Twilight Tour to Custer State Park & Mt. Rushmore Lighting Ceremony — Evening Scenic Drive and Ranger Program
Drive Needles Highway, wander Sylvan Lake, and arrive at Mt. Rushmore in time for the park’s stirring Lighting Ceremony. This private twilight tour blends scenic drives, short walks, and local guide commentary into a six-hour evening experience.
The Experience
Before You Go
Dress in layers for variable temps
High-elevation evenings cool quickly—bring a warm jacket and hat even after a sunny afternoon.
Bring a headlamp or flashlight
Parking areas and paths can be dim after the ceremony; a light helps with steps and uneven surfaces.
Use close-in parking and step carefully
Needles Hwy and Iron Mountain Road have narrow pullouts—watch traffic when exiting and keep an eye on kids.
Charge your camera and phone
Opportune viewpoints are frequent; you'll want batteries to capture both dusk colors and the lit monument.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Norbeck Overlook for a framed view of Rushmore before reaching the monument
- •A quiet Sylvan Lake inlet a short walk from the main beach where fewer visitors go at dusk
Wildlife
- •American bison
- •Mule deer
Conservation Note
Custer State Park manages habitat for bison and other species through rotational grazing and visitor education; visitors are asked to maintain distance from wildlife and pack out trash to protect fragile alpine soils.
The Needles and Norbeck Byway were developed as scenic drives in the 1920s–30s; Mount Rushmore was carved between 1927 and 1941 and remains a complex cultural landmark for the region’s Indigenous communities.
Photographer's Notes
- • Sylvan Lake shoreline for reflective foregrounds
- • Needles Eye pullout for framed spires
- • Norbeck Overlook for distant views of Mt. Rushmore
What to Bring
Insulated jacketEssential
Essential for cool evenings and wind at higher elevations.
Sturdy walking shoesEssential
Good traction for short trails, boardwalks, and uneven pullouts.
Headlamp or flashlightEssential
Useful for returning to vehicles and after-dark paths post-ceremony.
Camera with charged batteries
To capture long exposures of the lit memorial and dusk landscapes.
Common Questions
How long is the tour?
The tour runs about six hours, including drives, stops at Sylvan Lake and Needles Highway, and the Mt. Rushmore Lighting Ceremony.
Is the lighting ceremony included?
Yes—the tour times arrival to allow guests to attend the ranger-led Lighting Ceremony and film program at the monument.
Are entrance fees covered?
Entrance fees to parks and the monument are included in the tour price.
Is this suitable for children or people with limited mobility?
Yes; most stops involve short, easy walks and accessible viewpoints, though some areas have steps or short uneven sections.
Will we see wildlife?
Bison, deer and other wildlife are common in Custer State Park, particularly at dawn and dusk, but wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
What about pickup and drop-off?
Pickup from central Rapid City hotels is available; outside the zone may incur an extra fee—confirm with the operator.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
6 hours
Location
Rapid City, South Dakota
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short, easy walks and frequent vehicle stops
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