Mount Rushmore & Crazy Horse
Including a Buffalo Photo Safari
Mount Rushmore is something many want to see, but let's face it...it's in the middle of nowhere. The challenge was to create an interesting tour that included Mount Rushmore and more. Now that we have been here many times we know there is so much to see and do… a truly amazing and unique landscape that’s not to be missed. Our tour includes Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial (another mountain carving still in the making), Badlands National Park, and a visit to Devils Tower in nearby Wyoming. We'll also take a buffalo jeep safari. This trip offers a quintessential slice of Americana worth experiencing.
Mount Rushmore & Crazy Horse
August 16 - August 22, 2027Highlights
- Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- See the still-under-construction Crazy Horse Memorial
- Drive South Dakota's Badlands National Park
- Stand in Awe at Devils Tower
- Ride a Jeep on a Buffalo Safari
- Time to explore personal interests
- Suggestions for additional things to see
- And More... See itinerary for details
Activity
Read more about WTT Activity Levels
- 50% Easy
- 50% Moderate (significant outdoor walking & distance driving)
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.
WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
Itinerary
Monday, 16 August 2027: Arrive Rapid City, South Dakota; Welcome Dinner (D)
Schedule your flight into Rapid City to arrive no later than 4:00pm. Should you arrive earlier in the day, go exploring or simply relax. The tour begins at 6:00pm in the lobby where we'll make introductions and then depart for our Welcome Dinner to get better acquainted. Overnight Rapid City - 3 nights
Tuesday, 17 August 2027: Badlands National Park (B,L)
Today we head to Badlands National Park, which consists of nearly 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires blended with the largest protected mixed-grass prairie in the United States. We begin with a stop at the visitor center to gain an overview and appreciation of this vast and desolate area. We will drive the Badlands Loop Road to take in the spectacular scenery, making stops along the way. Bring your binoculars! You may spy bison or pronghorn antelope grazing, spot a coyote stalking rodents, or perhaps catch a glimpse of bighorn sheep. We'll return to Rapid City late this afternoon.
Wednesday, 18 August 2027: Day Trip to Devils Tower (B,L)
We get an early start today to drive to the northeast corner of Wyoming to visit Devils Tower National Monument. Many were first introduced to this landmark in the 1977 film, Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The tower, steeped in Native American legend, is an astounding geologic feature that protrudes out of the prairie surrounding the Black Hills. Like so many inclusions on this tour, it's a bit remote but definitely worth seeing up close. For those who desire, we'll walk the 1.25-mile Tower Trail that encircles the base. Though paved, this trail has a short, steep section that some find a bit strenuous. After time spent at the tower, we will have lunch together and return to Rapid City.
Thursday, 19 August 2027: Mount Rushmore & Crazy Horse Memorial (B,L)
We depart Rapid City and head for Mt. Rushmore National Memorial to see the granite slab that immortalizes the faces of four presidents carved into its facade. It is a project of colossal proportion, ambition and achievement. We will spend time at the Visitor Center and Museum learning about the tools and techniques used for carving Mount Rushmore. You can also walk the first quarter-mile of the Presidential Trail to the base of the mountain if you're so inclined. We continue on to Crazy Horse Memorial, a work still in progress. Sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski began what will become the world’s largest mountain sculpture in 1948 at the request of Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear to honor the culture, tradition and living heritage of Native peoples. Overnight Custer - 2 nights
Friday, 20 August 2027: Custer State Park & Buffalo Jeep Photo Safari; Sylvan Lake; Chuck Wagon Cookout (B,L)
Custer State Park encompasses 71,000 acres of spectacular terrain and features an abundance of wildlife. It is home to the world's largest free-roaming buffalo herd. Our destination this morning is State Game Lodge where we'll enjoy a Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour, an approximate two-hour ride through the park to view buffalo, pronghorn and elk. Afterward, we'll head to Sylvan Lake Lodge, built in a spot designated by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright for its scenic beauty. We will enjoy lunch on the grounds and then take a short 1-mile walk around the lake. It's a mostly flat walk but there may be areas where you'll need to traverse rocks. This evening we will experience another western tradition, an old-fashioned chuck wagon cookout, complete with Western entertainment.
Saturday, 21 August 2027: Return to Rapid City; Free Time; Farewell Dinner (B,D)
We return to Rapid City with stops along the way to enjoy the scenery. The afternoon is free and there will be time to refresh before we regroup for our Farewell Dinner tonight. Overnight Rapid City - 1 night
Sunday, 22 August 2027: Return Home (B)
Sadly, our time together has come to an end. Based on the departure time you provide WTT, your Tour Leader can assist with organizing travelers into small groups so you can ride-share to the airport if you wish.
