Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony
Things to know
About the Activity
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.6 hours
Private Tour
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Availability and Prices
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Travel Date
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Travelers
Adult : 2
Inclusions & Exclusions
Food and drink : Bottled water. Bottled water
Fees : Entrance fees. Entrance fee
Food and drink : Snacks. Snacks
Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
Local expert guide
Fees : Gratuities. Gratuities
Hotel Pick up and drop off IF OUTSIDE OF RAPID CITY
Personal expenses
Food and drink : Meals. Meals
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Travel Itinerary
- Exclusive to travelers from this booking.
Locations in the itinerary
1
Sylvan Lake
Custer, United States, 57730A 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.2 hours • Admission Ticket IncludedView Location2
Needles Eye
SD Hwy 87 North, Custer, United States, 57730Of course we will stop along the route to photograph and enjoy the incredible formations - Needles Eye being the most famous!30 minutes • Admission Ticket IncludedView Location3
Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway
Highway 16A, Custer, United StatesWe 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 • Admission Ticket IncludedView Location4
Iron Mountain Road
Custer, United StatesThe 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 • Admission Ticket IncludedView Location5
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
13000 Hwy 244, Keystone, United States, 57751-4403Next 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.2 hours • Admission Ticket IncludedView LocationMeeting and Pickup
Starting point
1
Please meet out the front of the lobbyView Location
End point
1
Please meet out the front of the lobbyView Location
Pickup details
Tour operator will pick up all customers from their respective locations; or, customers can make their own way to the start point- Travelers CANNOT choose a custom pickup or meeting location.
- We pick up for this tour in Rapid City. Please let us know if your location is outside of our pick up zone in central Rapid City and we can arrange an alternative.
Pickup points
Additional Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Language And Guide
Tour Guide Available In
- English
Ticket Details
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- One per booking
Ticket Redemption
No redemption point. This is a direct entry ticketThank you for booking your Southern Black Hills Parks and Monuments Tour. We are looking forward to taking you out! Please feel free to contact us at any point with questions. If you have any food requirements for lunch please let us know. If you will be staying outside of Rapid City and would like pick up, please give us a call so we can arrange pick up time (this may incur an additional fee depending on your location). Look forward to meeting you soon!Cancellation & Refunds
Cancellable up to 24 hours before the travel date (local supplier time) for a full refund. A 100% cancellation penalty applies for cancellations submitted less than 24 hours before the start time.- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Cancel at least 1 day before activity starts in America/Denver time to receive 100% refund.
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No reviews found!Operated by Black Hills Tour CompanyCreated on 24 Apr 2018Created on 11 Jun 2025
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