6
4 Hours
50 Miles
Although walk-up guests are welcome, our tours often sell out in advance. To secure your preferred date and avoid disappointment, we strongly recommend booking early.
Most people visit Mount Rushmore during the day, snap a photo, and leave. But they miss what I think is the most powerful part—when the sun drops, the crowds thin, and the lighting ceremony begins. This isn’t about fireworks or fanfare. It’s quiet, meaningful, and patriotic without being preachy. The faces glow against the night sky, and the ranger’s talk adds real weight to what this place represents.
We’ll head out in the early evening and take our time along the way. If you haven’t been through Keystone when the light’s soft, you’re in for a treat. Before the ceremony, we can walk the Presidential Trail if time and comfort allow, and find a great viewing spot for the show. I’ve got binoculars, extra jackets, and local insight. You’ll hear the stories you won’t find on plaques—why the faces were chosen, how they were carved, and what they mean to people today.
As the Mount Rushmore Illumination Tour begins, there’s a stillness that settles in. They play a short film, the flag is lowered, and veterans are honored on stage. Then the lights come up slowly on the monument. Every time I watch it, something different hits me. You don’t need to be into politics or history to feel it—it just hits. We’ll leave the Mount Rushmore Illuimination Ceremony after the crowd disperses and make our way back under a sky full of stars. For a lot of guests, this ends up being their favorite moment of the entire trip.
Spent 3 days in South Dakota with Daniel as our guide. Each day was a new adventure which we really enjoyed. He was very prompt and extremely knowledgeable with South Dakota history and landmarks. He made sure we had plenty of time at each monument, we never felt rushed. We requested to stay later in the Badlands to see the stars and he accommodated us. We would recommend anyone looking for a guide in South Dakota to call XO Adventures.
2 tours and 1 to go with XO Adventures. Both guides, Daniel and Kelli, have been absolutely fantastic! Highlighted the attractions for Black Hills and Devil’s Tower/Spearfish Canyon, but also tailored to meet additional requests. Highly recommended for your personal tours!
Daniel picked us up at our place of stay and took us on a magical ride throughout the Black Hills and Badlands. Wonderful knowledge and history of the locations. I highly recommend the Badlands at the Golden hour. Aimee recommended that tour and WOW! Nothing I could write would do it justice. Daniel was the best. We came in the off season and it seemed we had the hills to ourselves. We saw so many things going the back roads with Daniel that we may never would have seen had we driven. The best tour we have ever taken.
We don’t just show you the sights—we connect you to the stories that make them unforgettable. With a focus on responsible tourism and respect for the land’s rich heritage, we ensure your journey is meaningful and memorable.
Click on a tour below for more information & booking.
Your questions answered
A personally guided tour. Avoid the crowds, learn the story, and observe the carving.
May, late September and early October are best to avoid crowds.
The Presidential Trail takes you close to the monument, provides unique vantage points, and leads you to the sculptor’s studio.
Yes! Iron Mountain Road leads you from Mount Rushmore to Custer State Park and Needles Highway.
It depends on your interests, but typically 1- 1 ½ hours.
Reusable water bottles, a camera, layered clothing, sneakers with a good grip, sunglasses, a hat, and your curiosity.
The Black Hills is known for its unpredictable weather. At 5,725 feet, Mount Rushmore can vary between cool and hot temperatures, with clear skies or rain and sometimes fog. The summer is usually very pleasant, but be prepared.
Yes! We will stop for lunch at a local restaurant at a time of your choosing.
We know all the bathroom facilities en route and prompt you when they are nearby.
The tour’s length can vary depending on several factors, but it typically lasts between 8 and 9 hours.
No, this is a private tour. We don’t mix groups.
Your guide will contact you on or a few minutes before arrival with the vehicle description.
We have Ford Transit passenger vans, GMC Yukon XLs, and a Chevy Tahoe.
We operate the tour rain or shine. The only exception is severe weather. In this case, we may delay pickup, pause along the tour to enjoy an attraction indoors, or allow a storm to pass. Our guests’ safety is the number one priority.
We customize the tour to your physical ability. If walking is a concern, Mount Rushmore tends to be the longest walk down the Avenue of the Flags. If you enjoy hiking, we’ll add as many moments as possible.
Yes, you’re chances at seeing wildlife are highest in Custer State Park along the Wildlife Loop Road.
Common wildlife seen throughout the tour are Buffalo, Deer, Pronghorn Antelope, Prairie Dogs, Raptors, Songbirds, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goats, Turkeys, Yellow-Bellied Marmots, Chipmunks, Coyote, Elk and more.
While Daniel can be requested, it cannot be guaranteed. All of our guides are highly trained and personable. We have a great team focused on making your experience exceptional!
It depends. If you are outside the Rapid City area, a surcharge covers time, fuel, and expenses. Gratuities are not included and are appreciated. Daniel appreciates gratuities as well! We charge $99 an hour if you want to extend your tour length.
While this varies from person to person, we set the bar high and work very hard to clear it. Tips vary between $80 to $250.
Yes, it can be customized to your likes and interests. Please inquire directly about your customization requests.
Typically, we limit the number of guests to six but make exceptions for certain groups and can accommodate up to eight.
We are a door-to-door service. Our guides will pick you up directly from your accommodations. If your accommodations are outside the free pickup area within Rapid City and you do not want to pay the additional fee, we can meet at the Holiday Inn Convention Center parking lot at 505 North 5th Street.
Absolutely. We love our little adventurers. Our guides adjust to ensure kids are learning, happy, and engaged. Out of respect for the land, our guides, and the experience, we ask that cell phones, games, and other electronic devices be left behind or used extremely limitedly during the tour.
There are no additional charges for legal, certified service animals. However, any animal onboard will require additional work to clean surfaces, vacuum fur, and remove dander. You may want to consider this when tipping your guide.
We offer promotions from time to time. You can find these by subscribing to our newsletter on the website.
We offer two payment options. One is to make a deposit upfront, with the remainder due 14 days before the tour date. The other is to pay in full. For deposit details and terms, please call.
Yes, there are. We have an array of My XO Adventures swag and connections with local Native American artists who provide us with authentic items to sell.
The tours and customer service are not the same. We feel that booking directly gives you the best experience, care, and personal touch you deserve.