Mount Rushmore & Crazy Horse
August 16 - August 22, 2027Pricing
Room Share
$2,962.00Single Room
$3,960.00Non-Members
ADD $50.00Status of this Tour
1 Space Remaining
Tour Pricing Includes
- All meals and activities expressly listed in the itinerary, PLUS...
- All tipping of local guides
- WTT Tour Leader to enhance the individual & group experience
- Arranged room sharing with another solo traveler
- Travel Dollar credits (a benefit of WTT membership) toward future travel with WTT
Not Included In The Price
- Airfare or other transportation from your home and return to your home
- Airport Transfers
- Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary
- Any personal expenses
- Any gratuities for your WTT Tour Leader
- Travel Insurance
Payment Dates -and- Cancellation Terms for This Tour
You have 3 days to cancel and receive a refund. Thereafter, the amount required at time of reservation is non-refundable and the following cancellation penalties will be enforced.
Wednesday, 17 Feb 2027: Last day $250 deposit can be converted to a credit for use on a new reservation; thereafter the deposit is forfeited.
Tuesday, 18 May 2027: Balance Due. Cancellation after this date but before Friday, 2 Jul 2027 results in a cancellation penalty of 50% of your Total Tour Cost.
Friday, 2 Jul 2027: Cancellation on or after this date results in a cancellation penalty of 100% of your Total Tour Cost.
Using Parked Credits: If traveler cancels during the 3-day cancel without penalty period, used credits will be re-parked with the original expiration date(s). Thereafter, cancellation will result in forfeiture of the total amount of parked credits used. If applicable, additional cancellation penalties will be assessed based on date of cancellation.
To Cancel: Should you need to cancel after
your space on this tour is confirmed, you must use the Cancellation Form. Cancellation penalties are based on the date we receive your
cancellation form. No other method of communicating a cancellation will be accepted.
Insurance Reminder
Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance is not included in the cost of the tour. It is your responsibility to determine the amount and type of coverage you require to recoup some or all of your travel investment, whether you cancel, are unable to complete the tour, or the tour cannot operate. Section 4.0 of WTT Terms & Conditions explains what will happen to your payments in the unlikely event that your tour cannot operate. You can purchase travel insurance from any provider you choose. To get an idea of rates, please go to NTA Travel Protection Plan (Enter 206063 for the "Tour Operator Location #") or TravelGuard.
Mount Rushmore & Crazy Horse
August 16 - August 22, 2027Flights, Transfers & Lodging
Arrival & Departure Information
Travelers will make their own air arrangements as follows:
Arrival Airport: RAP - Rapid City, SD (Rapid City Regional Airport)
Arrival Date: Monday, August 16. Arrive no later than 4:00pm.
Arrival Transfer: Use local shuttle or taxi service. Details provided in Final Travel Instructions.
Departure Airport: RAP - Rapid City, SD (Rapid City Regional Airport)
Departure Date: Sunday, August 22nd. Depart at your convenience.
Departure Transfer: Use local shuttle or taxi service. WTT Tour Leader will assist in coordinating ride sharing.
When to Book Your Air
Once you have booked your flights (or other transportation arrangements), use the Travel Arrangements Form to send WTT your flight details. Use the same form to update your information should it change.
Airport Transfer Information
When arrival transfers are not included: WTT will provide suggestions to get to the hotel in your Final Travel Instructions about 2-3 weeks before the start of the tour. You'll also be able to see who else is arriving at the same time if you want to coordinate ride-sharing to the hotel.
Don't Worry. We're Expecting You: One of the reasons we ask for your travel arrangements is so we know when you're arriving and can approximate when you should be at the hotel. Your Final Travel Instructions will have instructions on what to do and who to contact if your flight is delayed.
Lodging / Hotels
Rapid City: Hotel Alex Johnson
Custer: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Custer
Rapid City: Hotel Alex Johnson
Whenever possible, we choose hotels that are near the city center and/or where there are things to do and places to eat within walking distance of the hotel. When the chosen hotel is not within walking distance of much, transportation options, at the traveler's expense, are typically available.
In the unlikely event WTT is unable to provide the hotel accommodation(s) listed, for whatever reason, WTT will substitute similar quality accommodation(s) at no additional cost to the traveler.
Want to Arrive a Day Early?
- The room (standard check-in times apply)
- Breakfast the following morning
- Optional activity suggestions prior to tour
$190.00 Roomshare pp $347.00 Single Occupancy
Early Arrival Hotel: This tour uses the same hotel used on the first night of the tour.
Additional Reminders About This Tour
Mount Rushmore & Crazy Horse
August 16 - August 22, 2027Destination Information
What do others say about this tour and traveling with WTT?
How Does Room Sharing Work?
On the Reservation Form there are 3 choices regarding room-sharing.
Note: Certain room-types may be unavailable at the time you make your reservation. If a room-type is unavailable the choice will be greyed out.
