Black Hills Aerial Adventures
Black Hills Aerial Adventures
5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
29 years of experience offering exclusive helicopter tours within the Mt. Rushmore National Park boundaries, Custer State Park, and up close views of Crazy Horse Monument, the Cathedral Spires, and Black Elk Peak just to name a few. Flights range from approximately 5 minutes to an hour along with flights customized to your specific wants and needs. Priced to fit everyone's budget. Enjoy your flightseeing experience with the oldest, most respected helicopter tour company in the region.
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Black Hills Aerial Adventures
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
282 reviews
Excellent
250
Very good
21
Average
5
Poor
1
Terrible
5
Katie
Sheridan, WY290 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
We didn’t have a lot of extra money so we did the discovery flight for $49 per person. We had made reservations but upon arrival we were told that they do not honor reservations and that you are just added to the line. We waited almost an hour in the sun. They have a couple of benches in a shaded area, but not enough for everyone to sit. We were finally able to go on our ride. The pilot was really nice but I do wish he would have pointed a couple of things out instead of waiting for us to ask what they were. They snapped a really quick photo at the end of the ride. They did give us a pin for free and the staff was friendly.
Written July 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kalynn H
4 contributions
May 2021 • Family
We planned to do the 5-6min discovery tour because it was $49 but figured that'd just be a tease. There was no pressure at all on which tour to do amd the staggering was friendly. I decided to go in the middle so we did the Black Elk peak tour for $155. its was about 12minutes in duration and took you through the hills, around crazy horse and over a lake or two. My headset seemed fine but once we took off I could hardly hear anything and my mic stopped working so I wouldn't header anything. The others in my group said he pointed several things out and did a nice job commentating. Early on he pointed out the peak and I think that was it regarding black elk peak but we definitely enjoyed it nonetheless. It was a comfortable ride (I was concerned about it being hot and claustrophobic) but it was neither. The website said they weren't open for the session yet but I called and found out their Custer location was open early so we went there. My photos are too large to upload but I got some neat ones. Wore a black shirt so I didnt pick up my clothing in the reflection when trying to take pictures. Thanks to whiever else said that in a review. First time for all of us so nothing to compare it to but nice experience overall.
Written May 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darel P
2 contributions
Jul 2021
We took a helicopter tour in July of 2021! It was awesome! We selected the Mount Rushmore, $205 PER PERSON :: See Mount Rushmore up close and personal! This 24 mile flight takes you through the Black Hills and ends with a view of Crazy Horse Memorial.
It was worth every penny! Greg was an awesome Pilot and gave us great information during the flight. There is no other way to see what we got to see and hear about the area during the tour than an AWESOME helicopter tour!
It was worth every penny! Greg was an awesome Pilot and gave us great information during the flight. There is no other way to see what we got to see and hear about the area during the tour than an AWESOME helicopter tour!
Written August 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Randy v
Los Angeles, CA7 contributions
Jul 2022
Was driving through the Black Hills area when I saw this heliport alongside the highway.
Being a pilot myself, I had to go check it out. Did the Mt Rushmore with Crazy Horse tour solo in a piston powered Lycoming gear driven engined flat 6. Probably 410 to 44 cubic inches.
Process was simple as a walk in. Pay for service, get weighed ( for CG and weights and balances in any aircraft) and within minutes it was a one on one pilot and myself taking a 20 minute ride.
Pilot was extremely knowledgable and very courteous. I'm a frugal guy, but the $220 fee, to me, was an absolute bargain. I highly suggest you try to do this as early in the morning as possible, the air is smoother, and the lighting more dramatic if you're going to take videos or pictures.
This is a must do if it's a once in a lifetime trip to the area, the aerial perspective is simply fantastic.
Great oufit, would highly recommend them.
Being a pilot myself, I had to go check it out. Did the Mt Rushmore with Crazy Horse tour solo in a piston powered Lycoming gear driven engined flat 6. Probably 410 to 44 cubic inches.
Process was simple as a walk in. Pay for service, get weighed ( for CG and weights and balances in any aircraft) and within minutes it was a one on one pilot and myself taking a 20 minute ride.
