Custer State Park Helicopter Tours: Soar Above South Dakota’s Beauty

Custer State Park helicopter tours offer breathtaking aerial views of South Dakota’s stunning landscapes. These tours provide a unique perspective of the park’s diverse terrain, including rolling hills, granite spires, and abundant wildlife. While specific tours dedicated solely to Custer State Park are limited, several operators offer flights that encompass the park and surrounding Black Hills region, providing an unforgettable experience for visitors.

What Are the Prices for Custer State Park Helicopter Tours?

Helicopter tour prices in the Black Hills area, including those covering Custer State Park, vary depending on the operator and tour duration. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing options:

  1. Rushmore Helicopters:
  2. $179 tour: Includes views of Cathedral Spires and the Needles
  3. $479 tour: 70-mile, 50-minute flight covering a broader area

  4. Black Hills Helicopters:

  5. Tours range from $85 to $220
  6. 40-minute Southern Hills tour includes Custer State Park views

  7. Black Hills Aerial Adventures:

  8. Tours generally range from $85 and up
  9. Southern Hills Panorama tour: 35-minute journey (specific price not listed)

It’s important to note that while these tours may not exclusively focus on Custer State Park, they often include views of the park and its surrounding areas.

What Are the Specific Routes for Custer State Park Helicopter Tours?

custer state park helicopter tours

While there aren’t tours dedicated solely to Custer State Park, several routes incorporate the park and nearby attractions:

  1. Black Hills Helicopters’ Southern Hills Tour:
  2. Duration: 40 minutes
  3. Highlights: Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Sylvan Lake, Needles Highway

  4. Black Hills Aerial Adventures’ Southern Hills Panorama:

  5. Duration: 35 minutes
  6. Highlights: Mount Rushmore, Sylvan Lake, Needles Highway

  7. Rushmore Helicopters’ Extended Tour:

  8. Duration: 50 minutes
  9. Coverage: 70-mile route including Northern, Southern, and Central Black Hills
  10. Highlights: Custer Peak Lookout, Deerfield Lake, Pactola Lake, Sheridan Lake, Sylvan Lake

These routes offer comprehensive views of the Black Hills region, including Custer State Park and its surrounding landmarks.

What Do Recent Reviews Say About Custer State Park Helicopter Tours?

While specific reviews for Custer State Park tours are limited, general feedback for Black Hills helicopter tours is overwhelmingly positive:

  • Black Hills Aerial Adventures:
  • 5-star rating on TripAdvisor
  • Praised for high-quality tours and experienced pilots
  • Customers highlight unique viewing opportunities

  • Common Themes in Reviews:

  • Breathtaking views
  • Safety and expertise of pilots
  • Memorable overall experience

Visitors consistently express satisfaction with the aerial perspective of the Black Hills region, including areas around Custer State Park.

How Can I Book a Custer State Park Helicopter Tour?

Booking a helicopter tour that includes views of Custer State Park is straightforward:

  1. Operating Season:
  2. Typically May through October
  3. Daily flights from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM

  4. Booking Tips:

  5. Early reservations recommended, especially during peak season
  6. Contact tour operators directly for availability and specific tour options

  7. Group Sizes and Age Restrictions:

  8. Most helicopters accommodate up to 3 passengers
  9. No age limit; children under 2 often fly free

  10. Cancellation Policies:

  11. Vary by operator; contact them directly for details

To ensure the best experience, it’s advisable to book in advance and discuss any specific requirements or preferences with the tour operator.

What Should I Expect During a Custer State Park Helicopter Tour?

When embarking on a helicopter tour that includes Custer State Park, you can expect:

  1. Scenic Views:
  2. Panoramic vistas of the Black Hills
  3. Aerial perspective of Custer State Park’s diverse landscapes
  4. Glimpses of wildlife from above (bison herds, if lucky)

  5. Flight Experience:

  6. Professional pilots with extensive knowledge of the area
  7. Commentary on landmarks and points of interest
  8. Smooth flight operations in modern helicopters

  9. Photo Opportunities:

  10. Unique angles for capturing the park’s beauty
  11. Chances to photograph hard-to-reach areas

  12. Duration:

  13. Flights ranging from 35 to 50 minutes, depending on the chosen tour

  14. Safety Measures:

  15. Pre-flight safety briefing
  16. High-quality equipment and well-maintained aircraft

What Are the Best Times for Custer State Park Helicopter Tours?

Choosing the right time for your helicopter tour can enhance your experience:

  1. Seasonal Considerations:
  2. Spring (May-June): Lush greenery, potential wildlife sightings
  3. Summer (July-August): Peak tourist season, clearest skies
  4. Fall (September-October): Stunning foliage colors

  5. Time of Day:

  6. Early Morning: Calm winds, soft lighting
  7. Late Afternoon: Golden hour lighting for photography

  8. Weather Factors:

  9. Clear days offer the best visibility
  10. Tours may be rescheduled in case of inclement weather

  11. Wildlife Activity:

  12. Dawn and dusk: Increased chances of spotting wildlife

Consider these factors when booking to maximize your aerial tour experience over Custer State Park and the Black Hills.

How Does a Helicopter Tour Compare to Other Custer State Park Experiences?

Helicopter tours offer a unique perspective compared to other Custer State Park activities:

Experience Helicopter Tour Ground Tour Hiking
Duration 35-50 minutes Several hours Varies
Coverage Extensive area Limited to roads Trail-dependent
Perspective Aerial, panoramic Ground-level Ground-level
Wildlife Viewing From above Up-close Potential encounters
Physical Effort Minimal Moderate High
Unique Factor Unparalleled views Intimate experience Personal exploration

While each experience has its merits, helicopter tours provide an unmatched overview of Custer State Park and the surrounding Black Hills in a short time frame.

By choosing a helicopter tour that includes Custer State Park, visitors can gain a comprehensive understanding of the park’s vastness and beauty, complementing other ground-based activities for a well-rounded Black Hills experience.

References:

  1. Rushmore Helicopters
  2. Black Hills Helicopter Tours | Powder House Lodge
  3. Black Hills Aerial Adventures

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