Mount Rushmore & Black Hills: Scenic Bus Tour with Admissions

Summary

Black Hills roads, Mount Rushmore faces, tunnels and wild stories

You’ll feel South Dakota’s Black Hills come alive—from sunrise at Mount Rushmore to winding roads and narrow tunnels with a local guide at the wheel. Enjoy buffalo stew inside Custer State Park, pause by Sylvan Lake’s glassy water, and stand before Crazy Horse Memorial as it takes shape—each stop full of its own small surprises.

What’s the experience like?

“You can’t rush the mountain,” our driver, Mike, said right as we pulled up to Mount Rushmore. I’d barely finished my coffee and there it was—those faces lit up by the early light, sharper than I expected. The air smelled piney and a little dusty, and everyone shuffled off the bus in this sort of quiet awe. Mike told us how Borglum wanted the carvings facing east for the sunrise—never thought about that before. I wandered off for a bit, just listening to snippets of families talking in different languages and watching kids point up like they’d spotted superheroes.

After that first hour at Mount Rushmore (felt both long and short), we wound down Iron Mountain Road. Honestly, those one-lane tunnels are wild—Mike slowed down so we could see the memorial framed perfectly through the rock. There’s this moment where everyone holds their breath as the bus squeezes through. Someone behind me muttered “I hope he’s done this before,” which cracked us all up. It’s only 17 miles but feels longer because you’re craning your neck every few minutes trying not to miss anything.

Lunch was at Custer State Park’s Game Lodge—Mike swore by the buffalo stew so I went for it (he was right). The place still has that old presidential vibe; you half expect someone in a bowler hat to walk by. Afterward, Needles Highway really surprised me—the rocks look like something out of an old western movie, all jagged and weirdly delicate at the same time. When our bus squeezed through Needles Eye Tunnel (inches to spare), people outside actually cheered for us. That made me laugh—I mean, who cheers for a bus?

Sylvan Lake was a quick stop but I still remember how clear the water looked against those pale boulders—some folks grabbed coffee while others just sat quietly on benches. Last was Crazy Horse Memorial; you get an hour there to wander or just stare at what’s being carved out of stone day after day. There’s something about seeing history literally in progress that sticks with you longer than you’d think.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mount Rushmore and Black Hills tour

• Check in at Fort Hays Headquarters
• Bus departs for Mount Rushmore
• Explore Mount Rushmore National Memorial
• Drive along Iron Mountain Road
• Lunch at Game Lodge in Custer State Park
• Drive Needles Highway and pass Needles Eye Tunnel
• Rest stop and coffee at Sylvan Lake
• Visit Crazy Horse Memorial

Top questions

How long is the Mount Rushmore & Black Hills bus tour?

The tour lasts most of the day, starting with check-in between 7:45-8am and departing at 9am.

Is lunch included on this Black Hills bus tour?

No, lunch is not included in this package but there is a stop at Custer State Park’s Game Lodge where you can purchase food.

Are admissions to Mount Rushmore and other sites included?

Yes, admissions to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Custer State Park, and Crazy Horse Memorial are included.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you check in at Fort Hays Chuckwagon headquarters in the morning.

What attractions are visited during this Black Hills bus tour?

The tour visits Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Iron Mountain Road, Custer State Park (Game Lodge), Needles Highway, Sylvan Lake, and Crazy Horse Memorial.

Is there a restroom on board the bus?

Yes, there is a restroom available on board the air-conditioned vehicle.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants are allowed but must sit on an adult's lap or ride in a pram or stroller.

Are service animals permitted on this Mount Rushmore tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on board during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned public transportation with restroom onboard plus all entry fees for Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Custer State Park (including Sylvan Lake), and Crazy Horse Memorial covered—just check in at Fort Hays Chuckwagon headquarters in the morning before setting off with your local guide for a full loop through South Dakota’s best sights.