Our Black Hills Parks and Monuments Tour Details
Tour Overview
Take a private tour of South Dakota's Southern Black Hills (Paha Sapa) and its landmarks. Learn the history and biology via an interactive presentation. Understand why they're called the Black Hills. Discover the mountain before it was carved and its carver and workers. Sit in the amphitheater and view the faces while talking about the monument. Hike the Presidential Trail and take photos at the Grand Overlook.
We can pause at the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center to view and experience an Interactive exhibit. View a film and explore how the mountain was portrayed in the 1920s, lasting to this day. The film depicts the desired portrayal to the public of the time. Although seriously outdated, much insight can be obtained from this relic film. Doane Robinson, Gutzom Borglum, Lincoln Borglum, President Coolidge, FDR, and George Bush honor Mt Rushmore, and the reason for the carved faces.
We can pause at the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center to view and experience an Interactive exhibit. View a film and explore how the mountain was portrayed in the 1920s, lasting to this day. The film depicts the desired portrayal to the public of the time. Although seriously outdated, much insight can be obtained from this relic film. Doane Robinson, Gutzom Borglum, Lincoln Borglum, President Coolidge, FDR, and George Bush honor Mt Rushmore, and the reason for the carved faces.
Amiee and Daniel of My XO Adventures at Mount Rushmore
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The Historic Pigtail Brigges of Iron Mountain Road
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Iron Mountain Road and the Pigtail Bridges
As you ascend Iron Mountain Road, the stunning view of hills and forests full of animals creates an unforgettable sight. Unforeseen attractions like the Pigtail Bridges are at every turn. Intended to make the ride fun, these bridges decrease our speed and allow you to take in the immense granite spires, Aspens, and Ponderosas.
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The Tunnels of Iron Mountain Road
Iron Mountain Road takes you through three tunnels cut into the ancient Black Hills granite. They are narrow enough for us to fit and are designed to frame Mt Rushmore, just don't stick your hand out the window!
We'll take pictures, and if it's not crowded, you can go inside to experience being inside a mountain. The tunnels are named after significant contributors to the road and area: Doane Robinson, CC Gideon, and Scoval Johnson.
At Norbeck Overlook, you'll see Black Elk Peak, the Six Grandfathers, the Cathedral Spires, and a vast forest of Ponderosa Pines! On the ground, you'll notice red rocks thrust up from the earth, which is why they call this place Iron Mountain. It's the abundance of iron-rich schist. This rock is oxidized, has the color of rust, and looks like petrified wood.
Bison just outside the window at Custer State Park Visitor Center
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Elk gathering in Custer State Park during the golden hour.
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Custer State Park and the Wildlife Loop Road
We now reach Custer State Park. Your first stop at the visitor center is an excellent introduction to Wildlife Loop Road, a well-known spot in SD. On the drive, Wildlife Loop Road is the best chance to view various birds, bison, elk, deer, prairie dogs, and pronghorn. Along with wildlife, the geology is also prominent, with red sandstone and yellow limestone seen in the Black Hills. Be prepared for bison approaching our vehicle - and stay inside!
Just like a mirror, as above, so below at Sylvan Lake.
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A fantastic day with guests at Slyvan Lake, South Dakota
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Sylvan Lake and the Needles Highway
Depending on the weather, we'll picnic, visit a restaurant, then journey to Sylvan Lake, South Dakota, renowned for its beauty in the Black Hills. We'll ascend the Needles Highway and Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, then explore the lake and a side trail to the store. It's a popular wedding spot, so we'll take all the photos you want before continuing. As we journey, we approach the Needles Eye Tunnel, an often missed Needles Eye. The Needles Eye is an ancient formation that can only be observed from a few locations. In the small parking area, we'll get out of the vehicle and look to the sky to witness the Needles Eye's glory with the Black Hills National Forest as a background.
As we journey, we approach the Needles Eye Tunnel, an often missed Needles Eye. The Needles Eye is an ancient formation that can only be observed from a few locations. In the small parking area, we'll get out of the vehicle and look to the sky to witness the Needles Eye's glory with the Black Hills National Forest as a background.
My XO Adventures Guests at the Cathedral Spires
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The Cathedral Spires, or the Heart of the Hills
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Cathedral Spires
The Cathedral Spires, in the mountains of South Dakota, are a remarkable rock formation. Doane Robinson envisioned carving faces into them, but Gutzon Borglum found the rock unsuitable. Locals were outraged when they heard about plans to carve the spires. Thankfully, the Spires remain intact, and we can visit them today to take pictures of this special antiquity. What's not to love about Custer State Park besides the name?
Crazy Horse Plaster Model Photo Shoot!
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Symbplic Beyond Belief at Crazy Horse Memorial
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Lastly, we head to Crazy Horse. Once complete, it will be the world's largest sculpture. Carved by Korczak Ziolkowski at Chief Standing Bear's request, it's an amazing sight. At the parking lot peak, we'll share what we know about Crazy Horse. Inside the museum, you'll learn about his family and foundation. Artifacts, as well as a plaster mini-replica, are displayed.
By the time we're finished and have you safely back home, we hope you've had an excellent experience. It's our pleasure to share our knowledge and hopefully make new friends in the process!
Tour Inclusions |
Black Hills Map |
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