Rushmore Cave

If you get one thing from this review, it should be this: Leo, the tour guide, saved my life. My love and I went to Rushmore caves to have the most exciting cave experience that Carlsbad Caverns could not give us. We started the cave tour just like any other tour. We came in expecting stalactites, some historical jokes, and maybe a geode or two. What we did not expect was all that along with a brush with death, and the heroic intervention of the greatest cave guide this world has ever known. The tour started off innocently enough: dim lighting, cool ancient rock formations, and Leo delivering jokes sharper than any stalagmite in the cave. The man has comedic timing that could rival any comedy movie. My love and I chuckled along, blissfully unaware of tragedy that lurked in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. It happened during one of Leo’s finest punchlines—a joke so funny, delivered so perfectly, that I threw my head back in laughter. In doing so, I accidentally inhaled the piece of gum I had been chewing (yes, I ignored the rule about not eating in the caves—hubris is a dangerous thing. Please listen to Leo. Leo knows best). Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t breathe. My eyes bulged. My hands shot to my throat in a dramatic display that would make even the finest actor jealous. I looked to my love for help—surely, she would save me, but all she did was let out a shriek that I’m told can still be heard echoing through the caves to this day. As the sweet blue of cyanosis began to grace my face and I started considering what I wanted engraved on my tombstone, Leo (hereinafter referred to as Leo the Lion) the brave, fearless, life-saving guide Leo sprang into action. Like a majestic cave lion, Leo the Lion appeared out of nowhere, his boots barely making a sound on the rocky floor. With the precision of a man who has trained for this moment his whole life, he wrapped his arms around me and performed the most textbook-perfect Heimlich maneuver in history. With one swift motion, the gum shot from my throat, ricocheted off a stalagmite, and landed in the hands of my love. I fell to my knees, gasping for breath, while my love wept tears of joy and relief. Leo the Lion simply dusted off his hands, and said walking away, “I’m just doing my job.” I would trust this man with my life. In fact, I already did. 10/10 experience, would choke in a cave again if it meant being saved by Leo. We are seriously considering naming our firstborn after him, as well as commissioning a life-size statue in his honor. If you’re considering this tour, don’t hesitate! Not only will you experience stunning cave formations, but you’ll also be in the capable hands of a genuine hero. Way better than Carlsbad Caverns. Thanks for a memorable tour!

Mar 14, 2025 · James Fink

A beautiful place to visit, but little challenging if you are with small kids. Some stairs are very steep and slippery but still worth a visit. Leo was our tour guy and he was great! We all had fun!

Jul 15, 2024 · Farkhad Jumayev

It was a beautiful experience! Since it was off-season, it was only my dad and I in the tour group, and our tour guide was super funny and patient with us throughout the whole thing! The tour was about an hour long, so definitely be prepared with tennis shoes and going up and down stairs and basically being a contortionist 😂 there are small, short areas (we hit our heads a lot) so just be careful! But overall, would recommend coming here!

Apr 30, 2023 · Sariah Sauni

Very cool tour. Takes about an hour and it’s only 58 degrees in the cave so a nice “cool” experience in the summer time.

Jul 16, 2024 · Novelli Haddick

What an amazing evening. The Valentines cave was absolutely awesome. Cruise through the cave while having people serenade you with music and all lit by candles. What a great idea. I am not into wine, but other than that, it was above my expectations. You guys should do more events like that. Beer tasting with music would be fun also. You climbed up the stairs to the wedding chappelle, and my wife and I renewed our vows whole being serenaded by a chello and violin. It was absolutely awesome. Would love to see other events like this. It was snowing while we rode the zip line and roller coaster in the dark. Great job to all. Thank you.

Feb 12, 2024 · Thunder Cougar