2025 Private Tour: A Real Look at Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Custer State Park

Thinking about a trip to the Black Hills of South Dakota can, you know, sort of bring up images of those giant faces carved into a mountain. As a matter of fact, many people picture Mount Rushmore, and honestly, that’s a big part of the appeal. Still, there’s actually so much more to see in that area, and figuring out how to pack it all in can be a bit of a puzzle. We were looking at a way to really see everything without the stress of driving and planning, and so we landed on the idea of a private tour for 2025. You know, something that bundles Mount Rushmore, the still-in-progress Crazy Horse Memorial, and the unbelievably beautiful Custer State Park into one long, really full day. To be honest, the big question was whether a private trip, which is a little more of an investment, would be better than just driving ourselves around. So, this is basically our story of what that day felt like, what we learned, and if it’s something you might want to think about for your own visit. It’s pretty much a deep look into the experience, from the moment you get picked up to the time you are dropped off, totally exhausted but really happy.

Getting Face-to-Face with Mount Rushmore

So, the first big stop on our schedule was, of course, the world-famous Mount Rushmore National Memorial. You’ve, like, seen it in a million pictures, but frankly, nothing really gets you ready for seeing it with your own two eyes. On a private tour, you just don’t have to deal with finding a parking spot, which is honestly a huge relief during the busy season. Our guide, a person who knew pretty much everything about the area, drove us right up, and just like that, we were walking toward the main viewing area. The amazing thing about having a guide right there is that you, you know, get stories you would never hear otherwise. Instead of just looking at the big stone faces, we were hearing about Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor, and all the, like, political drama and money problems he had to deal with. It’s actually a pretty wild story. The guide kind of pointed out tiny details, like how Lincoln’s glasses are shaped, and he explained why Jefferson is sort of tucked behind Washington.

We spent a good amount of time walking along the Avenue of Flags, which is really impressive, with each state and territory flag flying there. It makes for some really nice pictures, to be honest. Our guide actually knew the best spots to get a shot without a million other people in it. He suggested we take the Presidential Trail, a walkway that gets you a little closer to the base of the mountain. You can kind of feel the sheer size of the work from down there. It’s a slightly strenuous walk for some, but because this was a private trip, we could take our time, you know, with no one rushing us along. We then went into the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, which has a movie and some cool displays about how the whole thing was built. With our guide, it felt less like a stuffy museum and more like, you know, a private showing. He could answer any question we had, right then and there. It really changed the whole feeling of the visit from just ‘seeing a landmark’ to sort of understanding it on a much deeper plane.

You might think a rock carving is just a rock carving, but it’s really the context that brings it to life. At the end of the day, our guide gave us that context. He talked about the Lakota people and their connection to this land long before the carving, which is a super important part of the story that’s easy to miss. He also had a great sense of humor, telling us little stories about mishaps during the construction, which, you know, made these historical figures feel a bit more human. The flexibility was just amazing. We probably spent more time there than a big bus tour would allow, simply because we were so into it. We could literally just say, “Hey, can we stay another ten minutes?” and the answer was always “Of course.” It’s that kind of personal touch that, frankly, made the whole morning feel special.

Feeling the Scale of the Crazy Horse Memorial

Alright, so after leaving Rushmore, we took a short drive over to our next stop, which was the Crazy Horse Memorial. Now, if you think Rushmore is big, just you wait. The Crazy Horse Memorial is, like, on a whole other level of massive. The whole point of this place is to honor the culture and the living heritage of North American Indians. The project was started back in 1948 by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski at the request of Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear, who famously said, “My fellow chiefs and I would like the white man to know the red man has great heroes, also.” And honestly, that feeling really comes through when you’re there.

What’s really striking about this memorial is that it is very much a work in progress. You can see the face of the Lakota leader Crazy Horse completed, but the rest of the mountain is still being worked on, and you can sort of see the vision taking shape. A private guide is really helpful here, because, you know, they can explain the vision and the incredible challenges involved. This isn’t a government-funded project; it’s paid for by donations and entry fees, which is kind of amazing when you think about it. Our guide told us all about the Ziolkowski family, who have continued Korczak’s work after he passed away. It’s more or less a family’s life mission, and hearing about their dedication is pretty inspiring. You kind of get a sense of the immense passion behind the whole thing.

We visited the Indian Museum of North America, which is on the grounds, and it’s honestly just incredible. It houses a huge collection of art and artifacts from tribal nations across the continent. With our guide, we didn’t just wander around; he actually pointed out specific pieces and told us the stories behind them. It’s like having a museum curator with you. He explained the difference between certain types of beadwork and the meaning behind the symbols we were seeing. We also got to see the sculptor’s studio and home, which is full of his models and tools. It basically gives you a real appreciation for the artistic skill and pure physical labor that went into his work. The tour also gives you a better vantage point. Instead of just staying at the main visitor center, our guide knew about a spot that got us a bit closer to the mountain for pictures, which was definitely a plus. Seeing the equipment they use for blasting and moving rock really puts the size of the task into perspective. You really leave with a profound respect for what they are trying to do there.

