“Between the work of human hands and the work of nature, lies the truth of a land.”
This bundle is your definitive guide to the breathtaking extremes of South Dakota. On one side, stands Mount Rushmore, a colossal monument to human ambition carved into the granite of the Black Hills. On the other, the ethereal, alien landscape of Badlands National Park, a geological marvel where millions of years of history and ancient fossils are etched into the colorful rock formations.
Uncover the hidden beauty and complicated history of the region. Delve into the story of sculptor Gutzon Borglum and the Lakota perspective on the carved mountain. Then, take a trip back in time to the Badlands, where soaring buttes hide prehistoric creatures, and the prairie sustains herds of bison and colonies of prairie dogs.
With the Badlands & Mount Rushmore Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tours Bundle, you unlock full, expert-guided tours for both iconic destinations, allowing you to seamlessly transition from the human story of the monument to the geological saga of the Badlands.
At Mount Rushmore, walk the Avenue of Flags toward the main viewing platform and see the Sculptor’s Studio, where Borglum refined his vision. In the Badlands, drive past the colorful, layered formations revealed at Yellow Mounds Overlook, spot wildlife at Pinnacles Overlook, and explore the prehistoric past along the Fossil Exhibit Trail. You can also venture along famous hiking routes like The Notch, The Castle, and The Door before reaching the stunning Big Badlands Overlook.
Side Effect Advisory: This bundle may cause you to compare every hill to a potential monument site, start spotting fossils in every rock, or fall strangely in love with places that smell like dust, pine, and distant thunderstorms.
Badlands And Mount Rushmore Map
Know Before You Go
Please note that the Presidential Trail at Mount Rushmore is partially closed until 9:00 PM on July 8, 2026.
What this means for travelers:
- Open: The historic stairs leading down to the Sculptor’s Studio, the Borglum View Terrace, and the Nature Trail.
- Closed: The rest of the Presidential Trail.
National Park Service gives you more details on current conditions, road conditions and weather forecast
How Does It Work?
- Access your tour: Download the Action Tour Guide app and sign in with the same email used for your website purchase. Your tour will appear under My Tours.
- Download your tour: Download it before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
- Start your tour: Open My Tours, select your tour, and tap Start Touring when you reach a starting point.
- Listen your way: Use your phone’s speaker or headphones, or connect to your car’s audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not currently supported, compatibility is in development.
- GPS-triggered audio: Stories play automatically as you reach each location along the route.
- Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day. Tours are valid forever (one year for Action+).
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
The bundle includes two self-guided experiences: a driving audio tour of Badlands National Park and a walking audio tour of Mount Rushmore. It combines scenic landscapes, geology, wildlife, and American history in one package.
Each tour is designed to take around 2–3 hours, but your total visit can be longer depending on how much time you spend hiking, taking photographs, visiting overlooks, or exploring attractions along the routes.
The Badlands tour features dramatic rock formations, colorful geological layers, wildlife-viewing areas, overlooks, and locations such as Yellow Mounds Overlook, Pinnacles Overlook, and the Fossil Exhibit Trail.
Yes. Families can combine a scenic drive through the Badlands with a shorter walking experience at Mount Rushmore. Children may especially enjoy the wildlife, unusual rock formations, and stories behind the monument.
Source: National Park Service
Pet restrictions vary between the two destinations and specific areas. Dogs may be permitted in certain developed areas but can be restricted from trails or buildings. Check current National Park Service regulations before bringing a pet.
Source: National Park Service
The tour points out several hiking opportunities, including The Notch, The Castle, The Door, and the Fossil Exhibit Trail. You can pause the audio tour to hike and resume when you’re ready.
Source: National Park Service
No. The bundle covers the self-guided audio tours. Park entrance fees, parking, transportation, food, drinks, and attraction tickets or reservations are not included.
Source: National Park Service
Late spring through early fall is popular for accessing trails and enjoying comfortable sightseeing conditions. Summer generally offers the most predictable access, while spring and fall can provide cooler temperatures and fewer visitors. Always check current weather and road conditions before traveling.
Source: National Park Service
Inclusions and Exclusions
Action Tour Guide app: Download the app to access your purchased tour.
GPS-triggered audio: Stories and directions play automatically as you reach each location.
Tour anytime: Single tours and bundles never expire and can be used anytime. Action+ is an annual subscription that automatically renews each year unless canceled.
Narrated stories: Hear local history, culture, and stories from experienced narrators.
Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day.
Offline access: Download your tour before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
Stories, stops, and directions: Follow the route to key attractions with automatic directions and stories at each location.
Transportation: Transportation, parking fees, and tolls are not included.
Admission: Entry tickets and reservations are not included.
Food and drinks: Meals and drinks are not included.
Rental car: A rental car is not included and may be required for driving tours.
