CusterCity.com
A herd of bison grazing among ponderosa pines in Custer State Park

Tours & tickets

Black Hills tours, safaris & experiences

Ride a jeep among the bison, fly over Mount Rushmore, take the 1880 Train or spend a day in the Badlands. Every tour here is bookable online through Viator.

Custer State Park and the Needles

Bison safaris, granite spires, horseback rides and bike trails, all within a few miles of Custer.

Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse

The two great mountain carvings of the Black Hills, by road, by steam train or from the air.

Badlands, Deadwood and beyond

Day trips to the Badlands and the Wild West town of Deadwood, plus gold panning and caves for a rainy day.

Booking tours in the Black Hills: what to know

Booking ahead gets you a fixed price and a guaranteed place, which matters in the short, busy summer season.

Book summer and August early

Jeep safaris, helicopter flights and the 1880 Train are busiest from late June to August. During the Sturgis Rally in early August, everything in the Black Hills is in demand.

Most tours are seasonal

Many tours run only from about May to October. In winter, choose indoor sights such as the Mammoth Site, or check which tours are still running.

Check what is included

  • Hotel pickup, or a meeting point in Rapid City, Keystone or Custer
  • Entrance fees and the Custer State Park license
  • Parking at Mount Rushmore
  • What happens if a flight or tour is cancelled for weather

Cancellation terms

Many tours on Viator offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time, and some let you reserve now and pay later. Terms vary by tour, so read them before you book.

Share this
FacebookXPinterestEmailLinkedIn

Good to know

Black Hills tours FAQ

Is a jeep safari in Custer State Park worth it?

Yes, especially if you want to see bison up close and learn about the park from a guide. Safaris run from spring to autumn and are popular in summer, so book ahead.

Can I see Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse in one day?

Easily. They are about 45 minutes apart, and many tours from Rapid City combine them. From Custer, visit Crazy Horse in the morning and Mount Rushmore in the afternoon or for the evening lighting.

Do I need to book Jewel Cave and Wind Cave tours?

Cave tours are run by the National Park Service, not by tour companies, and the popular summer tours sell out. Check the park websites for current tours and how to get tickets.

Is the 1880 Train worth it?

It is a fun, relaxed ride of about an hour each way between Hill City and Keystone on a vintage steam train, and a hit with children and rail fans. It runs from spring to autumn.

Can I cancel a tour if my plans change?

Many tours on Viator offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Terms vary by tour, so check them on the booking page.

Plan your Black Hills trip

Find the right tour for your Black Hills trip

Filter by date, price and duration, read verified reviews and book with instant confirmation.

Browse Black Hills tours Compare all tours