Explore the Black Hills with this self-guided walking and driving tour, weaving through landmark sites steeped in monumental art and history. Walk through the majestic Mount Rushmore, delve into the natural splendor of Custer State Park, experience the cultural resonance of Crazy Horse Memorial, and relax at the picturesque Sylvan Lake. Each location enriches your journey with its unique story and breathtaking vistas, creating memories that echo through the landscapes of South Dakota. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route. New, extra validity ‘ now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!
A half-day private tour of Mount Vernon from Washington D.C.
Ride comfortably door to door by A/C vehicle, with hotel transfers provided
Understand the history of the mansion and plantation during a guided tour
Enjoy a personalized experience, unique to you and your travel companions
What To Expect
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
If you have my Mount Rushmore walking tour, you should exit this tour now and switch to that one. To access the Mount Rushmore tour, first tap Home in the top left corner of your screen. Then press Yes to exit this tour. Once you’ve exited, launch the Mount Rushmore tour. It will start near the Information Centre at the Entrance.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Iron Mountain Road
This section of 16A is called Iron Mountain Road, which, together with the Needles Highway, encapsulates the spirit of Custer State Park.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Doane Robinson Tunnel
Next up is the second Pigtail Bridge, which is followed immediately by the first tunnel.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Iron Mountain Picnic Area
Enjoy this last section of single lane roller coaster driving. As you wind through the forest here, you’ll soon be cresting the ridge and leaving the Mount Rushmore area.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Norbeck Overlook
The highpoint of the Iron Mountain Road at 5400 ft. There’s a big parking lot here, and I recommend taking the time to get out of the car to walk to the overlook.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Scovel Johnson Tunnel
The last tunnel on Iron Mountain Road is the Scovel Johnson Tunnel, named for the chief engineer and surveyor of the Black Hills Scenic drives.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Custer State Park
You’re now driving through the heart of the Galena Fire from way back in 1988, one of largest wildfires in Custer State Park history.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Jewel Cave National Monument
“Jewel Cave”, The third largest cave system in the world, is probably already on your radar if you’re at all fascinated with the subterranean world now.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
The Gordon Stockade
In 1874, Lieutenant Colonel George Custer forever changed the fate of the Black Hills. In those days, the Black Hills belonged to the Sioux, as stated in the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Needles Highway
If you want to visit cowboy poet Badger Clark’s home, which will be on the left. You’ll see a sign that says Badger’s Hole.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Black Hills Playhouse
You’ll soon see a turnoff for the Black Hills Playhouse, possibly the single most obscure locations for drama in the world! Plays are staged between June and mid-August, a tradition that has been going strong since 1946.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Sylvan Lake
Not too long from now, you’ll be at Sylvan Lake. That marks the state park boundary. There are two particularly worthwhile places of interest here.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Sylvan Lake Lodge
You’ll soon pass the historic Sylvan Lake Lodge on the right, although you’ll not be able to see much through the trees.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Crazy Horse Memorial
In just a few minutes, you’re going to need to make a choice about whether you’d like to take the detour to the Crazy Horse Memorial, or continue following the tour loop around the Black Hills. Crazy horse is barely a ten minute drive from the junction.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Hill City
The next few blocks are the town, and most things are pretty self-explanatory.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Highlight
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: ‘ Download the separate app ‘ Enter the password ‘ Download the tour ‘ MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. ‘ If there is just one tour, launch it. ‘ If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. ‘ Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). ‘ The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. ‘ Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
Amazing Savings: why pay for an expensive, crowded, and limited bus tour ‘ priced per person! ‘ when you can have ONE amazing audio guide on your OWN phone for your WHOLE group?
Flexibility and Convenience: ‘ Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. There’s no expiration, making it perfect for revisiting on future trips.
Comprehensive Tour Experience: ‘The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. ‘ Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
Ease of Use and Accessibility: ‘ The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. ‘ There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
Memorable Keepsakes: ‘ Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
Preparation: ‘ After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. ‘ Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
Starting the Tour: ‘ Open the app upon arrival at your destination. ‘ Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. ‘ Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. ‘ Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. ‘ By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Include
Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
Exclude
Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations