Mount Rushmore with four faces carved into the rock, surrounded by trees and a clear sky. 1

A map of a driving tour highlighting Mount Rushmore and Black Hills landmarks. 2

Mount Rushmore Self-Guided Audio Tour Guide

By Shaka Guide Apps

Wonderful

Free cancellation available

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Features

Free cancellation available
13h
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation

Overview

Discover the grandeur of Mount Rushmore National Memorial with our engaging and amusing audio tour! Marvel at the colossal faces of four iconic US presidents while our witty guides share fascinating stories, fun facts, and historical insights. Learn about the incredible artistry and engineering behind this monumental achievement, as well as the legends and lore surrounding it. Perfect for families, history buffs, and curious travellers, our audio tour adds a delightful twist to your visit. Simply download, plug in your headphones, and embark on a memorable adventure through Mount Rushmore!

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Activity location

Cosmos Mystery Area
- 24040 Cosmos Rd,
- 57702-7414, Rapid City, South Dakota, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

Rapid City
- Rapid City, South Dakota, United States

Check availability

Mount Rushmore Self-Guided Audio Tour Guide in English

13h
Opening hours: Sun 12:00am-11:30pm
English

Travellers

Language options: English

Price details

CA $21.13 x 1 TravellerCA $21.13

Total

What's included, what's not

Take the tour when you want
Tours NEVER expire
Freedom to explore at your own pace
Tour Start is Customisable
Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
Tour highlights with activity and restaurant recommendations
Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive
Private transport
Meals and refreshment
Parking Fees

Know before you book

- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Additional Starting Points: Three Forks, Highway 16, Highway 385 and Highway 87
- Travellers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.
- The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.
- Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.
- Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device
- Travellers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting
- Best visited May–September — peak season with full access; visit early morning or late afternoon in summer to avoid crowds; winter may see road and attraction closures
- Mount Rushmore hours vary by season — check NPS website before visiting
- Do not approach or feed wildlife
- Pack layers — mountain temperatures change quickly

Activity itinerary

Cosmos Mystery Area

30m
Admission ticket not included

In 1952, two college students discovered strange occurrences on the site of an old summer cabin. Balls rolled uphill, water flowed upwards, and people appeared shorter or taller than they actually were. Today, Cosmos Mystery Cabin is a popular tourist attraction known for these mind-bending illusions and unexplainable phenomena.

Keystone

Once upon a time, Keystone was a gold mine outpost. Then, it became a home base for the folks that carved Mount Rushmore. Now, it's a lively resort town! Keystone offers a taste of the gold rush era with restaurants, gift shops, old old-fashioned sweet shops, alongside thrilling adventures like zip lines and helicopter tours. It's the perfect basecamp for exploring the Black Hills' natural beauty and iconic monuments.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

There's so much more to do at Mt. Rushmore than gaze at those four iconic faces. Hike the 0.6-mile Presidential Trail for a closer look. Learn about sculptor Gutzon Borglum at his studio, and explore the visitor center's exhibits. Catch a ranger talk or watch the awe-inspiring evening lighting ceremony, too!

Wrinkled Rock Climbers Trailhead

Offers a variety of climbing opportunities and routes for all skill levels. There are several free tent pad sites available near the trailhead on a first-come, first-served basis. The trailhead provides parking, a bathroom facility, and some climbing information.

Breezy Point Picnic Area (Pass by)

Five-site picnic area with accessible bathrooms and scenic overlooks of the Black Elk Wilderness, Mount Rushmore, and the Black Elk Peak

Horse Thief Lake

There are two hiking options here: Shorter Scenic Hike: a 2.7-mile out-and-back, moderate trail. It follows a gentle creek with scenic views of rock formations and towering pines. Longer Loop Adventure: a challenging 11-mile loop trail. This route takes you through dense Black Hills forests with occasional glimpses of dramatic rock outcroppings. Be prepared for some muddy sections and potential horse encounters.

Needles Scenic View

1h
Admission ticket not included

"This is a 14-mile scenic drive through Custer State Park. This historic road was built in the 1920s, and it twists and turns alongside dramatic scenery. Keep an eye out for the iconic Needle's Eye Tunnel. This narrow passage (around 8 feet wide) cuts through a towering granite spire. Don't forget to pull off and explore! Short trails lead to viewpoints where you can admire the Needles up close. For a panoramic vista of the entire Needles Highway, stop at the Cathedral Spires Overlook. Here, you can take in the breathtaking display of granite spires reaching towards the sky.

Little Devil's Tower Trail (Pass by)

The trail is a 3.8-mile out-and-back with moderate difficulty. The initial section is easy, but expect switchbacks and some climbing later on. The final ascent to the top of Little Devils Tower involves some scrambling over rocks. Despite the climb, the payoff is incredible. Enjoy 360-degree views of the Black Hills, including the Needles, Black Elk Peak fire tower, and more.

