Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony

A lovely drive out west of Rapid City takes us into the Black Hills National Forest and into Custer State Park. Drive time ~45min - 1hr. Visit Sylvan Lake and Drive Needles Hwy See the jewels of the Black Hills in Custer State Park! Sylvan Lake glitters at 6,145 feet. Time here for photos and a quick wander. We then move onto Needles Hwy. Gorgeous rock formation frame this famous drive as we learn of the geological history and the importance of the Native American History of the area. Plenty of opportunities to stop and take in this stunning natural wonder.

Of course we will stop along the route to photograph and enjoy the incredible formations - Needles Eye being the most famous!

We make our way along the Norbeck Scenic Byway, with lots of stops for photographs. See Rushmore as it lies in its natural landscape - gorgeous Norbeck overlook is a prize along the cenic Byway. Our first views of Mt Rushmore from about a mile away are a great precursor to the monument itself!

The fun part! Our travel from Norbeck Overlook is the amazing Pigtail bridges and famous tunnels of Iron Mountain Road. This scenic road was built for fun to compliment Mt Rushmore - an engineering marvel and an enjoyable way to get your closer to the 4 faces!

Next we are on to the monument. Your guide is an expert in all things Rushmore, and will be able to share all they can about the history and building of the carving. We have time for guests to wander through museums, take the presidential trail and visit gift stores. Get a bite to eat from the Carvers Cafe. Planned arrival ~ 6-6:30pm (for 8pm lighting ceremony) 7-730pm for 9pm lighting ceremony. - Lighting Ceremony - Join a park ranger in the park's outdoor amphitheater for an inspirational 45-minute program focusing on the presidents, patriotism and the nation's history. Beginning with a ranger talk, this program continues with the film "Freedom: America's Lasting Legacy" (captioned) and culminates with the lighting of the memorial.