Pilot was extremely knowledgable and very courteous. I'm a frugal guy, but the $220 fee, to me, was an absolute bargain. I highly suggest you try to do this as early in the morning as possible, the air is smoother, and the lighting more dramatic if you're going to take videos or pictures.
This is a must do if it's a once in a lifetime trip to the area, the aerial perspective is simply fantastic.
Great oufit, would highly recommend them.
Written July 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RiverTraveler
Stillwater, MN62 contributions
Aug 2021
We rode the 1880 train from Hill City to Keystone and knew we didn't want to come right back as the girls (6 and 9) would probably be ready to do something. So we hiked up the hill to take a helicopter ride! (They told us they have a shuttle so you could call them if walking up that big hill is a problem for you! There would be plenty of parking up there if you're driving. It was < 15 minute walk but much of it was up a steep hill from the train depot.) We had no wait at all when we went (a Monday in August) and the staff was all very nice, welcoming and helpful. We were going to do the Mount Rushmore tour but they offered a small discount on the Black Elk Peak tour so we decided to do that - we were easy to convince because we weren't really sure which ride we wanted to do! Mike was our pilot and he was really nice, easy to talk to. He pointed out a number of things and answered any questions we had. When we landed they came out and took a picture of us with our phone, which was really nice. The day we went it was pretty smokey from the fires out west but it was still amazing views. Our kids really loved it.
Written August 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bryan M
1 contribution
Jun 2021
My son and I booked the Crazy Horse Tour and went on it June 25th 2021. What a great experience. All of the employees were as nice as could be. We arrived early because the weather that morning was supposed to worsen as the day went on, and they moved up our flight without hesitation. After a short video, we were escorted to our awaiting helicopter and whisked off in no time.
The views were amazing and our pilot was great at pointing out all the landmarks without talking non-stop. It gave us a chance to talk to one another and just take in the scenery. Kim was great!
After the flight we were once again greeted with smiling faces asking how we enjoyed it. We placed a pin in the map to show where we're from and we left with great memories that will last forever. I couldn't have been happier with Black Hills Aerial Adventures and recommend them highly. Five stars seems too low.
The views were amazing and our pilot was great at pointing out all the landmarks without talking non-stop. It gave us a chance to talk to one another and just take in the scenery. Kim was great!
After the flight we were once again greeted with smiling faces asking how we enjoyed it. We placed a pin in the map to show where we're from and we left with great memories that will last forever. I couldn't have been happier with Black Hills Aerial Adventures and recommend them highly. Five stars seems too low.
Written June 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill v
Box Elder, SD177 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
We are full time RV’ers and regularly visit the Sturgis/Rapid City area. We’ve been to Crazy Horse, Mount Rushmore, and the Needles Highway several times in the past and were looking for something fresh.
After doing a little research, we decided on a visit to Black Hills Aerial Adventures because they had the best fly-over rights. We wanted to see everything from different and more exciting points of view. The customer service and management staff are super friendly and helpful. After conferring with them, we decided on the 35 minute tour that flies to Crazy Horse, Mount Rushmore, Sylvan Lake, The Pinnacles, The Needles Highway, and other points of interest. It’s a little more expensive, but it did not disappoint. It was well worth the money.
Michelle was our very capable pilot and our flight was smooth as silk. The views of our favorite places from the air were absolutely breathtaking. The birds-eye view of Crazy Horse gave us a whole new perspective of this amazing project. Michelle shared her wealth of knowledge about the local area and narrated the flight with interesting and little known facts, which we very much appreciated. We loved every minute of the flight and glad we decided on this particular tour company. We highly recommend them. We are very happy campers.
After doing a little research, we decided on a visit to Black Hills Aerial Adventures because they had the best fly-over rights. We wanted to see everything from different and more exciting points of view. The customer service and management staff are super friendly and helpful. After conferring with them, we decided on the 35 minute tour that flies to Crazy Horse, Mount Rushmore, Sylvan Lake, The Pinnacles, The Needles Highway, and other points of interest. It’s a little more expensive, but it did not disappoint. It was well worth the money.
