Visit South Dakota’s historic Black Hills and beautiful Badlands on one trip. See National monuments, historic towns, a multitude of wildlife and prehistoric remains all on one exciting journey.
Day
1 Arrive in South Dakota
Your northwesterly journey begins in Rapid City. Meet your Tour Manager at 6:00 p.m. for dining suggestions.
Day
2 Bear Country USA, Mount Rushmore & Journey Museum
Begin the day with a drive through Bear Country USA Wildlife Park to see the many bears, wolves and elk found here. Then pay a visit to the famed Shrine of Democracy, Mount Rushmore National Memorial. See the memorial, explore the museum and have an on own lunch. A visit to the Black Hills Gold Factory is always an enriching experience. Later, visit the Journey Museum where you learn about the Indian culture and heritage.
Meals: B, D
Day
3 The 1880 Train, Tatanka & Historic Deadwood
This morning board the
1880 Train of the Black Hills Central Railroad for the spectacular mountain scenery found along the tracks laid in the 1880s to service the area mines. Enjoy free time for shopping in the rugged town of Keystone. A drive through scenic Spearfish Canyon brings you to Tatanka, Story of the Bison. Founded by Kevin Costner, visit the Northern Plains People Center and
Dances with Wolves movie costumes.
In historic Deadwood, visit Mount Moriah Cemetery, known as “Boot Hill,” home to the graves of Old West legends like Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok. There will be time to explore the town, see the local street shows and have dinner at the Silverado Casino.
Meals: B, D
Day
4 Mammoth Site, Custer State Park & Crazy Horse Memorial
Your day starts in Hot Springs, home to Mammoth Site.
This excavation site features the fossils of 58 woolly mammoths
at the world’s largest site of its kind. Then travel into Custer State
Park, home of the nation’s largest bison herd.
Enjoy lunch on
your own at the State Game Lodge before climbing aboard the
park’s Jeeps for a tour among the bison herd. At the Crazy Horse
Memorial, a bus takes you to the base of the carving for an
up-close view. Return to the visitor center to see the exhibits,
film and enjoy an included buffet dinner.
Meals: B, D
Day
5 Wall Drug Store & Badlands National Park
Begin the day at the Chapel in the Hills, a quiet retreat nestled at the foot of the Black Hills. Then stop at famed Wall Drug Store, a unique shopping emporium featuring western clothing, Indian pottery and favorite watering hole since the 1930s. Enjoy time for shopping and an on own lunch. A local guide takes you through Badlands National Park, a uniquely beautiful geologic area formed over millions of years by wind, rain and erosion.
Later, return to Rapid City for a farewell dinner featuring the entertainment of an Indian dancer, storyteller and flute player.
Meals: B, D
Day
6 Travel Home
After breakfast, a group transfer to the Rapid City airport is available for flights out after 10:00 a.m.
Meal: B