From Black Hills to Badlands

Your northwesterly journey begins in Rapid City. Meet your Tour Manager at 6:00 p.m. for dining suggestions.

Begin the day at the Journey Museum where you learn about the Indian culture and heritage. Then, visit the famed Shrine of Democracy, Mount Rushmore National Memorial. See the memorial, explore the museum and have an on own lunch.Later, make a stop at the Black Hills Gold Factory to see how gold jewelry is made by skilled artisans. Meals: B, D

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 before returning to Rapid City Meals: B, D

Then travel to 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. Your day starts at Custer State Park, home of the nation’s largest bison herd. Here, climb aboard the park’s Jeeps for a tour among the bison herd. Then, enjoy lunch on your own at the State Game Lodge. 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

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. Then, 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