How To Choose Your Black Hills and Badlands Tour
Finding the Right Tour Guide for Your Black Hills Journey
Choosing your Black Hills and Badlands tour is about more than just checking off famous landmarks—it’s about finding an experience that matches your interests, pace, and sense of adventure. With My XO Adventures, every tour is private and fully customized, ensuring you see the region in a meaningful way. Whether you’re drawn to the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park, the history and grandeur of Mount Rushmore, or the hidden gems that most visitors miss, we craft an itinerary that brings the Black Hills to life.
Our expert guides go beyond the surface, sharing rich stories, geological wonders, and local insights that make your journey unforgettable. With exclusive access, picnic lunches in scenic locations, and no crowds to contend with, you’ll experience the Black Hills and Badlands like never before. Let us handle the details while you take in the stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and deep cultural history that make this region extraordinary.
When visiting Southwestern South Dakota, everyone should experience three main tours: the Central and Southern Black Hills, the Northern Black Hills, and the Badlands. No area should be missed; each offers unique and completely different experiences. By booking your Black Hills and Badlands tour with My XO Adventures, you’ve got all your bases covered.
Maximizing Your Time in the Black Hills and Badlands
This guide breaks down the best Black Hills and Badlands Tours, what to expect, and how to make the most of your visit.
The Black Hills are in the western part of South Dakota, with Rapid City at its foothills. The region is a stunning mix of rugged terrain, pine forests, wildlife, and legendary landmarks in the western part of South Dakota Mt. Rushmore National Memorial to Custer State Park. There’s no shortage of places to explore.
This guide breaks down the best types of tours from Rapid City, what to expect, and how to make the most of your visit.



If you want to experience the Badlands at their absolute best, nothing compares to our Golden Hour and Night Sky Tour. As the sun dips low, the rugged landscape transforms into a canvas of deep oranges, fiery reds, and soft purples—a sight that photographers and nature lovers dream of. As daylight fades, we take you to an exclusive private stargazing location, far from light pollution, where the Milky Way stretches across the sky in breathtaking detail.
With zero-gravity chairs and high-quality binoculars, you can relax under the stars while learning about constellations, planets, and the incredible dark sky of the Badlands. There’s a reason why sunset and nighttime are the best times to visit—the heat of the day fades, the crowds disappear, and the landscape shifts into something almost otherworldly. It’s not just a tour; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Beautifully Unique & Seasonal Black Hills And Badlands Tours
When planning a vacation, securing travel insurance is a crucial step that should be considered.
This insurance protects against unforeseen events disrupting your plans, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost baggage.
Due to travel’s unpredictable nature—ranging from sudden illness to natural disasters—having travel insurance ensures that you’re financially protected and can enjoy your trip with peace of mind.
Great Black Hills and Badlands tours aren’t just about the sights; it’s about the people you share them with. Our friendly and knowledgeable guides are not just instructors but your companions on this adventure. With extensive Black Hills and Badlands backgrounds, they weave stories of history, culture, and nature throughout your journey.
Their personable nature guarantees a fun and engaging experience, whether hiking the rugged trails or exploring the intriguing geological formations.