Top 10 Historical Tours in Rapid City

Destination: Rapid City.
Experience the stunning beauty of the Black Hills on this unforgettable private afternoon & evening tour, designed to highlight the region’s most scenic drives & end with the Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony. First, we visit the tranquil Sylvan Lake, nestled among pine-covered hills & dramatic rock formations. We continue with a picturesque journey along the legendary Needles Hwy, where towering granite spires, narrow tunnels, & sweeping views create an unforgettable drive. You’ll have plenty of time for photo stops, short walks, and commentary from your knowledgeable local guide. Then, travel the engineering marvel of Iron Mt Rd, known for its pigtail bridges, scenic switchbacks, & tunnels that perfectly frame Mt Rushmore in the distance. We arrive at Mt Rushmore with time to explore, then as night falls, gather at the amphitheater for the Lighting Ceremony—a patriotic & heartfelt experience that includes a short film, tribute to veterans, & the illumination of the iconic carvings.
Known For: Rapid City Historical Tours, Rapid City Luxury Car Tours, Rapid City Bus Tours, Rapid City Car Tours, Rapid City Zombie, Rapid City Day Trips, Rapid City Half-day Tours, Rapid City Private Sightseeing Tours.
Duration: Around 6 hours.

Destination: Rapid City.
The Badlands have many secrets and requires a seasoned guide to explain and reveal them. GeoFunTrek Tours' guides are local experts with decades of experience. We have no seasonal-guides, part-time guides or trainee-guides. This is a family-owned business and all tours are conducted by family members: Cindy, Christopher and John Esposti. We have the knowledge and skills to make your day one to remember. You will always get the A-Team when you tour with GeoFunTrek Tours! All tours are PRIVATE TOURS, exclusive to the group booking the tour, and no additional guests will be included. Children must be accompanied by one adult. Children 3 years and younger are free and will have their own seat. Children's car seats must be supplied by family members when required. Our vehicles are SUV's and a van may be rented for larger groups. Please enquire about vehicles if you have any questions. This tour is great for 3-generation families with Children, multiple couples and groups of friends.
Known For: Rapid City Private and Luxury, Rapid City Bus Tours, Rapid City Car Tours, Rapid City Cultural Tours, Rapid City Top Product, Rapid City 4WD Tours, Rapid City Historical Tours, Rapid City Full-day Tours, Rapid City Day Trips, Rapid City Private Sightseeing Tours.

Destination: Rapid City.
What makes this tour unique is the combination of three of Western South Dakota's most iconic destinations – Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park Wildlife Loop – into a single, comprehensive, and fully narrated experience. Over 8-9 hours, you'll not just see these landmarks, but gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for their history, cultural significance, and natural beauty. We always give the guest time to buy their lunch during the tour.
Known For: Rapid City Day Trips, Rapid City Bus Tours, Rapid City Historical Tours, Rapid City Small Group, Rapid City Full-day Tours, Rapid City Cultural Tours, Rapid City Top Product, Rapid City New Product.

Destination: Rapid City.
This tour allows you to experience the rare and exquisite beauty the Black Hills has to offer. This is a guided tour, and the guide will share the incredible history of the area.
Known For: Rapid City Historical Tours, Rapid City Hiking Tours.
Duration: Around 8 hours.

Destination: Rapid City.
This Northern Black Hills Shared Tour is unique because it combines breathtaking scenery with a fascinating glimpse into the Wild West history that shaped the region. You'll experience the natural beauty of the northern Black Hills while also uncovering the stories and historical points that bring the legendary Wild West days to life. It's a perfect balance of natural wonder and historical intrigue!
Known For: Rapid City Day Trips, Rapid City Bus Tours, Rapid City Historical Tours, Rapid City Small Group, Rapid City Full-day Tours, Rapid City Cultural Tours, Rapid City New Product.

Destination: Rapid City.
Discover the best of the Black Hills on this unforgettable evening adventure. Your tour begins with a scenic drive along the world-famous Iron Mountain Road, a winding masterpiece with pigtail bridges, mountain vistas, and tunnels leading to Mt. Rushmore. Along the way, your guide shares insightful stories of the region’s history, people, and natural beauty. Arriving at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, we’ll stroll the Avenue of the Flags for a first close-up view of the monument. Your guide will bring the story of its creation to life with engaging details about the vision, artistry, and challenges behind this American landmark. As night falls, you’ll take part in the moving Evening Illumination Ceremony, where patriotic music and storytelling culminate in the dramatic lighting of the monument. This tour blends breathtaking scenery with cultural heritage and national pride, making it one of the most memorable ways to experience Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills.
Known For: Rapid City Half-day Tours, Rapid City 4WD Tours, Rapid City Historical Tours, Rapid City Private Sightseeing Tours, Rapid City Bus Tours, Rapid City Day Trips.

Destination: Rapid City.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a massive sculpture carved into Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. Completed in 1941 under the direction of Gutzon Borglum and his son Lincoln, the sculpture’s roughly 60-ft.-high granite faces depict U.S. presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. The site also features a museum with interactive exhibits.
Known For: Rapid City Day Trips, Rapid City Half-day Tours, Rapid City Bus Tours, Rapid City Historical Tours, Rapid City Best Conversion, Rapid City Small Group, Rapid City Cultural Tours, Rapid City New Product.

Destination: Rapid City.
This tour covers the three major areas of the Black Hills and Badlands. You can put down the planning, and relax as we take you to the significant points of interest. At times, we may deviate from the itinerary for some surprise visits. We can spend more or less time at each location based on your interests. Our guides are trained in a way that enhances your experience on so many levels. We care about your time here most of all and are willing to go out of our way to ensure you have an excellent experience. Photography is something we love as well, and photos will be provided at the end of each day, free of charge.
Known For: Rapid City Historical Tours, Rapid City Luxury Car Tours, Rapid City Bus Tours, Rapid City Multi-day Tours, Rapid City Private Sightseeing Tours, Rapid City 4WD Tours.
Duration: Around 3 days.

Destination: Rapid City.
This tour is unique because it offers a convenient and efficient way to experience two iconic South Dakota landmarks in a single day. Instead of having to drive yourself and navigate parking at both Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse, this tour provides shared transportation from Rapid City, maximizing your time to explore and learn about these impressive monuments. By dedicating 2 hours to each site, you'll have ample time to take photos, soak in the history, and appreciate the artistry of these incredible sculptures. This is a great option for travelers seeking a hassle-free and time-optimized introduction to these popular South Dakota attractions.
Known For: Rapid City Day Trips, Rapid City Bus Tours, Rapid City Historical Tours, Rapid City Small Group, Rapid City Cultural Tours, Rapid City New Product.

Destination: Rapid City.
What makes this Badlands and Wall Drug Store tour unique is the depth of knowledge and storytelling it offers. It's not just a scenic drive, but a fully narrated experience that brings the Badlands and prairie areas to life with abundant information and captivating stories. This ensures a richer and more engaging experience compared to self-guided tours or those with less historical and cultural context, especially since it spans a substantial 7-8 hours.
Known For: Rapid City Small Group, Rapid City Historical Tours, Rapid City Cultural Tours, Rapid City Day Trips, Rapid City Full-day Tours, Rapid City Bus Tours, Rapid City New Product.