Needles Eye

The Needle's Eye Tunnel is 8 feet 4 inches wide by 12 feet high. It was carved carved through a towering granite spire, is a highlight of the scenic Needles Highway. Imagine driving through a natural frame, with the rock formation mere feet from your car! It allows only one car at a time, adding a touch of excitement (or challenge) to your road trip adventure.

Cathedral Spires Hiking Trail

Short but moderately challenging 1.5-mile out-and-back trail. The trail leads you right up to the base of the Cathedral Spires, towering granite pillars that resemble a cathedral. Be prepared for some sections where you might need to scramble over rocks. The hike rewards you with stunning views of the Needles, a unique landscape of spiky granite formations.

Custer State Park (Pass by)

Nestled in South Dakota's Black Hills, Custer State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Cruise the Needles Highway, a scenic drive with tunnels that pierce granite spires. Hike to the top of Little Devils Tower for panoramic views. Spot bison roaming free in the wild or take a scenic train ride. The park offers a historic lodge, campsites, and cosy cabins for an unforgettable Black Hills adventure.

Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center

The Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Centre ignites curiosity about the Black Hills' wonders. This historic lodge, built from local stone, is a haven for families. Inside, exhibits showcase the park's wildlife, geology, and history. Kids can explore a recreated mine and learn about nature through interactive displays. Outside, play areas and trails provide hands-on learning adventures for all ages.

Wildlife Loop Road (Pass by)

Custer State Park's 18-mile Wildlife Loop is an unforgettable animal encounter. This scenic drive winds past rolling prairies, forests, and canyons. Be sure to pack your binoculars! The star attraction is the park's 1,300-strong bison herd, often grazing in the meadows. Keep your eyes peeled for other residents like elk, deer, pronghorn antelope, and even the occasional bighorn sheep or burros. Remember, stay in your car and observe from a distance – these are wild animals!

Badger Hole Historic Site

This humble cabin was once home to South Dakota's beloved poet, Badger Clark. Explore the site and imagine Clark crafting cowboy poetry amidst the Black Hills' beauty. While the cabin itself might be closed for preservation (depending on the season), the surrounding area offers a short trail for a peaceful walk through history.

Custer

Stroll down historic Main Street lined with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Take a ride on the 1880 Steam Train for a nostalgic journey through the Black Hills.

Crazy Horse Memorial

This colossal work in progress depicts Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse on horseback, honouring his fight for his people's freedom. Started in 1948, it's the world's largest mountain carving underway. At the visitor centre, you can explore the Indian Museum of North America to delve into the rich history and culture of the Lakota people. Catch traditional Lakota dance performances or browse authentic Native American arts and crafts. Special events throughout the year offer a deeper dive into their heritage.

Wind Cave National Park (Pass by)

Explore intricate caverns adorned with glistening crystals on a guided tour. Marvel at the Boxwork Formation, a one-of-a-kind web of calcite blades. Feel the cool air rushing through the cave – it's the namesake wind, one of the strongest winds ever recorded underground! Above ground, hike scenic trails spotting prairie wildlife. Wind Cave offers a unique adventure for all ages.

Iron Mountain Road

Cruise the scenic Iron Mountain Road, a 17-mile adventure connecting Custer State Park to Mount Rushmore. Prepare for twists and turns with breathtaking Black Hills views. Keep an eye out for the Doane Robinson and Scovel Johnson tunnels. Time your drive to see Mount Rushmore framed perfectly through the openings! Pigtail Bridges: These ingenious structures loop the road back under itself, allowing for steeper climbs and showcasing engineering marvels.

Norbeck Overlook

Perched along the Iron Mountain Scenic Drive, the Norbeck Overlook offers a free glimpse of Mount Rushmore's grandeur. This short detour rewards you with a breathtaking vista of the Black Hills, with the iconic presidents' faces peeking above the pines in the distance. It's a perfect spot to snap photos and appreciate the scale of Mount Rushmore without the entrance fee. For a closer look, continue your journey on the scenic drive towards the monument itself.

Jewel Cave National Monument

Explore a labyrinth of sparkling calcite crystals on a ranger-led tour. Descend hundreds of feet for a glimpse of the otherworldly formations – glistening frostwork, delicate needles, and massive cave balloons. Choose from easy walking tours to lantern-lit spelunking adventures for a taste of historic cave exploration. While the surface offers hiking trails, the true wonders lie beneath, waiting to be discovered.

Location

Activity location

Cosmos Mystery Area
- 24040 Cosmos Rd,
- 57702-7414, Rapid City, South Dakota, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

Rapid City
- Rapid City, South Dakota, United States

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