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Mt Rushmore Night Ceremony and Tour - with Tunnels and Stargazing

84 Reviews 4.62 out of 5 stars Based on 84 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 90% of reviewers
90% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Rapid City, USA
Book online or call us

from $289 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Mt Rushmore Night Ceremony and Tour - with Tunnels and Stargazing Image 1
Mt Rushmore Night Ceremony and Tour - with Tunnels and Stargazing Image 2
Mt Rushmore Night Ceremony and Tour - with Tunnels and Stargazing Image 3
Mt Rushmore Night Ceremony and Tour - with Tunnels and Stargazing Image 4
Mt Rushmore Night Ceremony and Tour - with Tunnels and Stargazing Image 5
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 11 (1) days in advance.
4 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Experience Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills after dark on this immersive 4.5-hour evening expedition aboard our climate-controlled executive transit van.

Leave the parking hassles and winding dark roads to your professional local guide.

We begin with an unhurried visit to Mount Rushmore, exploring the Avenue of Flags and interpretive exhibits before settling into the amphitheater for the moving Evening Lighting Ceremony and military veteran tribute. There is time to shop or dine before the Ceremony.

As the monument illuminates and the ceremony ends, we board our comfortable high-roof van to traverse legendary Iron Mountain Road. Experience historic pigtail bridges and illuminated single-lane granite rock tunnels framing lighted monument vistas.

Next, step out beneath pristine dark mountain skies for guided high-altitude stargazing, constellation lore, and Milky Way viewing, complete with warm beverages.

May 21–August 9 Starts 9:00 PM
August 10–September 30 Starts 8:00 PM

What's Included

  • Bottled water
  • Fees
  • Driver/guide
  • Gratuities
See 1 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

Please call for pickup time.

OR
Meeting point
End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

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Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Experience the grandeur and patriotic spirit of Mount Rushmore National Memorial during its most inspiring hours.As daylight fades over the Black Hills, stroll beneath the state flags along the Avenue of Flags to the Grand View Terrace, where the massive 60-foot granite carvings of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln tower against the evening twilight.Explore the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center exhibits and museum before making your way down to the outdoor amphitheater.Here, the ranger-led Evening Lighting Ceremony brings American history to life through an interpretive talk and short documentary film, culminating in a poignant tribute honoring active-duty military and veterans on stage. The climax comes as the stage lights drop and the colossal monument is dramatically illuminated across the night sky, casting a radiant golden glow across the mountain faces.It is an unforgettable blend of artistry, heritage, and reverence.
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2 hours 30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Iron Mountain Road

When the patriotic Mt Rushmore Evening Lighting Ceremony concludes an exclusive added-value adventure begins along historic Iron Mountain Road.Board our comfortable, climate-controlled executive transit van to navigate Norbeck’s engineering marvel in peace and warmth.Experience the thrill of corkscrew timber pigtail bridges, curving gracefully over multi-level trestles built to slow traffic and highlight dramatic vistas. Peer ahead through narrow, hand-blasted single-lane granite rock tunnels specifically engineered to frame the illuminated faces of Mount Rushmore right in our vehicle headlights.We pause at scenic elevated overlooks for quiet night photography and stories from expert local guides detailing 1930s CCC craftsmanship.Next, step out beneath pristine dark skies for guided high-altitude stargazing (weather permitting), viewing distant galaxies, constellations, and planets with hot drinks in hand.It is an unforgettable late-night journey through the Black Hills.
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Show 1 more stop

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Mt Rushmore Night Ceremony and Tour – with Tunnels and Stargazing?

A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-16571P35

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.62
84 reviews

Average 4.62 out of 5 stars based on 84 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
70
4 stars
6
3 stars
1
2 stars
4
1 star
3
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 11 (1) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Mt Rushmore Night Ceremony and Tour – with Tunnels and Stargazing?
A:
This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Bottled water.
  • Fees.
  • Driver/guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Gratuities.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Mt Rushmore Night Ceremony and Tour - with Tunnels and Stargazing is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Mt Rushmore Night Ceremony and Tour – with Tunnels and Stargazing will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Bottled water
  • Fees
  • Driver/guide
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name