Outdoor Adventure in the Badlands and Black Hills of Western South Dakota

The beautiful Black Hills region of western South Dakota is known for its history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes—from iconic Mount Rushmore and the other-worldly terrain of Badlands National Park, to lush woodland forests, the Old West town of Deadwood, and the peaks, plains, lakes, and wildlife of Custer State Park.

It’s home to the stunning (and still in-progress) Crazy Horse Memorial, the Indian Museum of North America, and dozens of unique shops, wineries, galleries, and restaurants located in and around the vibrant town of Rapid City. 

It’s also a region rich with fossils, gems, and minerals—some on display at the many geological and natural history museums in the area and others still in the ground, waiting to be discovered.

On this four-night trip, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the best of Black Hills—exploring the parks, seeing the sights, learning more about US and Native American history, and immersing yourself in the incredible surroundings. It’s the perfect adventure-filled getaway for families, groups, couples, or anyone who loves spending time in the great outdoors.

During your stay, you’ll have deluxe accommodations at an award-winning, upscale glamping resort with views of Mount Rushmore followed by two nights in an acclaimed luxury hotel in downtown Rapid City. Both offer spacious rooms, onsite dining options and other amenities, as well as high-end touches to help you relax and get a good night’s sleep after a day out adventuring.

We’ve also arranged for you to enjoy three amazing excursions that are sure to make your vacation extra special.

The first is a private, full-day tour of Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, and Custer State Park with an experienced Lakota guide. You’ll be picked up in the morning and start the day with a scenic drive to Mount Rushmore, stopping to see the Black Hills range and other landmarks along the way. Your guide will share stories of the Lakota People and the history of western South Dakota, you’ll walk the Avenue of Flags at the Mount Rushmore monument, and have time to wander and explore. Later, you’ll drive along famed Iron Mountain Road, through tunnels cut into granite, take the Wildlife Loop at Custer State Park to view buffalo, deer, Bighorn sheep, and other local wildlife, and then head up the mountains to beautiful Sylvan Lake and on to the Crazy Horse Memorial. Throughout the day, you’ll stop at overlooks and visitor centers, take photos, and enjoy lunch outdoors or at a local restaurant in Custer before making the drive back to your hotel.

Your second excursion is a fun, guided half-day trip through picturesque Spearfish Canyon to the historic town of Deadwood. You’ll drive along Spearfish Creek with your private guide, stop to visit three spectacular waterfalls, take a tour of the Adams House Museum, and then wander through town to see the sights. In Deadwood, you can shop, try your luck at one of the popular gaming halls, view the Wild Bill Hickok exhibits at the visitor centers, have lunch, and even take in an Old-West-style shootout re-enactment on Main Street. 

Finally, you’ll round out your Black Hills vacation with a private, guided sunset and stargazing experience in Badlands National Park. This unique adventure begins in the afternoon when you’re picked up at your hotel for the drive into Badlands. There, you’ll spend some time taking in the awe-inspiring views of the park’s famous buttes, pinnacles, and spires before settling into a quiet spot to watch the setting sun cast shades of orange, pink, and purple across the sky and onto the rugged ridges and ravines below. After the sun sets, the adventure continues with a drive along the Badlands Loop to a private location within the park where you can relax and gaze up at thousands of stars (including the hazy arc of the Milky Way) across the brilliant night sky. Blankets, chairs, pillows, and binoculars are included in this unforgettable experience, so all you have to bring is your sense of wonder and adventure.

Other activities can be added to your trip based on your interests. And, in addition to the planned excursions, you’ll also have free time to get out and experience more of Black Hills and Rapid City at your own pace. Stroll through Main Street Square and Art Alley. Rent a bike and ride the local trails. Grab dinner at Skogen Kitchen and drinks at the Vertex Sky Bar. Check out the fossils at the Museum at Black Hills Institute. Or book an early morning hot air balloon ride to watch the sun rise over the mountains and enjoy the wild landscapes of Black Hills National Forest and Custer State Park from a different perspective.