Pictured: Carrie Gerlach
Carrie Gerlach, founder and owner of Black Hills Adventure Tours, wanted to bring some adventure to the guided tour offerings in the region. With that vision in mind, Black Hills Adventure Tours was born. Being a tour guide, according to Carrie, is all about human interaction and making people feel safe and confident.
When Carrie talks about the services her team provides, it’s clear that her passion is still strong after 19 years. While the majority of their client base comes from out of state, the holiday light tours have recently captured the hearts of locals. Some of the biggest fans of this new route are two unexpected groups — residents of assisted living facilities and the staff of Black Hills Adventure Tours.
“I’ve got an amazing staff,” Carrie said. “I cannot say enough about how grateful I am to have them. They’re just awesome.” Denny and Julie, two members of the staff, had Carrie smiling wide. “They’re my parents. I get to work with my family and I love every minute of it,” she explained. “Some of my favorite family memories are our adventures in the Black Hills and now we, as a family, get to share those traditions with our guests.”
Carrie and her staff are dedicated to providing a memorable, family-friendly experience while helping visitors explore their adventurous side. Not only are they exposing guests to the beauty of the landscape and local attractions, they are showcasing the welcoming spirit unique to the Black Hills. Beyond the Black Hills, Carrie also leads women’s expeditions all around the world. The most recent trip took the women for an unforgettable adventure in Costa Rica.
In addition to providing a great experience for their guests, Carrie’s team firmly believes in being stewards of the land and maintaining the sustainability of the Black Hills. While the team may leave no trace behind in the outdoors, they’re making lasting impacts on their guests — from Scottish visitors to incoming Airmen.
Pictured: Carrie Gerlach