Face the Buffalo: A Private Jeep Safari and VIP Mammoth Site Tour from Rapid City

RAPID CITY JEEP FIELD GUIDE

Face the Buffalo: A Private Jeep Safari and VIP Mammoth Site Tour from Rapid City

A private, 9-hour outing that takes you by open-air jeep into Custer State Park to encounter roaming buffalo and other wildlife, includes lunch at the historic Custer State Game Lodge and a VIP behind‑the‑scenes tour of the Mammoth Site.

Face the Buffalo: A Private Jeep Safari and VIP Mammoth Site Tour from Rapid City.

Duration
9 hours
Location
Rapid City
Operator
Black Hills Adventure Tours
Category
Jeep
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

From Rapid City you head into the granite folds of the Black Hills for a day that pairs living megafauna with Ice Age remains: an open‑air jeep carries a private party into Custer State Park to search out roaming buffalo and other wildlife, followed by lunch at the historic Game Lodge and an exclusive VIP visit to the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Up close with roaming buffalo in Custer State Park
THE WILDLIFE

Up close with roaming buffalo in Custer State Park

A private, open‑air jeep puts your group in closer proximity to the park’s buffalo and the other wildlife that move through those granite valleys, offering an intimate view of a living landscape.

Historic hospitality at Custer State Game Lodge
THE LUNCH

Historic hospitality at Custer State Game Lodge

Midday is spent at the historic Custer State Game Lodge, where lunch provides a pause between the safari and the afternoon’s paleontological visit.

VIP, behind‑the‑scenes tour of the Mammoth Site
THE HISTORY

VIP, behind‑the‑scenes tour of the Mammoth Site

The day concludes with an exclusive VIP tour of the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, a chance to see Ice Age discoveries and the site’s interpretation up close.

What the day feels like

How the day unfolds

You depart Rapid City in the morning and travel into Custer State Park; then, aboard an open‑air jeep, you track buffalo and other wildlife across the park’s rolling terrain. Lunch at the Game Lodge breaks the day before a behind‑the‑scenes, VIP exploration of the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, all packaged into a single, immersive 9‑hour outing.

Up close with roaming buffalo in Custer State Park

THE WILDLIFE

Up close with roaming buffalo in Custer State Park

A private, open‑air jeep puts your group in closer proximity to the park’s buffalo and the other wildlife that move through those granite valleys, offering an intimate view of a living landscape.

Historic hospitality at Custer State Game Lodge

THE LUNCH

Historic hospitality at Custer State Game Lodge

Midday is spent at the historic Custer State Game Lodge, where lunch provides a pause between the safari and the afternoon’s paleontological visit.

VIP, behind‑the‑scenes tour of the Mammoth Site

THE HISTORY

VIP, behind‑the‑scenes tour of the Mammoth Site

The day concludes with an exclusive VIP tour of the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, a chance to see Ice Age discoveries and the site’s interpretation up close.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this day is best for

1
Families with childrenSuitable — the outing is described as appropriate for all ages, and the private format lets families move at their own pace.
2
Wildlife enthusiastsIdeal — a private, open‑air jeep increases the chance to observe buffalo and other wildlife up close in Custer State Park.
3
History & paleontology buffsExcellent — the included VIP tour of the Mammoth Site provides focused access to Ice Age discoveries and interpretation.
4
Private groups & photographersWell suited — the private nature of the jeep safari gives groups and photographers space and flexibility to work during sightings; the trip is offered to parties of any age makeup.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

The jeep portion is open‑air, so dress for the elements (layers, wind protection) and bring sun protection appropriate for a day outdoors.

Duration & Pace

This is a full 9‑hour outing with travel between Rapid City, Custer State Park and Hot Springs; expect a day of on‑road transit and time outdoors.

Meals & Stops

Lunch is planned at the historic Custer State Game Lodge as part of the itinerary.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the tour?

The experience is a 9‑hour outing.

Where do we meet?

The meeting location is Rapid City, SD.

Is this a private tour?

Yes — the offering is a private jeep safari and tour.

What sites are included?

The day includes Custer State Park for the jeep safari, lunch at the Custer State Game Lodge, and a VIP tour of the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs.

Are there age restrictions?

The tour is listed as suitable for all ages.

Who operates the tour?

The operator is Black Hills Adventure Tours.

What time does the tour leave?

The tour departs Rapid City at 8:00 a.m.

How much does it cost?

The headline price listed is $349 per person.