From Rapid City: Mount Rushmore Illumination Ceremony

Summary Description

Experience Mount Rushmore's Epic Night Lighting Ceremony! Enjoy the evening with a professional driver and guide. We'll pick you up, take care of the details, and bring you to the must-see night ceremony of Mount Rushmore and its Presidents. 

Highlights
  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial
  • Illumination of Mount Rushmore
  • Mount Rushmore Night Lighting Tour.
  • Private evening pickup in Rapid City.
  • Ranger-led night ceremony experience.
Description

Step into the magic of Mount Rushmore at Night with our private Mount Rushmore Illumination Ceremony tour, starting right from Rapid City. Let us take the hassle out of your evening—our friendly, professional guide handles all the details, from comfortable, air-conditioned transportation to chilled bottled water and snacks for the ride. This isn’t a crowded bus tour; your group enjoys a peaceful, private journey through the Black Hills, discovering secret spots along the way. 

Witness the stirring Mount Rushmore Lighting Ceremony, also known as the Mount Rushmore Evening Lighting Ceremony—a memorable ranger-led event honoring veterans and illuminating the majestic Presidents. Our guides share fascinating stories about the area, drawn from personal experience. With easy access to the monument, attentive service, and the awe-inspiring Mt Rushmore Lighting, you can relax and truly soak in the experience. 

Included / Excluded
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Bottled water
  • Snacks
  • Private transportation
  • Admission to Mount Rushmore
  • Gratuities
Commentary

Guide : English

Important Information
Know Before You Book
  • Pricing is based on a single group, and not per passenger.
  • Insurance for your entire vacation is highly recommended
  • Always check your credit card for travel protection and benefits.
Know Before You Go
  • Bring weather appropriate clothing. (Jacket, layers)
  • If you are a Veteran, be prepared to walk on stage to be honored.
  • Lighting Ceremony start time varies throughout the year.
Cancellation

Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours

Cancellation Notes: Up to 48 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 48 hours but more than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: 50% refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no show: No refund

Options and Pricing

This is for a group of up to 4 adults.

From Rapid City: Mount Rushmore Illumination Tour Group Total RETAIL PRICE
299.50 (5 - 100 years) $599.00
Additional Information

The vehicle is not wheelchair accessible, but the Memorial is. We can obtain a wheelchair once we arrive, or load your own into the back of the vehicle

About operator:

My XO Adventures was founded for the endlessly curious travelers who believe every place holds a story worth listening to. Created by Daniel Milks, a lifelong explorer who has lived and wandered across the globe before finding home in the Black Hills of South Dakota, our tours are guided by a spirit of connection, curiosity, and respect for the land and its people. 


We believe travel should open your eyes, not just fill your camera roll. That is why our experiences go far beyond sightseeing. We weave together wildlife, history, culture, geology, and ecology to reveal the layers of this extraordinary region, from the rugged peaks of the Black Hills to the haunting beauty of the Badlands. Many come to see Mount Rushmore, but what they find with us is so much more, a living and breathing landscape filled with stories of resilience, artistry, and awe. 


Our work also encompasses the growing movement of noctourism, inviting guests to experience the landscape after the sun sets. The Sunset and Night Sky Tours of the Badlands are among our most celebrated experiences, offering a rare chance to witness the play of light and shadow, the rise of the stars, and the quiet majesty of this otherworldly place. These evenings are a blend of wonder, reflection, and pure natural beauty, creating memories that linger long after the night ends. 


At the heart of everything we do is gratitude for this land, its people, and the chance to share it. We approach every tour with care, authenticity, and a genuine desire to help travelers connect more deeply with the places they visit. 


Our guides are locals who love what they do and it shows. They bring knowledge, humor, and genuine care to every experience, creating tours that feel more like shared adventures than scripted outings. The recognition we have received, including the Great Place Award from Travel South Dakota in both 2021 and 2022, reflects not only our dedication to exceptional service but our commitment to community and conservation. 


At My XO Adventures, you are not just on a tour; you are part of a story. One that invites you to connect, reflect, and discover the true spirit of South Dakota in ways that stay with you long after your journey ends.


Basic Information
  • Duration: 3 hours - 4 hours
  • Trip difficulty: Easy
  • Max Group Size: 12
  • Category: Tours & Sightseeing
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