Black Hills Self Guided Driving Audio Tour

Keystone, US
83% of travellers recommend this
Very Good (25 reviews)
Self-guided - entry to attractions not included

Included

  • inclusion
    Other
    Just bring your car and phone; the app guides your tour.
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    Other
    Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
  • inclusion
    Other
    Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
  • inclusion
    Other
    Private tour experience for your family, in your own car.
  • inclusion
    Other
    Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
  • inclusion
    Other
    Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
  • inclusion
    Other
    One purchase covers everyone in your car, not per person.
  • inclusion
    Other
    Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
  • inclusion
    Other
    Access your tour in our separate audio tour app after booking.
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    Other
    Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Other
    No live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.

Meeting Point

Start at 13620 US-16, Rapid City, SD 57702. Head along US-16, with the Conoco gas station on your right. We're not affiliated with the gas station or nearby businesses, so please don't ask their staff. The tour starts automatically as you pass the starting point. Check email/text for “audio tour”.

Meeting point

Keystone, SD 57751 , United States

End point

End Point

End point of the tour WGHW+X8G, Keystone, SD 57751, USA.

Meeting point

2800 N Terminal Rd, Houston, TX 77032 , United States

End point

What to expect

1

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

After booking, check your email and follow the instructions to set up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite. If you have my Mount Rushmore walking tour, you should exit this tour now and switch to that one. To access the Mount Rushmore tour, first tap Home in the top left corner of your screen. Then press Yes to exit this tour. Once you’ve exited, launch the Mount Rushmore tour. It will start near the Information Centre at the Entrance. Note: The tour is over 66 miles long, with more than 65+ audio stories, and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
2

Iron Mountain Road

This section of 16A is called Iron Mountain Road, which, together with the Needles Highway, encapsulates the spirit of Custer State Park.

Duration 10 minutes
3

Doane Robinson Tunnel

Next up is the second Pigtail Bridge, which is followed immediately by the first tunnel.

Duration 10 minutes
4

Iron Mountain Picnic Area

Enjoy this last section of single lane roller coaster driving. As you wind through the forest here, you'll soon be cresting the ridge and leaving the Mount Rushmore area.

Duration 10 minutes
5

Norbeck Overlook

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The highpoint of the Iron Mountain Road at 5400 ft. There's a big parking lot here, and I recommend taking the time to get out of the car to walk to the overlook.

Duration 10 minutes
6
Scovel Johnson Tunnel

The last tunnel on Iron Mountain Road is the Scovel Johnson Tunnel, named for the chief engineer and surveyor of the Black Hills Scenic drives.

Duration 10 minutes
7

Custer State Park

You’re now driving through the heart of the Galena Fire from way back in 1988, one of largest wildfires in Custer State Park history.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
8

Jewel Cave National Monument

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“Jewel Cave”, The third largest cave system in the world, is probably already on your radar if you're at all fascinated with the subterranean world now.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
9
The Gordon Stockade

In 1874, Lieutenant Colonel George Custer forever changed the fate of the Black Hills. In those days, the Black Hills belonged to the Sioux, as stated in the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie.

Duration 10 minutes
10

Needles Highway, black hills South Dakota.

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If you want to visit cowboy poet Badger Clark's home, which will be on the left. You'll see a sign that says Badger's Hole.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
11

Black Hills Playhouse

You'll soon see a turnoff for the Black Hills Playhouse, possibly the single most obscure locations for drama in the world! Plays are staged between June and mid-August, a tradition that has been going strong since 1946. Vehicle Restrictions on the Black Hills Loop Drive - Height restrictions apply along the Black Hills Loop Drive, as large RVs cannot fit through the tunnels on Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road. If possible, drive a regular vehicle, or if towing, detach and leave your trailer behind. For full tunnel dimensions and detailed firsthand driving impressions, see The Narrow Tunnels of the Needles Highway.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
12

Sylvan Lake

Not too long from now, you'll be at Sylvan Lake. That marks the state park boundary. There are two particularly worthwhile places of interest here.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
13

Sylvan Lake Lodge

You'll soon pass the historic Sylvan Lake Lodge on the right, although you'll not be able to see much through the trees.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
14

Crazy Horse Memorial

In just a few minutes, you're going to need to make a choice about whether you'd like to take the detour to the Crazy Horse Memorial, or continue following the tour loop around the Black Hills. Crazy horse is barely a ten minute drive from the junction.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
15

Hill City

The next few blocks are the town, and most things are pretty self-explanatory.

Duration 10 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
  • Additional information
    Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.
  • Additional information
    Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
  • Additional information
    Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.
  • Additional information
    Good value: One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle, not each person separately.
  • Additional information
    Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.
  • Additional information
    More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.
  • Additional information
    Private tour: Explore in your own vehicle without crowded buses or large tour groups.
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
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    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.
  • Additional information
    The app’s audio will play through your car’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display, while the app’s map will display on your phone. You can connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth to listen to the commentary through the car stereo.
  • Additional information
    Vehicle Restrictions on the Black Hills Loop Drive: Height restrictions apply along the Black Hills Loop Drive, as large RVs cannot fit through the tunnels on Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road. If possible, drive a regular vehicle, or if towing, detach and leave your trailer behind.
  • Additional information
    Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
Provided by Travel with Action

What our experts say

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    Download app before arrival.
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    Visit Sylvan Lake for great photos.
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    Consider a detour to Crazy Horse.
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    Pack snacks for your journey.
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    Take breaks at scenic overlooks.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Embark on a thrilling adventure through the Black Hills with the Black Hills Self Guided Driving Audio Tour. This unique experience allows you to explore iconic landmarks such as Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Sylvan Lake at your own pace while immersing yourself in the rich history and natural beauty of South Dakota.

What to expect?

With the Black Hills Self Guided Driving Audio Tour, you can anticipate a seamless and engaging journey filled with captivating stories, stunning vistas, and unforgettable experiences. The tour provides a comprehensive route with informative narration, ensuring that you don't miss a single detail while exploring the breathtaking landscapes of South Dakota.

Who is this for?

This self-guided tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy flexibility and independence in their explorations. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or simply seeking a memorable adventure, the Black Hills tour offers something for everyone. It's ideal for solo travelers, couples, families, and friends looking to create lasting memories together.

Why book this?

The Black Hills Self Guided Driving Audio Tour stands out for its convenience, affordability, and immersive storytelling. By purchasing one tour per car, you can enjoy the experience with your companions without the need for individual tickets. The app's offline maps and hands-free audio narration make it easy to navigate the route while learning fascinating facts about each location. With the tour's extended validity, you can revisit the Black Hills multiple times, making it a valuable investment for future trips.

Good to know

When booking the Black Hills Self Guided Driving Audio Tour, remember to download the Action Tour Guide App and access your unique password to start your journey. The tour offers a great value compared to guided tours and allows you to explore at your own pace, making it suitable for all types of travelers. Be sure to bring your sense of adventure and curiosity as you uncover the hidden gems of the Black Hills.

Reviews

Travelers who have experienced the Black Hills Self Guided Driving Audio Tour rave about its convenience, informative narration, and stunning locations. Many praise the engaging storytelling and flexibility of the tour, highlighting it as a must-do experience in South Dakota. Join the ranks of satisfied customers and embark on a memorable journey through the Black Hills today!

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