Itinerary
Day 1: Monday, September 01, 2008
Arrive Rapid City
Enjoy your day(s) of leisure.
Day 2: Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Rapid City, South Dakota
Your tour begins today in Rapid City. Delight in the tranquility of the Black Hills, Badlands and Custer State Park. Today dinner will be included.
Day 3: Wednesday, September 03, 2008
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. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 4: Thursday, September 04, 2008
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. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 5: Friday, September 05, 2008
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. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 6: Saturday, September 06, 2008
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 Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 7: Sunday, September 07, 2008
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 and Kevin 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. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for dinner and bid farewell to the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota. Today breakfast and lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 8: Monday, September 08, 2008
Rapid City - Tour Ends
Your tour ends, leaving you with many pleasant memories of your vacation. Today breakfast will be included.
