Your Adventure Awaits! Black Hills Balloons flies in the southern Black Hills, making the Custer Valley and world-renowned Custer State Park the heart of our flying area; just miles from Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Wind Cave National Park! Your flight over mountains, valleys, lakes and prairies, is one of the best ways to view the Black Hills; home to elk, antelope, deer, and buffalo. If you’re lucky, you might even see a mountain lion from our secure gondola! The beautiful Black Hills is the only place in the world where you can witness such historic, wild landscape and abundant wildlife from a hot air balloon.
Established in 1984, BHB has been flying the Black Hills for 30+ years. Awarded a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence multiple years in a row, we take pride in creating the best experience for our passengers and sharing the beauty of the hills with everyone we meet. Join us for a flight and we see why we are one of the top attractions in the Black Hills!

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Custer

Reservations are required. We meet our passengers each morning at a central meeting location in Custer, SD. Passengers will park their vehicles and travel to the launch field in one of our insured Black Hills Balloons vans.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Custer

Once you arrive to the field, our crew gets to work unloading and preparing the aircraft while passengers are briefed and take photos. The balloon takes 20 minutes to prepare for flight and once ready, passengers are requested to board.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Custer

The flight is approximately one hour, determined by weather and available landing locations. Upon landing, our ground crew will pack the balloon while passengers and pilot celebrate the flight with complimentary champagne, light snacks and a story about the origin of hot air ballooning.

Duration: 2 hours

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NOTE: This is a Private tour in our specialized one of a kind Jeep. This tour has special cancelation requirements. We refund 100% with 7 days notice, inside 7 days 50%. NO Refund within 24 hours of tour start. (Please contact us to discuss exceptions.)
Our Jeep Safari Tours have proven to be very popular.  If you have time constraints on your vacation schedule . . . please contact Viator to confirm this tour is available prior to purchase. 
TOUR:
Hop into 'Buff', a modified Open Safari Jeep with our experienced guide and depart on an exciting and adventurous Private Safari Tour of Mt. Coolidge, Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway, Sylvan Lake, and Custer State Park Wildlife Loop. Enjoy a picnic lunch and take advantage of the multiple photo opportunities. Your Jeep tour is capped at 6 travelers and/or 880 pounds.  And remember, although this is not a 'Desert Rock Crawler' tour . . .  it is in an open Jeep . . . so please bring along: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and light jacket.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Iron Mountain Road, Custer, South Dakota

On our way to Custer Park we drive along Iron Mtn Road. This is an iconic road that many visitors miss. We drive through unique one way granite tunnels, over the famous pigtail bridges and are afforded excellent views of Mt Rushmore and the Black Hills.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Custer State Park, Custer, South Dakota

Stops at State Game Lodge and Information Center. Then drive open-top along Wildlife Loop and view 15,000 head of buffalo (we stop next to them, you stand and look down at these huge beasts) + deer, antelope and other wildlife.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Mount Coolidge, South Dakota

Fantastic views from Forest Service Lookout Tower.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Stockade Lake, Custer, South Dakota

We stop here for a tranquil picnic lunch at midday. This is the largest lake in the region and provides a quiet peaceful setting.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Needles Highway, South Dakota

Slow drive through this famous mountain trail. Amazing granite formations and breathtaking open-top mountain views.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Sylvan Lake, Custer, South Dakota

Short break at this amazing alpine lake.

Duration: 15 minutes

Pass By: National Presidential Wax Museum, Keystone, South Dakota

We return to Keystone to drop off and then back to Rapid City.

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The most comprehensive Convertible-Top Tour of Southern Black Hills. Biggest Bang for the Buck!
Private Tours Available!
During the 9+ hour Safari Tour, you travel in comfort, each van has individual leather reclining seats, 10 ft sliding top and everyone gets a window seat. Vehicles open and close to adjust to the ever-changing weather of the mountains as needed.                      
You will visit the two most famous Black Hills monuments - Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse.
Enjoy unparalleled views of pine covered mountains and high-desert panoramas. See wildlife up close for great photo ops at Custer Park and never need to leave the van. Just stand and enjoy 360 panoramic views. You will learn about the history of the region from experienced guides.Tours make frequent stops for photo ops and rest breaks.
Convertible-top handicap minivans are available at no extra charge.
Tour includes: fees, bottled water, snacks and a lakeside picnic lunch.
Potent Potables available upon request.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Downtown Rapid City, Rapid City, South Dakota

Pickup at local hotels at 8:30am (10 min window). Returning about 6:00pm (depending on how many buffalo on road).

