Black Hills & Badlands - Itinerary
South Dakota, admitted to the Union on November 2, 1889 as the 40th state, offers a delightful array of terrain. From low hills and fertile farmland in the east to deep canyons, stately buttes, and low, pine-covered mountains in the west, feast your senses on South Dakota’s lovely landscapes. Begin with a visit to Mount Rushmore, constructed over the course of 16 years with dynamite, hammers, and chisels, featuring the faces of four men who represent the United States’ first 150 years.
At Badlands National Park, marvel at the vibrant colors and rock formations caused by mineral deposits. Crazy Horse Memorial – begun in 1948 and still in progress – is the world’s largest sculpture. Wind your way through 14 miles of magnificent rock formations on the Needle Highway on your way to Custer State Park for an exciting Buffalo Safari Jeep ride into the backcountry to look for bighorn sheep, majestic elk, or noble buffalo. Enjoy a Chuck Wagon BBQ at a secluded canyon featuring cowboy hospitality, good food, and western entertainment; and, attend the inspirational Black Hills Passion Play, based on the traditional performance that originated in medieval Germany.
The sequence of touring and days may be altered to adjust to religious holidays, special closings of sites, air schedule changes, etc. Hotels listed subject to availability. Meal inclusions may vary by departure.
Day 1: Rapid City, South Dakota
Rapid City is the gateway to some of the most intriguing and beautiful attractions in America. Experience the authentic west when you visit the inspirational memorials of spectacular Mt. Rushmore and visionary Crazy Horse. Delight in the tranquility of the Black Hills, Badlands and Custer State Park. (D)
Day 2: Rapid City - Keystone - Rapid City
Travel back to a time when steam locomotives and railroads were the primary form of transportation in America. Your journey between Hill City and Keystone on an 1880's train transforms you into an early American riding the rails in hopes of finding a new future. Later, a short ride brings you to Mount Rushmore, whose four figures carved in stone represent the first 150 years of American history. Stroll along the Presidential Trail, providing the closest access to the sculpture. (B)
Day 3: Rapid City - Hot Springs - Rapid City
This morning, trace the continuing saga of the western frontier at the Journey Museum. Next, stop at Prairie Edge, a Plains Indian store and museum filled with native art, crafts and jewelry. Created by hand, their work remains faithful to the Plains Indian spirit and tradition. Later today, travel to the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary, where you can view America as it was 300 years ago. Experience a guided tour through part of this endless prairie of 11,000 acres, where over 400 wild horses run free. You’ll also see Indian petroglyphs over 10,000 years old, a prairie dog town, an authentic Native American Sun Dance site and the movie set from the classic, Crazy Horse. (B)
Day 4: Rapid City - Badlands - Wall - Rapid City
Start your day with a visit to Badlands National Park. Upon arrival you will make a stop at the visitor’s center to view its informative exhibits and displays as well as see a video introducing you to this area. The Badlands loop is a marvel of vibrant colors and rock formations caused by mineral deposits. Next, enjoy a stop at Wall Drug, an authentic store from 1936, where there is time for lunch and browsing. Later, learn about Black Hills Gold on a tour through Mt. Rushmore Black Hills Gold & Diamond Factory. Here you will have the opportunity to watch skilled artisans handcraft South Dakota’s official state jewelry. This evening, enjoy a wonderful dinner at the K Bar S Lodge, nestled in the woods of Keystone. The comforts of home and warm hospitality combine with fine food, good drink and plenty of interesting conversation with your hosts. (B, D)
Day 5: Rapid City - Crazy Horse - Custer - Rapid City
Today you visit Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest sculpture still in progress. The memorial includes the Indian Museum of North America, Native American Cultural Center, the sculptor’s studio, and an orientation center and theaters. Many Native American artists and craftspeople create their works at the memorial and are on hand to discuss the influence of their culture on their art. Then travel through 14 miles of magnificent rock formations on the Needle Highway*. Its curving rock tunnels and steep rock spires provide a breathtaking backdrop en route to Custer State Park. Upon arrival into the park, take an exciting Buffalo Safari Jeep ride into the backcountry, where a band of bighorn sheep, or a herd of majestic elk or buffalo, may be sighted! Top off your day with a Chuck Wagon BBQ at a secluded canyon featuring cowboy hospitality, good food and western entertainment. (B, D)
Day 6: Rapid City - Deadwood - Rapid City
Travel to Deadwood, where the entire city is a national historic landmark. Authentic recreations of turn-of-the-century street lamps light the way through accurately restored architecture. Upon arrival, a local guide will introduce you to the history of the city including a visit to Mount Moriah Cemetery andKevin Costner’s TaTanka: “Story of the Bison”, an interpretive center that depicts the relationship of bison and man through interactive exhibits. Journey through an authentic Lakota Encampment where everything, from tepees to live Lakota interpreters, offers a snapshot of Indian life during the height of the buffalo culture in 1840. After an included lunch, enjoy some free time to explore Deadwood further on your own before enjoying a backstage tour of the Black Hills Passion play. This evening, dinner is included prior to an outdoor performance of the Black Hills Passion Play. The play tells the story of the last seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth, and represents a unique art form in the development of classical theatre. The performances are presented on a grand scale, with the structure and context of the play dating back to the traditions of medieval Germany. (B, L, D)
Day 7: Deadwood - Rapid City - Tour Ends
Today you travel back to Rapid City where your tour ends. (B)
