Custer, South Dakota, is a natural playground packed with rugged scenery, wildlife, and history. But what truly makes it stand out are its unique tours that let you experience the area in memorable ways. Whether you’re floating high above the Black Hills in a hot air balloon, exploring the wilderness by car, or descending into Wind Cave, Custer offers adventures suited to every interest. We especially love the hot air balloon rides—they reveal the landscape from a whole new perspective and come with a celebratory Champagne toast. If you prefer a more flexible approach, the self-guided driving tours bring the scenery and wildlife into focus at your own pace. For those eager to explore underground, the Wind Cave self-guided tour offers hours of discovery beneath the surface. Each of these options provides a different way to connect with the area’s natural beauty and unique character.
Quick Overview
Our list features aerial adventures, such as the Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Black Hills (details here), which offers breathtaking sunrise views. We also include the Custer: Black Hills Hot Air Balloon Flight at Sunrise (details here), perfect for those wanting a small-group experience. For a more flexible and practical exploration, there’s the Discover Custer State Park A Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour (details here), which takes you through wildlife-rich routes and scenic sights. Finally, the Wind Cave National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour (details here) offers hours of underground exploration at a budget-friendly price.
1. Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Black Hills
Floating above the Black Hills in Custer State Park is an experience like no other. This hot air balloon ride is well-organized and offers an opportunity to see South Dakota’s stunning landscape at sunrise. The tour includes a short safety briefing, inflating the balloon, and a serene hour-long flight over the forested hills, lakes, and mountain vistas. Afterwards, you’ll toast your adventure with a complimentary glass of Champagne, a tradition that makes the morning flight even more memorable.
What sets this tour apart is its early start—departing at sunrise—ensuring you catch the Black Hills at their most beautiful. The easy-to-find meeting point in Custer eliminates stress, making the experience accessible. With 388 reviews averaging 5.0/5, travelers rave about the breathtaking views and the peaceful silence of ballooning high above the treetops. Some note it’s a bucket-list experience, perfect for celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a unique perspective.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal if you’re after an unforgettable, picture-perfect adventure early in the morning, with the added bonus of a celebratory toast. It’s a bit pricy at $375 per person but delivers a once-in-a-lifetime view of the Black Hills.
2. Custer: Black Hills Hot Air Balloon Flight at Sunrise
For around $375, the Custer: Black Hills Hot Air Balloon Flight at Sunrise offers a smaller group experience—up to 12 passengers—that emphasizes a personal touch. This tour is a 3-hour experience that begins at dawn, drifting over the breathtaking scenery of mountains, valleys, lakes, and prairies. Watching the sunrise from the sky is a truly magical moment, and the panoramic views are exceptional.
The flight includes a champagne toast upon landing, with the pilot sharing stories about the Black Hills. It’s best suited for travelers who want a more intimate experience and are comfortable with a slightly longer morning commitment. Since reviews are all 5/5, it’s clear that the small group size, combined with the spectacular scenery, makes this a preferred choice for many. The flight duration is about an hour, but the entire experience, including prep and landing, takes around 3 hours.
Bottom Line: If you value a cozy, small-group vibe with top-tier scenery and a stunning sunrise, this tour is hard to beat. It’s perfect for romantics or those wanting a quieter, more personalized adventure.
3. Discover Custer State Park A Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour
If you prefer to set your own pace, the Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour is a practical way to explore Custer State Park without a guide. Priced at just $16.99 for a group of up to four, this tour takes you along the iconic Wildlife Loop Road, where bison, elk, and prairie dogs roam freely. It also includes stops at Blue Bell Stables, offering a glimpse of local horseback riding, and at Mount Coolidge, which provides sweeping views of the entire park.
The narration is GPS-triggered, offering insights into the park’s wildlife, geology, and history. A highlight is the Needles Highway, a winding route through jagged granite spires that is both scenic and fun to drive. Reviewers note the app is easy to download and use offline, making it suitable for travelers who want flexibility.
This tour is best suited for independent travelers or families who like to explore on their own schedule, stopping as long as they wish. It is a cost-effective way to see many highlights of Custer State Park without the expense of a guided tour.
Bottom Line: Perfect for budget-minded explorers who enjoy the freedom of self-guided adventures and want to see wildlife, rugged landscapes, and scenic routes at their own pace.
$16.99 per group (up to 4)
4. Wind Cave National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour
For those fascinated by underground wonders, the Wind Cave National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour is an excellent choice. Priced at just $9.99, it offers a 6 to 7-hour day of exploration, including visiting Cold Springs Schoolhouse, the Sanctuary Trail, and Rankin Ridge. The cave itself is one of the longest and most intricate in the world, and the narration helps you understand its geology and discovery story.
The tour emphasizes flexibility, allowing you to spend as much time as you like exploring the cave and surrounding landscapes. The GPS-triggered narration brings life to the cave’s formations, native history, and the diverse prairie and forest ecosystems above ground. Visitors have enjoyed the interactive experience and the chance to learn at their own pace, making it ideal for families, geology buffs, or anyone with an adventurous spirit.
While there are no recent reviews, the value and self-paced nature make it a popular budget option. Expect to spend several hours here, making it suitable for a full-day outing.
Bottom Line: This is a budget-friendly, engaging way to explore Wind Cave and its environment in a relaxed, independent manner—perfect if you love caves and science.
$9.99 per group (up to 15)
How to Choose the Right Tour
Picking the best tour depends on your interests, budget, and time available. If you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime aerial view and love special experiences, the hot air balloon rides (#1) and #2) are top contenders, especially for sunrise lovers and those seeking quieter, more intimate settings. Both offer breathtaking scenery and champagne to toast the adventure.
For travelers wanting flexibility and control, the self-guided audio driving tour (#3) provides a budget-friendly way to explore Custer State Park’s wildlife and scenic routes on your own schedule. It’s ideal if you prefer to skip guided groups but still want expert narration.
Finally, if your curiosity extends below ground, the Wind Cave self-guided tour (#4) offers a comprehensive indoor experience at a great price, suited for geology enthusiasts and families alike.
When booking, consider seasonal weather, especially for balloon rides, which are weather-dependent. Early booking is recommended to secure your preferred date, especially in peak seasons.
Final Thoughts
Custer offers a variety of tours that cater to different tastes—from soaring above the Black Hills in a hot air balloon to driving through wildlife-filled meadows or exploring underground caves. For a romantic sunrise experience, the balloon rides promise unforgettable views. If you prefer self-paced exploration, the audio tours bring flexibility without sacrificing depth or value. And for those interested in geology and caves, Wind Cave offers hours of fascinating underground discovery.
No matter which you pick, these tours enhance your visit and deepen your connection with this remarkable part of South Dakota. Booking early and choosing the right experience for your interests will ensure a trip full of memorable moments.