Michelle was our very capable pilot and our flight was smooth as silk. The views of our favorite places from the air were absolutely breathtaking. The birds-eye view of Crazy Horse gave us a whole new perspective of this amazing project. Michelle shared her wealth of knowledge about the local area and narrated the flight with interesting and little known facts, which we very much appreciated. We loved every minute of the flight and glad we decided on this particular tour company. We highly recommend them. We are very happy campers.
Written July 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abby A
28 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
We had an amazing experience with Black Hills Aerial Adventures. Pam was excellent at answering our questions and concerns. We loved that we could just show up and get on the list for a ride. We could pay when we got to the heliport instead of booking on line and paying ahead of time. We had an awesome pilot, Mark. He was really knowledgeable, patient, and answered all our questions. Our two boys, 10 and 7, were constantly asking how high in the air we were :) We went on the Black Elk tour! It was definitely worth the money and experience!!
Written August 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
@glindow
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Family
We had a fantastic time doing tour #3! Everyone was extremely friendly from checking in, to calming our nervous 7 year old, and of course the tour. Highly recommend making time for a helicopter tour if you want to get the BEST views of the Black Hills, Cathedral Spires, Needles Highway, Crazy Horse, and more. Can't wait to do it again!
Written August 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason R
New Hampton, IA419 contributions
Jul 2021
My wife, and two kiddos got to go on the flight. I am WAY over the allowable weight, so I got to enjoy their stories upon return. Firstly, they did the Rushmore flight. It's about $110 per person, but it was well worth the money to fly right in front of the monument. Secondly, the pilot was really good with the kiddos and my wife. Very conversational and offered some really nice insights about the area. I would recommend a flight with these folks every day of the week and twice on Sunday. It doesn't get any better!
Written August 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is end of March 29th thought 31st a good time to visit Black Hills and Mt Rushmore and do the helicopter tour? Also how much is the helicopter tour?
Written February 7, 2019
those dates would be a bit early as there will probably still be snow and cold there at that time--the pilots usually report in mid to late april to get ready for the season so I would say that late may or early june would be a better plan for that area of the country and the copter tours--not sure what the pricing will be this year but it is worth it to go on the best tour you can afford(there are several to choose from--crazy horse, mt rushmore, sylvan lake and more) hope this will help with your decision--I am a bit prejudiced because my son has been a pilot/tour guide there the last two seasons--you will enjoy!!!
Written February 8, 2019
I will be there in early May 2017, will this place be open?
Written February 22, 2017
Their website states they open May 12th, 2017 and they fly every day from 9 to 5
Hope this helps
Written February 22, 2017
I believe it closed at the end of October until the start of the new season sometime in the spring.
Written January 31, 2017
My family of 4is coming out the end of July how do I book a flight.
Written July 6, 2016
A Tripadvisor member
Ohio
Wait until you get there. It doesn't fill up that quick!
Written March 13, 2017
If I want to book a flight how do I do it. There are 4 of us. We will be out there the end of July.
Written July 6, 2016
The discovery flight was $49. For the Mt. Rushmore flight, I believe it only includes a profile view of the monument. The next one up is $99. It was approx. 12 minutes and you made two passes of the monument, and got really good views of the monuments. Tip...make sure to look in some of the free Black Hills travelers books, as there is a coupon for Aerial Adventures. Their website is really good at describing the different flights available from the different helipads.
Written July 5, 2016
My first time in a helicopter but my husband has once. Trying to decide which will be the best deal for us. We will be there May 12 - 14 and the Badlands May 11. I have no idea how long a trip it is based on air miles. I would appreciate any suggestions. We will be staying in Keystone near Mt. Rushmore and will have a car.
Written April 16, 2016
We took the tour of Mr. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. It was the first time on a helicopter for both of us. We consider it one of the highlights of our 10 state 4077 mile Corvette trip. Highly recommend!!!
Written April 18, 2016
I am having a hard time deciding which tour to take. My husband and I will be in Rapid City in September. Can you advise?
thanks!
Linda Gray
Written May 7, 2015
If you can afford the longer trips they are probably what you should do. They are the two most expensive but they are 1/2 hour and 1 hour respectively. All other trips are from 6-20 minutes (at least that's what we were told as an estimate). That said, we did the $99 crazy horse flight and it was great! It was about 12 minutes and a thrill for our first helicopter ride.
Written August 16, 2015
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