Your Guides

BLACK HILLS OPEN-TOP-TOURS
  • Welcome - 2025 Season
  • JEEP Bison Safaris @ Custer Park
  • Jeep Backcountry Badlands
  • Jeep 'Peak-2-Peak' North Hills
  • Mt Rushmore at Sunset
  • Half Day - Mt Rush-Crazy Horse - Public
  • Full Day - Mt Rush/Crazy Horse/Custer Park
  • Devils Tower
  • Badlands/Wall Premium Van
  • PRIVATE PERSONAL TOURS
  • GROUP TOURS
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 OWNER / OPERATOR
​Hi - I'm Rich Watkins, a Dakotan . . . forth generation.
In 1889 at the age of four my great grandmother came to the Dakota Territory from Indiana in a covered wagon. This was a few ​months before it became a State and one year prior to the Wounded Knee Massacre. As a child I remember her entertaining me with stories of her youth and the Dakota's of her day.  

​I began my carrier in farming and education, however I've spent most of my life as an entrepreneur. ​I've been exploring the Black Hills region for 40+  years. Enjoying its beauty, studying its history and driving the back roads in old Jeep CJ's. 

  Please let me know if you have questions about our tours or need suggestions about visiting the Hills. Thanks and Be Well  - Rich  


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Charlie ~
​A South Dakota native from the center of the state . . . Charlie attended Northern State University and earned his advanced degree in education. He was involved in teaching and guidance counseling throughout the state.  A retired SD National Guard Officer with over 15 years as an instructor and Battlefield Staff ride guide. His background brings with it a wealth of knowledge of the regions military battles and the Indian Wars of the 1800's.  Charlie is a very active outdoorsman and knows the Black Hills extremely well. 

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Mike ~
Another farm kid - raised in southeastern South Dakota. Mike was a teacher and is a recently retired elementery principal.  He has spent the last 30 years exploring the Black Hills and Badlands. Mike is another active outdoorsman and loves traveling on roads less traveled. 

    RESERVE TOUR HERE

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Rule #1 for our tour guides . . .
"Know where the bathrooms are and keep guests informed!" 
Your may pay in full or a ​20% minimum to reserve. 
Remainder 48 hours prior to tour.
100% Refund with 24 hours notice.
No penalty to move the tour date.
YOUR GUIDES
info & travel maps
Just Ask Rich - Info & Suggestions
Safety Protocols
605-644-6736
[email protected]
- A WORD OF CAUTION -
WE HAVE EXPERIENCED A LARGE NUMBER OF RESERVATION
​PROBLEMS WITH THIRD-PARTY SELLERS.

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT PURCHASING TOURS THROUGH THIRD-PARTY SELLERS MAY LEAD TO BOOKING ERRORS.  
THESE ERRORS CAN NOT BE FIXED BY OPEN-TOP-TOURS.  YOU WILL NEED TO CONTACT THE THIRD-PARTY DIRECTLY. 
​​  WE RECOMMEND MAKING YOUR RESERVATIONS DIRECTLY WITH US
                 WE USE A REDUNDANT CONFIRMATION TO AVOID ERRORS  
 
  • WE ASK GUESTS CALL TO CONFIRM TOUR AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR. 
  • GUIDES WILL ALSO CONTACT GUESTS THE EVENING BEFORE TO CONFIRM  DETAILS AND  PROVIDE THEIR CONTACT CELL NUMBER.​​
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  • Welcome - 2025 Season
  • JEEP Bison Safaris @ Custer Park
  • Jeep Backcountry Badlands
  • Jeep 'Peak-2-Peak' North Hills
  • Mt Rushmore at Sunset
  • Half Day - Mt Rush-Crazy Horse - Public
  • Full Day - Mt Rush/Crazy Horse/Custer Park
  • Devils Tower
  • Badlands/Wall Premium Van
  • PRIVATE PERSONAL TOURS
  • GROUP TOURS