Private Tour

Stars & Stripes: Mount Rushmore Night Ceremony

Overview

Available languages

English

Mobile ticket

Discover the best of the Black Hills on this unforgettable evening adventure. Your tour begins with a scenic drive along the world-famous Iron Mountain Road, a winding masterpiece with pigtail bridges, mountain vistas, and tunnels leading to Mt. Rushmore. Along the way, your guide shares insightful stories of the region’s history, people, and natural beauty.

Arriving at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, we’ll stroll the Avenue of the Flags for a first close-up view of the monument. Your guide will bring the story of its creation to life with engaging details about the vision, artistry, and challenges behind this American landmark.

As night falls, you’ll take part in the moving Evening Illumination Ceremony, where patriotic music and storytelling culminate in the dramatic lighting of the monument.

This tour blends breathtaking scenery with cultural heritage and national pride, making it one of the most memorable ways to experience Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

What‘s Included

Private transportation

Bottled water

Snacks

Air-conditioned vehicle

Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Begin your journey with the convenience of pickup directly from your accommodations. From the moment we set out, your guide shares fascinating stories about the Black Hills of South Dakota, its dramatic landscapes, rich history, and the people who shaped this remarkable region. Upon arrival, we’ll walk together along the Avenue of the Flags, where each state is honored, leading you toward the awe-inspiring view of the monument itself. Your guide brings the story of Mount Rushmore to life with engaging details about the vision, artistry, and challenges of its creation. In the evening, you’ll experience the moving Illumination Ceremony, a patriotic tribute that lights up the monument and leaves a lasting impression. This is more than just a visit to Mount Rushmore; it’s a fully guided adventure that blends history, culture, and natural beauty, making it one of the most memorable highlights of your Black Hills vacation.

3 hours • Admission Included

Iron Mountain Road

In the late afternoon and early evening, Iron Mountain Road becomes the perfect prelude to Mount Rushmore. The drive is more than just transportation—it’s part of the experience. Designed with winding curves, pigtail bridges, and scenic pullouts, the road encourages a slower pace, where every turn feels intentional. Guests have time to relax into the landscape, leaving behind the bustle of towns and settling into the quiet majesty of the Black Hills.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Stars & Stripes: Mount Rushmore Night Ceremony

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

7 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Great Experience
312stefanies,
Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We spent the day with XO Adventures and then did the Stars& Stripes evening ceremony with them as well. It was impressive and emotional when they honor all active military personnel, veterans and Gold families. Logan , our guide from XO Adventures, was fantastic and brought a warm blanket for us, so we wouldn't be cold.
Friendly guide, Awe-inspiring experience
Lynne C,
Aug 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Awesome patriotic experience. Dan took us on sidebar trips both there and back that we would have never seen. Highly recommend
ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING
SJRODDICK,
Jun 5, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
If you are going to see Mt. Rushmore, you definitely need to see it at night. The tour guide Dave was so full of information. This was also an emotional tour as they had all the veterans in the audience come up on the stage. This is definitely a must see!
A BEAUTIFUL AND EMOTIONAL TOUR
Sandi R,
Jun 3, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was a fantastic and memorable trip to see the nighttime viewing of Mount Rushmore. Our tour guide was DAVE and he was absolutely excellent. He was a wealth of information and explained a lot of things to us on our way to Mount Rushmore. I would highly recommend this tour it was a great value, and I’m so glad we took it.
A must see!
501tarraw,
Sep 7, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This is just absolutely gorgeous and stunning. The music is very patriotic and the ranger talk is incredible. The honoring the veterans is special.
Mt Rushmore Lighting ceremony
Maps32673985669,
Aug 5, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This tour is a must if you are visiting Mt Rushmore. It is really patriotic and makes you feel good to be an American. Our guide, Ashley served in the military. We encouraged her to go up and be recognized for her service at the end when they called all military personnel on stage. It added to our overall experience.
Great night. Ceremony was...
Fred W,
Jul 2, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great night. Ceremony was great. Margie was very helpful. All arrangements were very good. Nothing more to say