Best Rapid City Day Trips in 2026

Rapid City , South Dakota

From $ 164.30

Join us on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes and historic landmarks of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills. This all-inclusive tour offers an immersive experience, combining expert-guided sightseeing with delicious meals and an entertaining variety music show. Discover the beauty, history, and adventure that Mount Rushmore and its surrounding attractions have to offer. Mount Rushmore Tours is the longest operating local family owned and operated tour company in the Black Hills. Founded in 1973 and since 2023 second generation owned and operated, we are widely regarded as the local experts in the bus tours for Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills.

Rapid City , South Dakota

From $ 132.50

Join us on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes and historic landmarks of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills. Our Sightseeing Bus Tour Only package is designed for those who wish to explore the area’s stunning scenery and rich history without the additional meal package. Mount Rushmore Tours is the longest operating local family owned and operated tour company in the Black Hills. Founded in 1973 and since 2023 second generation owned and operated, we are widely regarded as the local experts in the bus tours for Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills.

Rapid City , South Dakota

From $ 425.00

Mount Rushmore is more than just the carvings. They have secrets that are not easily revealed. GeoFunTrek's guides are local experts with decades of experience. We have no seasonal guides, part-time guides or trainees. This is a family-owned business and all tours are conducted by family members: Cindy, Christopher 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 one adult. Children 3 years and younger are free and will have their own seat. Children's car seats must be supplied by family members when required. Our vehicles are SUV's, and a larger vehicle (van) may be rented for larger groups. This is a great tour for 3-generation families with Children, multiple couples and groups of friends.

Rapid City , South Dakota

From $ 295.00

Neal and Becky live in the Black Hills near the historic mining town of Hayward. Neal is a native South Dakotan having a close association with the Black Hills since his youth. As you tour the southern Black Hills, you'll get a narration of the history of the sights as well as personal stories of the area. The history begins with our pickup in Rapid City connecting the life of Crazy Horse with General George Armstrong Custer; the Fort Laramie treaty of 1868 and the Battle of the Little Bighorn, also known as Custer's Last Stand; and the thread that ties everything together is the discovery of gold in the Black Hills. They love people and have a desire to serve you to make your visit an enjoyable one. Suggestions and tips on how to make your stay more enjoyable freely offered!

Rapid City , South Dakota

From $ 449.00

During a government shutdown, Badlands and Mount Rushmore remains open and accessible to the public, but all services provided by the National Park Service (NPS) are suspended. The extent of the impact can vary based on the specifics of the shutdown, but past incidents provide a clear precedent for what to expect. Concessionaire operations: Third-party vendors who operate facilities like restaurants and gift shops (e.g., Xanterra) may remain open and provide limited services, including restrooms. These are privately-run services and are not affected by the government shutdown. State funding: During previous shutdowns, the state of South Dakota and private donors stepped in to provide funding to keep the memorial open and restore some services. In a 2023 budget standoff, South Dakota officials secured a deal with the NPS to keep some areas open.

Rapid City , South Dakota

From $ 325.00

This tour provides a unique glimpse into the beauty and all the Badlands offer! Learn about the area's history, and spend the day taking in the rare geology of the Badlands. Lunch will be enjoyed at an exquisite local restaurant of your choosing. There is a two-person minimum to book this tour.

Rapid City , South Dakota

From $ 369.00

At Mt Rushmore we spend 2 hours touring the famous attractions, movie, museum and gift shop. We arrive at Crazy Horse and explore the huge museum with 14,000 pieces of Native American art. There is a wonderful 20 movie about the history of the carving . . . and the famous family who made this all come to life. You will have time to explore the museum and spend time in the gift shop. Also included is a drive along Iron Mtn Road with a stop at Norbeck Overlook and several one way tunnels. On our return to Deadwood, we tour the 'bad boy' town of Hill City. Once a town of noted violence and debauchery . . . it is now our most 'artsy' location with local artists, a famous dinosaur museum and local wineries.

