Black Hills Helicopters, Inc — Local services in Hill City

Update: 9/9/2025 After posting my initial review regarding a flight time discrepancy, the management team was quick to respond. Mindy reached out by phone and apologized for the experience. She explained their thorough tracking process which shows they take accountability seriously. Most importantly, they followed through on their word and issued a refund promptly.

This kind of responsive and honest customer service is rare. That completely changed my opinion of our full experience. Thank you for making it right! Their professional response to criticism speaks volumes about their integrity. I truly appreciate the excellent customer service and will consider using them again because of how they handled this. I will gladly recommend them to friends, family, and future customers.

9/8/25 My family (my wife, son, and I) took the Black Elk Peak helicopter tour with BH Helicopters today, September 8, 2025. While there were positive aspects, we were ultimately disappointed by the significantly short flight time.

The tour is advertised as a 20 minute flight but ours lasted only 15 minutes. For a price of $169.99 per person, which is nearly $80 more than their next package, this shortage is significant. The flight felt rushed, cutting into the time we were most looking forward to for soaking in the aerial views. We also experienced a brief billing error where our card was charged for another couple, though it was refunded promptly.

Booking and checking in were easy, and the entire staff was kind and professional. Due to a combination of prior bookings and a weather hold, we had a two-hour wait. The facility was well-equipped with games and knick-knacks, which made the wait time pass comfortably.

Our pilot was informative and skilled. The views of Black Elk Peak and the surrounding landscape were absolutely breathtaking and exactly what we hoped to see.

We had an overall good experience, but the high cost relative to the actual flight time left us upset. The price would be reasonable if the advertised 20 minutes were met. We hope this feedback helps ensure future flights provide the full...

While my wife and I were driving down to Keystone for the last couple of days, we kept seeing helicopters taking off and saw the street sign for this helicopter tour. So, we decided to just do it! We did the Thunderhead Mtn. package, which is $249.99 per person. It was worth it!! There’s an observation deck where you can watch the helicopters take off and land. We were also able to take a lot of photos and videos during the flight. Overall, I highly recommend doing the tour because you get to see everything. Seeing these locations from an aerial view was breathtaking. Our pilot, Lovel, was exceptional! She is very knowledgeable about the locations, very friendly and skilled pilot. We were also debriefed by Steve about safety precautions, and he was informative and very friendly and funny. He definitely cracked some jokes. The other staff member (I apologize, I didn't get her name) she was phenomenal, very welcoming upon entering into the facility. We also met the owner, who was very friendly, kind and personable. I couldn’t help but get hoodies as well 😂 it’s very comfy. It was a pleasure flying with Black Hills Helicopters, Inc. We will see you again!!

I took this description from their website because it’s better worded haha… Description of Thunderhead Mtn. Package: “follows Buckeye Gulch down to the old mining town of Keystone, past the mines to Iron Mountain in front of Mount Rushmore and the infamous pig-tail bridges and back. After Mount Rushmore, this flight continues up Grizzly Bear Creek into the Black Elk Wilderness, just east of the Cathedral Spires and below Black Elk Peak behind Mount Rushmore. After Black Elk Peak, we continue following the remote, majestic wilderness boundary into Sunday Gulch past the iconic Outlets at Sylvan Lake. This tour continues from Sylvan Lake and passes over Sylvan Peak on the way to Thunderhead Mountain and the Crazy Horse Memorial. After an up close and personal view of the Crazy Horse Memorial, the flight retraces the Needles’ Highway (SD HWY 87) Sylvan Lake Tour return past...

Cleanliness and Comfort: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The moment we stepped into their facility, I was impressed by the immaculate cleanliness. The helicopters were impeccably maintained, both inside and out. The comfortable seating and panoramic windows offered breathtaking views without compromising on comfort. It was evident that the company prioritizes the safety and satisfaction of their passengers. Professional Staff: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The staff at Black Hills Helicopters exuded professionalism and warmth. From the friendly receptionists to the experienced pilots, everyone made me feel welcome and at ease. The pilots' expertise and knowledge about the surrounding areas added an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience. Stunning Views: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The highlight of the kids helicopter journey was undoubtedly the unparalleled views. The pilot skillfully maneuvered the helicopter, ensuring that everyone got a chance to witness the most breathtaking landmarks from a unique perspective. The vast landscapes and iconic landmarks were truly awe-inspiring. Smooth and Safe Ride: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Safety is paramount during any aviation experience, and Black Hills Helicopters excels in this aspect. The kids said, The flight was incredibly smooth, and felt secure throughout the journey. The pilot's constant communication and adherence to safety protocols further enhanced my confidence in the company. Memorable Experience: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Their helicopter tour with Black Hills Helicopters created memories that will last a lifetime. The combination of exceptional service, pristine helicopters, and captivating views made this a truly unforgettable adventure. I can't thank the company enough for offering such a remarkable experience...