Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony
Overview
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.
What's Included
- Snacks
- Bottled water
- Entrance fee
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
- Local expert guide
- Meals
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick up and drop off IF OUTSIDE OF RAPID CITY
- Personal expenses
Meeting and Pickup
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.
505 North 5th Street
Rapid City, SD 57701, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
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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Sylvan Lake
2 hours Admission Ticket Included
Needles Eye
30 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway
15 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Iron Mountain Road
30 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
2 hours Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-56418P4
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 38 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- 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).
- Snacks.
- Bottled water.
- Entrance fee.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only).
- Local expert guide.
- Meals.
- Gratuities.
- Hotel Pick up and drop off IF OUTSIDE OF RAPID CITY.
- Personal expenses.
The minimum age to participate is 1..
Apr 2025If 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 2025Accessibility information for the Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony is as follows:
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony 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 2024Once 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 2026What's Included
- Snacks
- Bottled water
- Entrance fee
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
- Local expert guide
- Meals
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick up and drop off IF OUTSIDE OF RAPID CITY
- Personal expenses
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
