Badlands Premium Hard Top Van Tour - Private
Overview
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
During a government shutdown, Badlands and Mount Rushmore remains open and accessible to the public, but all services provided by the National Park Service (NPS) are suspended. The extent of the impact can vary based on the specifics of the shutdown, but past incidents provide a clear precedent for what to expect.
Concessionaire operations: Third-party vendors who operate facilities like restaurants and gift shops (e.g., Xanterra) may remain open and provide limited services, including restrooms. These are privately-run services and are not affected by the government shutdown.
State funding: During previous shutdowns, the state of South Dakota and private donors stepped in to provide funding to keep the memorial open and restore some services. In a 2023 budget standoff, South Dakota officials secured a deal with the NPS to keep some areas open.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Delta-09 Missile Silo
From 1963 until the early 1990s, the missile silo at Delta-09 contained a fully operational Minuteman Missile, bearing a 1.2 megaton nuclear warhead. The Delta-09 missile silo was one of 150 spread across western South Dakota. In total there were 1,000 Minuteman missiles deployed from the 1960's into the early 1990's. Visitors can now tour the site daily. The launch facility consists of a silo 12 feet in diameter and 80 feet deep made of reinforced concrete with a steel-plate liner. The door to the silo has been welded and fitted with a glass roof, and an unarmed missile placed inside. For safety reasons, tours are not conducted underground. In addition to the missile and silo, visitors will see support structures such as antennas and motion sensors.
Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
Short stop at location of 1950'-60's Nuclear Missile Site. Small museum provides exhibits of the 'Duck and Cover' days. During the Cold War, a vast arsenal of nuclear missiles were placed in the Great Plains. Hidden in plain sight, for thirty years 1,000 missiles were kept on constant alert; hundreds remain today. The Minuteman Missile remains an iconic weapon in the American nuclear arsenal. It holds the power to destroy civilization, but is meant as a nuclear deterrent to maintain peace and prevent war. *No Tours on Sundays, Mondays & Tuesdays (Closed)
What‘s Included
Local guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Picnic lunch - subs and fixings (you may bring your own lunch & beverage).
Bottled water
National Park fees
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Snacks
Gratuities
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Badlands - Private Tour
Pickup included
Premium Badlands Tour - Public
Pickup included
Reviews
52 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Driving around the Badlands
Isabelle H,,Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Interesting excursion around the Badlands. Our guide was very knowledgeable. We learned about the life and history of the natives and the settlers, and the wildlife on the prairie. Also a visit to the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site.
Badlands excursion
I9112XBjohnl,,Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Scott wax a great tour guide. Very knowledgeable about the area. Van was comfortable. Scott provided water, snacks and lunch. Answered all our questions and allowed adequate time at each location
Scott was a great guide.
Vacation293650,,Sep 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Scott was great, enjoyed the tour. Fascinating part of the country. We were the only two guests since late in the tourism season.
Nice family friendly,...
ramprasad s,,Sep 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Nice family friendly, very informative, educational, and very good tour. Tour operator is pretty knowledgeable.
It was a fun trip
Yen L,,Sep 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We came a private tour by accident. Another couple canceled last minute. Our tour guide was fun, knowledgeable and friendly. Wall drug was cool. I got a very nice wallet handmade with bison skin which should last a lifetime. My husband had a delicious double bacon cheeseburger at salty steer which he loved.
Well worth it!
Lisa B,,Sep 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a terrific way to see the unique area that is the Badlands. Our guide, Charlie, was knowledgeable, fun and had so much history and Native American lore to share. We only had one day, and this was the perfect way to maximize our time and get the most out of the park. Wear good shoes and a hat. Ground can be uneven.
A great way to experience...
Sharon F,,Sep 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A great way to experience the Badlands We were lucky to have TJ as our guide…he is so knowledgeable!
Great tour of the Badlands!
P8962LHjanetm,,Aug 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide TJ was knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide. The tour was exceptional.. we had fun and learned a lot about South Dakota and the Badlands!
Exactly as described-...
Joan H,,Aug 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Exactly as described- great day! TJ was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable, flexible, and eady going. Can tailor the trip as desired.
Don't Hesitate, Book Now!
Nathan G,,Aug 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide TJ was amazing and a pleasure to meet! Very adaptable, patient with our chaotic family of 6, as well as being very knowledgeable about the areas and history of the state.
From US$429.00
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