Rapid City , South Dakota

From $ 489.00

During a government shutdown, Badlands and Mt Rushmore remains open and accessible to the public, but all services provided by the National Park Service (NPS) are suspended. The extent of the impact can vary based on the specifics of the shutdown, but past incidents provide a clear precedent for what to expect. Concessionaire operations: Third-party vendors who operate facilities like restaurants and gift shops (e.g., Xanterra) may remain open and provide limited services, including restrooms. These are privately-run services and are not affected by the government shutdown. State funding: During previous shutdowns, the state of South Dakota and private donors stepped in to provide funding to keep the memorial open and restore some services. In a 2023 budget standoff, South Dakota officials secured a deal with the NPS to keep some areas open.

Rapid City , South Dakota

From $ 425.00

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. This is a family-owned business and all tours are conducted by family members: Cindy, Christopher 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 one adult. Children 3 years and younger are free and will have their own seat. Children's car seats must be supplied by family members when required. Our vehicles are SUV's and a van may be rented for larger groups. Please enquire about vehicles if you have any questions. This tour is great for 3-generation families with Children, multiple couples and groups of friends.

Rapid City , South Dakota

From $ 290.68

What makes this tour unique is the combination of three of Western South Dakota's most iconic destinations – Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park Wildlife Loop – into a single, comprehensive, and fully narrated experience. Over 8-9 hours, you'll not just see these landmarks, but gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for their history, cultural significance, and natural beauty. We always give the guest time to buy their lunch during the tour.

Rapid City , South Dakota

From $ 419.00

This tour includes many of the most popular destinations and attractions in the Northern Black Hills. *Devils Tower National Monument ~ The First National Monument. Historically, many tribes of the Great Plains and Black Hills regions had connections with the area around Devils Tower. Stories and histories shared by tribal members indicate that the Tower was a sacred site - a place for winter camps, vision quests, and summer ceremonies. * Aladdin General Store which is the oldest general store in Wyoming since 1892. *Spearfish Canyon - Older than the Grand Canyon and is rated one of the best scenic byways in the US. Four ecosystems meet here (very rare) and several waterfalls were we picnic (included). *Sanford/Homestake Center - Old Gold and New Physics lots of info. *Deadwood - We visit Mt Moriah Cemetery, #10 Saloon, and Old Main Street. You will have time to shop on your own and you have option to watch the gunfight reenactments. * Sturgis option for photos and shopping.

Rapid City , South Dakota

From $ 399.00

During a government shutdown, Mount Rushmore remains open and accessible to the public, but all services provided by the National Park Service (NPS) are suspended. The extent of the impact can vary based on the specifics of the shutdown, but past incidents provide a clear precedent for what to expect. Concessionaire operations: Third-party vendors who operate facilities like restaurants and gift shops (e.g., Xanterra) may remain open and provide limited services, including restrooms. These are privately-run services and are not affected by the government shutdown. State funding: During previous shutdowns, the state of South Dakota and private donors stepped in to provide funding to keep the memorial open and restore some services.

Rapid City , South Dakota

From $ 379.00

You will see areas of the Black Hills few people can experience. View the stunning natural beauty and witness the lush greenery, towering trees, and crystal-clear streams. Be regaled with the fascinating history of the Mickelson Trail and what makes this trail so unique. There is a two-person minimum to book this tour.

Rapid City , South Dakota

From $ 147.98

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a massive sculpture carved into Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. Completed in 1941 under the direction of Gutzon Borglum and his son Lincoln, the sculpture’s roughly 60-ft.-high granite faces depict U.S. presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. The site also features a museum with interactive exhibits.

Rapid City , South Dakota

From $ 274.82

This Northern Black Hills Shared Tour is unique because it combines breathtaking scenery with a fascinating glimpse into the Wild West history that shaped the region. You'll experience the natural beauty of the northern Black Hills while also uncovering the stories and historical points that bring the legendary Wild West days to life. It's a perfect balance of natural wonder and historical intrigue!