Private Tour. Went to the Badlands National Park, Wall Drugs, Southern Black Hills, Mi. Rushmore, Iron Mt. Road, Crazy Horse Memorial, Needles Highway/Sylvan Lake, Custer State Park, Northern Black Hills, Spearfish Canyon, National Science Lab, Mt. Moriah Cemetery and the city of Deadwood. Best was biking on the Mickelson Trail on the supplied "E" bikes. We even snuck in a trip to Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming. Each day, the Company provided water/snack and knew all the "best" restaurants and coffee shops. Company personnel was extremely knowledgeable about the area and willing to deviate from plans when we required a "shopping" pit-stop!

7. Badlands National Park by Bicycle - Private

Founders Park, 1510 W Omaha St, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA Black Hills Tour Company
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

Formed by several hundred thousand years of erosion, the Badlands formations expose the layers of millions of years of the regions history. It is a landscape that makes you feel as though you’ve landed on Mars. On this day trip, we pedal the nice, moderate Badlands Loop Road for just under 30 miles through the heart of the pinnacles and lower shale formations to the other end of the northern segment of Badlands National Park, where we will enjoy a picnic lunch. There are also longer options available if desired. Enjoy close up views of wildlife and take in the breathtaking views of Badlands National Park. Enjoying this area by bicycle is a once in a lifetime opportunity! This tour is customizable. Contact us for more information.

Inclusions: Use of bicycle, Picnic Lunch, National Park Entrance Fee, Helmet, Water Bottle

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By debo395

We hired Black Hills Tour Company for a 5 day Private Tour. Went to the Badlands National Park, Wall Drugs, Southern Black Hills, Mi. Rushmore, Iron Mt. Road, Crazy Horse Memorial, Needles Highway/Sylvan Lake, Custer State Park, Northern Black Hills, Spearfish Canyon, National Science Lab, Mt. Moriah Cemetery and the city of Deadwood. Best was biking on the Mickelson Trail on the supplied "E" bikes. We even snuck in a trip to Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming. Each day, the Company provided water/snack and knew all the "best" restaurants and coffee shops. Company personnel was extremely knowledgeable about the area and willing to deviate from plans when we required a "shopping" pit-stop!

8. Private Mt Rushmore & Southern Black Hills Tour

Founders Park, 1510 W Omaha St, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA Black Hills Tour Company
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 6 reviews

Make the most of your time in the beautiful Black Hills with our experienced, local guides. Booking a private tour means you have more time to enjoy the things you want to see! This tour is customizable. Questions? Contact us for more information.

Inclusions: Lunch

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By debo395

We hired Black Hills Tour Company for a 5 day Private Tour. Went to the Badlands National Park, Wall Drugs, Southern Black Hills, Mi. Rushmore, Iron Mt. Road, Crazy Horse Memorial, Needles Highway/Sylvan Lake, Custer State Park, Northern Black Hills, Spearfish Canyon, National Science Lab, Mt. Moriah Cemetery and the city of Deadwood. Best was biking on the Mickelson Trail on the supplied "E" bikes. We even snuck in a trip to Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming. Each day, the Company provided water/snack and knew all the "best" restaurants and coffee shops. Company personnel was extremely knowledgeable about the area and willing to deviate from plans when we required a "shopping" pit-stop!

9. Bike Adventure on the Mickelson Trail - Private

Founders Park, 1510 W Omaha St, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA Black Hills Tour Company
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 7 reviews

See the Black Hills in a unique way. Enjoy the quiet, scenic trail and let our guides tell you on some of the history, culture and flora and fauna of the area! Great fun for any fitness level - we can accommodate all in your group, even if some want to ride and others don't. This tour is customizable. Questions? Contact us for more information.

Inclusions: Bike & Helmet, Mickelson Trail Fee, Picnic Lunch

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By debo395

We hired Black Hills Tour Company for a 5 day Private Tour. Went to the Badlands National Park, Wall Drugs, Southern Black Hills, Mi. Rushmore, Iron Mt. Road, Crazy Horse Memorial, Needles Highway/Sylvan Lake, Custer State Park, Northern Black Hills, Spearfish Canyon, National Science Lab, Mt. Moriah Cemetery and the city of Deadwood. Best was biking on the Mickelson Trail on the supplied "E" bikes. We even snuck in a trip to Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming. Each day, the Company provided water/snack and knew all the "best" restaurants and coffee shops. Company personnel was extremely knowledgeable about the area and willing to deviate from plans when we required a "shopping" pit-stop!

10. Private Black Hills Monument Package

Black Hills Adventure Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

You will depart Rapid City at 8:30am and travel to Mount Rushmore. You will spend time hiking around the monument. Next, you will travel to Crazy Horse Memorial, learning the importance and history of Crazy Horse. Finally, you will get an opportunity to explore beautiful Custer State Park. You will be able to see wildlife at an incredibly close proximity, and enjoy the local flora. In each of these locations, you will gain unique and rare insight into the history of the Black Hills. There is a two person minimum to book this tour.

Inclusions: Lunch will be enjoyed at the Laughing Water Restaurant at Crazy Horse Memorial., Bottled water, Snacks, All Fees and Taxes, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages

Reviewed By kathryncF4736LW

My husband and I had a four- day tour of the Black Hills which was excellent from start to finish. We contacted the owner of Black Hills Adventure Tours, Carrie, and she arranged the entire tour based on what we wanted to see and do which was perfect in every way. Karen Weik was our "Guiding Angel" who "knew her way around" and was professional, knowledgeable and compassionate. We visited Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, The Beautiful Black Hills, Badlands, Leads, Deadwood, Needles Highway, Sheep Mountain , Devils Tower, Custer State Park, Sturgis and much more. Needless to say, the entire Black Hills Adventure Tour will always be one of our most memorable experiences because of the "Planning" by Carrie and the "Guiding" by Karen.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.