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Mt Rushmore 8pm Lighting Ceremony Shared Tour

14 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 14 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Rapid City, USA
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 28 (0) days in advance.

3 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

We would pick you up from your Rapid City hotel at 6:30-6:45 pm in 7 or 12 passenger van depending on if we have others going. It is a 45 minute drive to Mt Rushmore. You would have half an hour to get to the amphitheater to get a seat for the program that starts at 8:00 pm. There is a 10 minute Ranger Talk about some topic about the 4 presidents. After the talk is a 20 minute video about the growth of the country in relation to the 4 presidents. At 8:30 pm, the Star Spangled Banner is sung and the lights go on the faces.
Veterans and military are invited to the stage to help retire the flag and be honored. It is about a 45 minute program. We do have blankets for you in your vans if it is a chilly night. But, plan on bringing a jacket as it cools off once the sun goes down. We would get you back to Rapid City around 9:45 pm.

What's Included

  • Snacks
  • Bottled water
  • Admission fee
  • Meals Optional Dinner at Mt Rushmore is on your own
  • Gratuities
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

Your Guide will pull up in front of your hotel in a van that says our company name on the side windows. Please meet the guide at the front entrance of your hotel.

What To Expect

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Mount Rushmore National Memorial

The evening begins with a scenic 45-minute drive from Rapid City, arriving at Mount Rushmore by 7:30 PM to allow ample time for you to secure a seat in the amphitheater before the 8:00 PM start. The formal program opens with an insightful 10-minute Ranger Talk focusing on the history or characteristics of the four presidents, followed by a 20-minute film documenting the growth of the United States. The highlight of the night occurs at 8:30 PM, when the National Anthem marks the moment the massive granite faces are illuminated against the night sky. The ceremony concludes with a moving tribute where veterans and active military members are invited to the stage for the retirement of the flag, wrapped up by 9:00 PM for your return trip. Given the drop in temperature once the sun sets in the Black Hills, it is highly recommended to bring a jacket to supplement the blankets provided in the van for the ride back to your hotel.
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2 hours Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Mt Rushmore 8pm Lighting Ceremony Shared Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (MST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-5577342P16

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
14 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 14 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
14
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 28 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Snacks
  • Bottled water
  • Admission fee
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • English Speaking Guide
  • MealsOptional Dinner at Mt Rushmore is on your own
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

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