Mt Rushmore Night Ceremony and Tour - with Tunnels and Stargazing
Overview
Available languages
4 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Please note - This tour is NOT what TripAdvisor displays on their description. THIS TOUR is a Night Tour to Mt Rushmore and stargazing after the Ceremony. This is NOT a day tour to Custer State Park. TripAdvisor has several errors. Please contact us to confirm info.
Black Hills Open-Top-Tours is the only tour company offering a Mt Rushmore tour that also includes the Night Lighting Ceremony, a tour of the Iron Mtn Tunnels and night stargazing (depending on weather).
We tour in a variety of unique vehicles. All are comfortable and safe convertible top vehicles. They offer great elevated views and photo ops without needing to exit.
This 5 hour tour departs from Rapid City between 5:00pm and 5:30pm. Private Tours Available for Groups.
*The Night Ceremony at Mt Rushmore is only available from MAY 26th to AUGUST 10th: ceremony starts 9 PM
*August 11th to SEPT 30th: ceremony starts 8PM
*October 1 to May 25th we provide the tour of Mt Rushmore with a Mountain Sunset and Stargazing.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Other rates apply only when sharing with 2 paying adults
A minimum of 2 Adults per booking is required
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Layered clothing, comfortable shoes, and a hat are recommended
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Driver/guide
Fees
Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Iron Mountain Road
After the stargaing on our return home, we drive Iron Mountain Road and its pigtail bridges, magnificent views through the one-way tunnels that frame the lighted national monument. We pause for photos.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a massive sculpture carved into Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. Completed in 1941 under the direction of Gutzon Borglum and his son Lincoln, the sculpture's roughly 60-ft.-high granite faces depict U.S. presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. The site also features a museum with interactive exhibits. At sunset the rangers provide a progam that honors our veterans, including a patriotic movie and the lighting of the mountain.
Options
Mt Rushmore Nite/Starz/Tunnels
Pickup included
Reviews
65 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Not worth the money if weather is bad so try to predict this
sunandbeach03,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Unfortunately, there were thunderstorms the night we did this. The lighting ceremony took place but then the rest of the tour which was tunnels and stargazing were a waste of time as could not see anything that we wanted to as it was raining. Also, I was in the back and the roof was leaking on me. Luckily, the van was not full so I could move to try to avoid getting that wet. I was very disappointed and the price was high. They do tell you they go rain or shine so not really company's fault but I would have just done the night on my own and saved the money. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and gave good information. He was also very friendly. Just realize that if it rains, it is a waste of money.
It was an excellent tour...
Margery V,
Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was an excellent tour and the guide shared many interesting facts, pointed out numerous beautiful sites ,and was very professional and friendly. He is truly an asset to the company.
A wonderful night at Mt Rushmore
Helen C,
Sep 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We really enjoyed the tour. The guide was great. Mt Rushmore was so fantastic at night. I would recommend this tour to all that visit Mt Rushmore area.
Historical trip down 🇺🇸’s beginnings.
John G,
Sep 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Noel is super knowledgeable and a good historian and storyteller. You will not be disappointed and he is always looking out for a memory you will remember
Tour guide TJ was great....
Roby B,
Sep 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour guide TJ was great. Seeing Rushmore at dark under the lights was amazing. The preprogram was very well done
Lighting Ceremony
Anthony W,
Sep 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The lighting ceremony for Mt. Rushmore was profoundly moving. Made us feel grateful and proud to be Americans. We wish more people could experience this.
Great trip. Good time.
James C,
Sep 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Watch weather and dress in layers. A flashlight is handy. Enjoyed the park drive, very special at night.
Very enjoyable tour! TJ...
Debra J,
Aug 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very enjoyable tour! TJ was an amazing guide who made the tour special by sharing his vast knowledge of Mt. Rushmore and the black hills. Views of Mt. Rushmore from a distance at night was fascinating. Iron mountain road, the pigtails and tunnels were all great!
Great option for Mount Rushmore trip.
Dana T,
Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great way to first visit Mount Rushmore. Able to look around and then enjoy lighting ceremony. Then drive on mountain and stop and star gaze.
A fun time in the Black Hills
GoPlaces15318199050,
Aug 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We thoughly enjoyed our trip, of course MT Rushmore is pretty remarkable to start with. TJ our guide was entertaining and knowledgable. We really enjoyed the night sky viewing. My one gripe was that the windshield and side windows were dirty and when on a sight seeing tour, one would expect a clear view.
From $199.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Chat with us on social
Related Experiences
Operated by Black Hills Open-Top-Tours