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: National Presidential Wax Museum, Keystone, South Dakota

You have an option to either have us pick you up at your Rapid City hotel or meet us at this location. 9:30am

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Keystone, South Dakota

We guide you through the Memorial, explaining the history and suggest locations for best photo ops. Because of the length of the tour day we are limited to 1 hour here. If you are interested in a longer time to explore, I suggest our Monuments Combo Tour. That tour includes Crazy Horse and Mt Rushmore only . . . 2 hours at each.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Crazy Horse Memorial, Crazy Horse, South Dakota

We will stop and explore this huge Native American Memorial . . . over 14,000 exhibits. Crazy Horse offers an optional 25 minute guided tour to the back of the mountain for a unique and closer view of Crazy Horse ($4.00 per person . . . not included with tour).

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Sylvan Lake, Custer, South Dakota

We travel to the most iconic location in the Hills . . . Sylvan Lake. Here we enjoy an alpine lakeside picnic lunch (included).

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: The Needles, South Dakota

We drive along a narrow highway . . . to 'The Needles' . . . the top of the mountain . . . one way tunnels and breathtaking open-top views . . . many stops for photos . . .

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Mount Coolidge, South Dakota

A brief stop for viewing and photos from atop a National Forest Lookout Station. Highest point in the south Hills . . . looking down at Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse and much more . . .

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Wildlife Loop Road, Custer, South Dakota

An open-top drive along the 18 mile road. Stopping for photo ops of buffalo and other wildlife (elk, deer, antelope, coyotes, prairie dogs, etc.). We stop, you stand and get great views and photos.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Custer State Park Visitor Center, Custer, South Dakota

We have a brief stop for tour of info center and drive by of State Game Lodge.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Iron Mountain Road, Custer, South Dakota

We travel through the iconic one-way tunnels and pigtail bridges on our way back to Keystone . . . stopping for photo ops from inside the van.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: National Presidential Wax Museum, Keystone, South Dakota

For those who are meeting us in Keystone, we return you to your vehicle . . . then it's back to Rapid City and drops at the local hotels.

Duration: 5 minutes

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This Safari Tour offers unparalleled picturesque wildlife viewing and you'll learn the region's history from our experienced guides. The tour makes frequent stops for photo ops and restroom breaks. The vehicles provide excellent viewing and tops open/close to adjust to Black Hills weather. The most you can see of the Southern Hills in one day . . . tour includes: fees, bottled water, snacks and lunch. Flexible itinerary designed around your interest ...you decide when to go and how long to stay.

This is our most popular and cost effective tour of the Southern Hills. You will tour the most attractions that you can see in one day. We pick you up at your hotel at 9:00am and return between 4 and 5pm.  Included in the tour: fees, bottled water, snacks and lunch.
The itinerary is as follows:
• First, Iron Mountain Road with its Pigtail Bridges and famous One-Way Tunnels.
• Then to Mount Rushmore . . . the morning light is excellent on the faces. We guide you through the facility, pointing out rest rooms and gift shops. You will hear the history of the monument as we walk through the Avenue of Flags.  You will have time to explore the Exhibit Hall and watch a movie explaining how the Monument was constructed. You will also have time to explore on your own, before meeting back up with the group and continuing the tour. 
• At Crazy Horse, you will find over 2000 Native American exhibits and you can view an amazing 20 minute movie of how the project came to be. You'll also have time to view the exhibits and explore the gift shop.
• After a short drive you arrive at Custer State Park, then begin a 20 mile trek along the Wildlife Loop; home to 800 buffalo plus elk, deer, antelope, prairie dogs, and much more.

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This tour is the only Convertible-Top Safari Van Tour of the southern Hills. Each air conditioned van has individual leather reclining seats with window views, center aisle and a 10 ft sliding roof. Never more than 8 guests per tour. You never need to exit the van for photos . . . just stand and get great panoramic views. We drive up next to the buffalo . . . you stand and look down at them only a few feet away . . .
Mt. Coolidge, Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway, Sylvan Lake and Custer State Park Wildlife Loop (buffalo + burros + more).
Tours all include: fees, bottled water, snacks and a lakeside picnic lunch. Also if you like . . . our vehicles have open container license so you may enjoy a beer or glass of wine as we tour.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: National Presidential Wax Museum, Keystone, South Dakota

We depart from here at 9:30am

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Iron Mountain Road, Custer, South Dakota

We travel through the one-way tunnels and pigtail bridges on our way to Custer State Park.

Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: Custer State Park Visitor Center, Custer, South Dakota

We have a brief stop for tour of info center. (Last modern bathroom for awhile.)

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Wildlife Loop Road, Custer, South Dakota

An open-top drive along the 18 mile road. Stopping for photo ops of buffalo and other wildlife (elk, deer, antelope, coyotes, prairie dogs, etc.). We stop, you stand and get great views and photos.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Mount Coolidge, Custer, South Dakota

Brief stop for viewing and photos from atop a National Forest Lookout Station. Highest point in the south Hills . . . looking down at Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse and much more . . .

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Stockade Lake, Custer, South Dakota

We stop for a picnic lunch (included) at the shore of a peaceful placid lake . . . beautiful scenery.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: The Needles, South Dakota

We drive along a narrow highway . . . up the granite mountains to 'The Needles' . . . the top of the mountain . . . one way tunnels and breathtaking open-top views . . . many stops for photos . . .

Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: Sylvan Lake, Custer, South Dakota

The final stop is at the most iconic location in the Hills . . . Sylvan Lake and Lodge . . . home to romantic lakeside weddings since the 1880's. An alpine splendore you would never expect to find in the rustic Dakota's . . .

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: National Presidential Wax Museum, Keystone, South Dakota

For those who are meeting us in Keystone, we return you to your vehicle . . . then it's back to Rapid City and drops at the local hotels.

Duration: 30 minutes

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Badlands National Park 
The serrated spires, weather-beaten buttes and cavernous gorges of the North Unit of the Badlands National Park offer unique scenery. It's home to a diverse variety of wildlife; prairie dogs, coyote, deer, bighorn sheep and antelope. 
At the North Unit we will stop at the Ben Reifel Center (museum) and at the many overlooks for photos, also the famous Wall Drug Store (famous old tourist trap that is worth the stop) and visit the new Minuteman National Historic Site. Remember "Duck and Cover."  
This tour also includes traveling to the South Unit and touring the White River Visitors Center on the Pine Ridge Reservation and a stop for photos at the ghost town of Scenic.

The Lakota gave this land its name, “Mako Sica,” meaning “land bad.” The Badlands National Park consists of 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires blended with the largest protected mixed grass prairie in the United States. It is desolation at its truest, where you can look for miles and see no sign of civilization.
This land has been so ruthlessly ravaged by wind and water that it has become picturesque. The Badlands are a wonderland of bizarre, colorful spires and pinnacles, massive buttes and deep gorges. Erosion of the Badlands reveals sedimentary layers of different colors: purple and yellow (shale), tan and gray (sand and gravel), red and orange (iron oxides) and white (volcanic ash).
We pick you up at your hotel at 9am. We first visit the South Unit of the Park; the White River Visitors Center is located just inside the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The Center is staffed by Oglala Park Service and National Park Service and includes both Lakota cultural and geographic information about the Badlands. Leaving here we stop for photos and some history about the ghost town of Scenic.
From here we proceed to the Badlands village of Interior (pop 90) and stop at the iconic watering hole "Wagon Wheel Bar and Grill" to enjoy some of the local fare .  .  . Buffalo Burgers . . . excellent flavor with less cholesterol and less fat than beef (beef burgers and other food available).  
After lunch we journey to the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site and Information Center. Be prepared to revisit the 50's/60's Cold War, including routine 'duck and cover' drills. 
 
At the North Unit, near the entrance to the park is Cedar Pass were you will have the option to walk the short Window and Door trails.  Then your guide drives the Loop, stopping at several more overlooks on your way to the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.  Proceeding on you'll stop for photos and views at many of the overlooks and a stop at the majestic Pinnacles Overlook were we exit the Park. 
The final stop will be at the Wall Drug Store, a unique tourist attraction that offers shopping for anything you may think of.  It also offers the famous 5-cent coffee and free Ice Water. And here we treat you to some of the best home made ice cream in the west . . . delicious!  
We return you to Rapid City about 5:00pm.  It may be a long day but there is sooo much to see!

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