Badlands Premium Van Tour - Public

Wall, US
90% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (42 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Bottled water
  • inclusion
    Snacks
  • inclusion
    Local guide
  • inclusion
    Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • inclusion
    National park fees
  • inclusion
    All taxes, fees and handling charges

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Gratuities
  • exclusion
    Lunch

Pickup

Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)

Pickup Location
A Family Inn
Americinn By Wyndham Rapid City
Avanti Motel
Best Western Plus Rapid City Rushmore
Best Western Ramkota Hotel
Big Sky Lodge
Cambria Hotel Rapid City
Comfort Inn & Suites
Comfort Inn & Suites Rapid City Near Mt Rushmore
Comfort Suites Conference Center Rapid City
Corral Motel
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Rapid City, SD
Days Inn by Wyndham Rapid City
Days Inn by Wyndham West Rapid City
Econo Lodge Black Hills
Elevation Inn & Suites, Trademark Collection By Wyndham Downtown Rapid City
Foothills Inn
Grand Gateway Hotel
GrandStay Residential Suites Hotel Rapid City
Hampton Inn & Suites Rapid City Rushmore
Hilton Garden Inn Rapid City
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Rapid City I-90, an IHG hotel
Holiday Inn Rapid City Downtown - Conv Ctr, an IHG hotel
Hotel Alex Johnson Rapid City, Curio Collection by Hilton
I will contact the supplier later
I will meet at the departure point
Lazy "U" Motel
Mainstay Suites
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Rapid City
Motel 6 Rapid City
My Place Hotel-Rapid City, SD
Quality Inn
Ramada by Wyndham Rapid City Lacrosse Street
Rodeway Inn
Serena Inn & Suites- Rapid City
Sleep Inn & Suites
Stardust Motel
Staybridge Suites Rapid City - Rushmore, an IHG hotel
Super 8 by Wyndham Rapid City
Super 8 Rapid City Rushmore Rd
The Rushmore Hotel & Suites, BW Premier Collection
Town House Motel
Travelodge by Wyndham Rapid City
Tru by Hilton Rapid City Rushmore
Western Thrifty Inn
Contact us for meeting information.

What to expect

1

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.

Duration 30 minutes
2

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)

Duration 30 minutes
3

Badlands National Park

Badlands Loop Road (SD 240) is a spectacular way to see the North Unit of Badlands National Park. This two-lane paved road is wide and safe and does include viewing wildlife along the Loop Road. We drive carefully, stopping to use overlooks and pull-outs. There are over a dozen spectacular overlooks and trailheads, we stop at the best ones to explore and take photos.

Duration 90 minutes
Admission Admission Included
4

Door Trail

A wheelchair-accessible ¼ mile boardwalk leads through a break in the Badlands Wall known as “the Door” to a panoramic view of the Badlands. You have the option to explore the trail. The maintained trail ends and continues onto Badlands bedrock, with yellow posts marking the primitive portion of the trail.

Duration 30 minutes
Admission Admission Included
5

Ben Reifel Visitor Center

The Ben Reifel Visitor Center is the main facility in the North Unit of the park. You can stop by to talk with rangers, explore museum exhibits, check out the Fossil Preparation Lab, or visit the Badlands Natural History Association bookstore.

Duration 30 minutes
Admission Admission Included
6

Fossil Exhibit Trail

The Fossil Exhibit Trail is a fully accessible boardwalk featuring fossil replicas and exhibits of extinct creatures that once lived in the area. The exhibits are tactile, so please feel free to touch.

Duration 30 minutes
Admission Admission Included
7

Pinnacles Overlook

This view displays the expanse of the Sage Creek Wilderness area. On clear days, the Black Hills are visible on the horizon. Bison might be visible in the distance, in the valley below or the upper prairie to the northwest. This overlook is also a popular spot for Bighorn sheep to gather. This is also a lambing area for Bighorn sheep in late April to early May, so it’s not unusual to see lambs traversing the rocky slopes of the Badlands.