Exploring the Wild Side in Custer State Park

After all that history carved in stone, it was, you know, time to see some of nature’s own masterpieces. Our trip then continued into Custer State Park, and frankly, this part of the day might have been my favorite. The park is a huge 71,000-acre wildlife preserve, and it is just breathtakingly beautiful. The real highlight for most people is the Wildlife Loop Road, an 18-mile drive through open grasslands and rolling hills. And honestly, this is where having a private guide really pays off. Instead of just driving and hoping to see something, our guide had, like, a sixth sense for finding animals. He had binoculars for us to use and was constantly scanning the hillsides. As a matter of fact, within minutes, he was pulling over and pointing. “See over there, by that group of trees? That’s a pronghorn.” And sure enough, there it was.

The main event, of course, is the bison. Custer State Park is home to one of the largest publicly owned bison herds in the world, with about 1,300 of these huge animals roaming free. We didn’t just see one or two; we literally ran into a full-blown bison traffic jam. A whole herd decided to cross the road right in front of our vehicle. You just sit there, windows down, and listen to them grunt and snort as they wander past. It’s an absolutely incredible moment, you know, and something you will just never forget. Our guide was great, telling us to be patient and just enjoy the show. He told us a lot about bison behavior and their importance to the prairie ecosystem. We also saw some goofy “begging” burros, which are wild donkeys that will walk right up to your car window looking for a snack. It was pretty much a constant stream of awesome animal encounters.

But Custer State Park isn’t just the Wildlife Loop. After that, our guide took us on the Needles Highway. This road is an engineering wonder, full of sharp turns, narrow tunnels carved through granite, and these crazy tall rock spires that look like needles, which is how it gets its name. Driving through the Needles Eye Tunnel is a trip; it’s so narrow you feel like you have to breathe in. The views from up there are just out of this world. We stopped at Sylvan Lake, which is a super peaceful and pretty spot tucked among the rocks. People were swimming and kayaking, and it just looked like a perfect mountain lake. Because our day was totally flexible, we were able to get out, walk around the lake for a bit, and just soak it all in. You could honestly spend days just exploring this park, but a private tour gives you a really fantastic, well-rounded sample of all its best parts in a single day.

So, What’s the Real Deal with a Private Tour?

You might be thinking, okay, I can just drive to all these places myself. And you definitely can. So, what exactly is the big advantage of going on a private tour? Basically, it comes down to a few really key things. First and foremost is the guide. You’re not just getting a driver; you’re getting a local expert, a storyteller, and a personal planner all in one. Our guide knew so much, not just about the big attractions, but about the local plants, the geology, and the little side stories that you just can’t get from a brochure. You can ask anything you want, whenever you want. Honestly, the amount we learned in one day was kind of amazing.

Then there’s the whole comfort and convenience factor. You just don’t have to worry about anything. No navigating winding mountain roads you’ve never been on, no stressing about park entrance fees or where to park, and no thinking about what time you need to leave one place to get to the next. It’s all just handled for you. We were picked up right from our hotel in a really comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. It had snacks and cold water waiting for us, which was a very nice touch. At the end of the day, all we had to do was sit back and enjoy the view. For a full day of sightseeing that covers so much ground, not being tired from driving makes a huge, huge difference in how much you can actually enjoy it all.

You know, the flexibility is a really big deal. We saw a big tour bus at Mount Rushmore, and everyone had to be back on the bus at a specific time. We, on the other hand, got to linger. If we wanted more photos at a certain spot in Custer, that was no problem. The whole day was, in a way, built around what we were most interested in. The guide would actually ask us, “Are you guys ready to move on, or do you want to stay a bit longer?” That sense of control over your own day, even on a tour, is just something you can’t really put a price on. It turns a rushed trip into a really relaxed and personal exploration. It’s like having a friend in the Black Hills who is just showing you all their favorite spots.

A Few Good Ideas Before You Go

So, if you decide to go for a private tour like this one, there are a few things you might want to keep in mind to make your day even better. The experience is already pretty great, but a little bit of prep can’t hurt, right? The day is long and packed with amazing things, so you’ll want to be ready for it. At the end of the day, it’s about being comfortable and getting the most out of your time with your guide.

Here are just a few recommendations we sort of figured out along the way:

• Dress in Layers: The weather in the Black Hills can, you know, change in a heartbeat. It can be cool in the morning, really warm in the afternoon, and then get chilly again in the evening, especially at higher elevations. So, wearing a t-shirt with a hoodie or a light jacket you can take off and on is a really good idea.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a fair amount of walking, especially if you choose to do the Presidential Trail at Rushmore or walk around Sylvan Lake. You definitely don’t want sore feet to ruin your day, so comfortable sneakers or walking shoes are basically a must.
• Bring Your Best Camera: To be honest, this almost goes without saying. You will have so many amazing photo opportunities, from the huge monuments to wildlife and stunning landscapes. Make sure your phone is fully charged, or bring a dedicated camera with an extra battery and plenty of memory card space.
• Talk to Your Guide: This is a really big one. Your guide is a walking encyclopedia of local knowledge. Don’t be shy! Ask them questions about everything and anything. The more you interact, the richer your experience will be. Tell them what you’re most interested in, and they can often tailor the commentary for you.
• Manage Your Expectations for Wildlife: While it’s highly likely you’ll see lots of animals in Custer State Park, they are, you know, still wild animals. There’s no guarantee a bison will walk right up to your car. Just relax, enjoy the search, and appreciate whatever nature decides to show you on that particular day.

Read our full review: [2025 Private Tour Mount Rushmore Crazy Horse and Custer State Park Full Review and Details]
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