- Select "Yes, I want to share a room" and WTT will assign you a roommate when Final Travel Instructions are sent.
- You can specify a roommate by entering her name where indicated. If your named roommate is not on the tour, for any reason, WTT will assign you a roommate unless you pay to have your own room, if available.
- Select "No, I do not wish to share a room" if you want to have your own room. Additional costs apply.
- All shared rooms have 2 beds
- All shared rooms are non-smoking
- No special requests about your roommate can be accommodated
- See "Frequently Asked Questions" TAB for more details
How Active is this Tour?
- 50% Easy
- 50% Moderate (significant outdoor walking & distance driving)
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.
WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
What is the Group Size?
You will be introduced to the WTT Tour Leader when you receive your Final Travel Instructions, about 2-3 weeks before the tour begins.
Learn about your fellow travelers after final payment by visiting MyWTT. Room sharing assignments will be listed in the Final Travel Instructions.
What meals are included and how are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Each day of the itinerary lists the included meals for that day (B,L,D,O=Other). When a meal is not included, the WTT Tour Leader will have suggestions for where to eat.
You do not have to dine alone unless it is your personal choice. You'll most likely be dining with new acquaintances you've made, or you can join the Tour Leader.
Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarian and gluten-free dietary restrictions can be accommodated on this tour with limited selections.
What clothing and items should I pack for this trip?
In general the temperature, rainfall and humidity levels vary based on the time of the year. We suggest you monitor weather apps leading up to the time you depart for the most current information. Weather can be unpredictable in South Dakota, even at this time of year. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. We suggest you monitor weather apps closer to the tour start for the latest information.
For This Trip You Will Need—
- Light-weight jacket or fleece for cool mornings / evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes with good tread
You May Also Want—
- Reusable water bottle
- Swimsuit—the hotel in Custer has an indoor pool.
- One smart-casual outfit if you’d like to dress up a bit for dinners.
- Inexpensive rain poncho or rain jacket just in case.
- Sunglasses and/or hat & sunscreen
Good Packing Habits—
- Bring what you need to get a good night's sleep, such as ear plugs, white noise generator, sleeping aids, etc. Unfamiliar noises of all types can disrupt your rest.
- Pack a limited amount of comfortable, casual clothing that layer and coordinate. Your fellow travelers will not mind or even notice – seeing you in the same clothing.
- Bring only two pairs of everyday shoes: one pair of well-broken-in walking shoes, and a second pair that could do double-duty as a walking shoe or a slightly dressy shoe.
- Pare down your beauty regimen to the bare minimum and always pack travel-sized toiletries.
- Pack medication in your carry-on and pack only as much as needed for the duration of your tour plus a few extra days as a precaution.
What are the luggage restrictions for this tour?
We will use the WTT Coach. Luggage restrictions are driven by the physical space limitations of this vehicle and the requirement that all travelers be able to manage their own belongings without assistance.
- It is best to travel as lightly as possible. Most travelers regret when they have packed too much.
- You may bring one suitcase plus small shoulder bag/day pack/purse.
- Maximum suitcase size: 22-24 inches in height. This is the size of bag that fits into the overhead bins of aircraft. Suitcases larger than this will not fit properly in the WTT coach; don't bring them.
- The weight of your bag should not exceed 30 pounds as you will need to lift it into the coach luggage compartment.
- You are responsible for managing your own belongings. We expect you to take your belongings from the coach to your room and to bring it back to the coach and load it on days we change hotels. We do not provide luggage pulls; they are not safe and are inconvenient. The possibility of steps exist at most hotel entrances.
How much money should I bring on this tour?
What are the tipping guidelines for this tour?
- You are responsible for tipping waitstaff, porters, or other individuals who provide a service to you at the hotel, or other public locations.
- You may want to tip your WTT Tour Leader for an outstanding job. The amount is entirely a personal preference. If you'd like a guideline, consider $8-$10 per day.
What other Additional Information do I need to know?
Can I transfer my deposit to another tour?
To get off this tour and register for another tour, you must follow these steps - in the order shown:
2) WAIT before submitting your new reservation! You must receive the Cancellation Confirmation email before submitting your new reservation. This can take up to 2 business days. The Cancellation Confirmation email will list the amount of parked credits from this tour that are now available to use on a new reservation.
3) COMPLETE the new Reservation Form and USE the parked credits towards your deposit on the new tour.
Note: If you used Parked Credits to pay the deposit on this tour, these credits cannot be used a second time and are not eligible to be transferred.
What happens if I need to cancel this tour?
Mount Rushmore & Crazy Horse
August 16 - August 22, 2027SPACE RESERVATION REQUEST
If becoming a member and signing up for a tour at the same time, you only need to fill out this form.
Our Promise to You
It doesn’t matter which tour you choose.
You’ll find your people and make memories that last a lifetime.