Duration 30 minutes
Admission Admission Included
8

Wall Drug

One of the world’s most well-known tourist attractions, it’s hard to believe Wall Drug Store got its start with something many wouldn’t even turn their heads at today … the promise of free ice water. But in fact, the Husteads turned free ice water into a million-dollar idea with a little determination, quick thinking and a lot of signs. Signs with catchy jingles like “Get a soda . . . Get a root beer . . . turn next corner . . . Just as near . . . To Highway 16 & 14. . . Free Ice Water. . . Wall Drug” drew weary travelers into the small-town drug store to enjoy a refreshing break. Today, more than 2 million visitors a year stop at the popular roadside attraction for a meal or activity, 5 cent coffee, and ice water – which is still free.

Duration 30 minutes
9

The Black Hills

As we drive to the Badlands and back you will have distant views of the famous Black Hills to the west and the Prairie Grasslands to the east. And as we approach the Park you will be able to discern the barren dessert tables of the Park. Many stops for rest and bathrooms breaks.

Duration 120 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
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Provided by Black Hills Open-Top-Tours

What our experts say

  • icon
    Try the famous donuts at Wall Drug
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    Visit the Fossil Exhibit Trail for fun
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    Bring a camera for stunning views
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    Dress in layers, weather changes fast
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    Plan lunch at the Minuteman site cafe

More About this Experience

Introduction

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Badlands National Park like never before with the Badlands Premium Van Tour. This tour offers a unique and immersive adventure, taking you on a curated route that showcases the best spots for photos and provides fascinating insights into the history and culture of the area. With a knowledgeable guide behind the wheel, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning views without worrying about navigation or missing out on hidden gems.

What to expect?

During the Badlands Premium Van Tour, you can anticipate a truly unforgettable experience. From the moment you step into the comfortable and stylish Ford Transit full-size mid-height touring van, you'll know you're in for a treat. With its converted seating arrangement, the van ensures a more intimate and personalized journey, accommodating just 8 passengers instead of the usual 14. The large side windows provide panoramic views, allowing you to capture stunning photos of the iconic landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see. Throughout the tour, your guide will not only share captivating stories about the Badlands but also take you to must-visit attractions like the famous Wall Drug Store and the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. At the latter, you'll even have the opportunity to experience "duck and cover drills," providing a unique glimpse into the historical significance of the area.

Who is this for?

The Badlands Premium Van Tour is designed for all nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and adventure seekers who want to explore the Badlands National Park in style and comfort. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group of friends, this tour is perfect for anyone looking to discover the hidden gems and iconic landmarks of the Badlands. With its inclusive nature, the tour welcomes visitors of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the stunning landscapes and engaging stories that the Badlands have to offer.

Why book this?

By booking the Badlands Premium Van Tour, you're ensuring a truly immersive and hassle-free experience. With a knowledgeable guide at the helm, you'll have access to insider information and stories that you wouldn't find in guidebooks. The tour's curated route takes you to the most picturesque spots, ensuring that you don't miss any of the breathtaking views or photo opportunities. Additionally, the unique inclusion of the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site adds a historical and educational element to the tour, making it a well-rounded experience for all.

Good to know

It's important to note that the Badlands Premium Van Tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, allowing you to start and end your adventure with ease. National Park fees, all taxes, fees, bottled water, and a snack are also included in the tour price. However, gratuities and lunch are not covered, so it's recommended to bring some extra cash for these expenses. Please be aware that the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan your booking accordingly to fully enjoy this unique aspect of the tour. The tour itinerary is well-structured, with plenty of photo and restroom breaks to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey for all participants.

Reviews

Travelers who have embarked on the Badlands Premium Van Tour have praised the exceptional knowledge and enthusiasm of the guides. They appreciate the curated route, which takes them to lesser-known areas and ensures a more intimate experience with the Badlands' stunning landscapes. The inclusion of the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is often highlighted as a unique and eye-opening experience, providing a deeper understanding of the region's history. Overall, participants have expressed their satisfaction with the tour, praising its combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and comfortable transportation. They highly recommend the Badlands Premium Van Tour for anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure in one of America's most awe-inspiring national parks.

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