Day 1 Rapid City, SD

We depart this morning to travel to the great state of South Dakota and the Badlands. We’ll leisurely meander through the Badlands which have so much to offer in fascinating wonders and colors along with the marvelous terrain for the sightseer. Our overnight will be in Rapid City, SD.

Day 2 Custer State Park/the Black Hills

Our day begins with a drive through Bear Country U.S.A., viewing from the motorcoach, grizzlies, moose, wolves, mountain lions, sheep, and more in their natural habitat. This afternoon, we will view the Shrine of Democracy, Mount Rushmore. Over the decades, Mount Rushmore has grown in fame as a symbol of America-a symbol of freedom and hope for people from all cultures and backgrounds. Lunch is included here. Next stop, Big Thunder Gold Mine, which was discovered by two German immigrants. We will tour the living legend mine and learn about the history dating back to the Black Hills Gold Rush of the 1890’s. Afterwards, we’ll get a little lesson in panning and see if we can score some gold ourselves. Our adventure continues aboard the 1880 Train, an authentic steam train, for our journey back in time. We’ll ride from Keystone to Hill City viewing the vistas of Harney Peak and mining encampments as the train follows the original route of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad which was laid down in the late 1880s to service the mines and mills between Hill City and Keystone. Our motorcoach will meet us in Hill City and we will make our way to our accommodations, the State Game Lodge in Custer State Park. This lodge is known for its grand and historic character which served as the “Summer White House” for President Calvin Coolidge in 1927 and was visited by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953. We’ll spend two nights here. Dinner is included this evening right at the resort. (B, L, D)

Day 3 Custer State Park/the Black Hills

We will continue our adventures today beginning at the Custer State Park Visitor Center before we drive through the park on the wildlife loop road. We will see grasslands and pine-speckled hills that much of Custer State Park’s wildlife call home. Keep your eyes peeled for bison, pronghorn, whitetail and mule deer, elk, coyotes, burros, prairie dogs, eagles, hawks, and a variety of birds that are rarely found together in one location. Lunch is included at the end of our tour. We’ll make a few other surprise stops along the way back to our hotel. You’ll have some free time to rest or enjoy the resort before departing for our Hayride & Chuck Wagon Cookout this evening. This old-fashioned hayride takes you on a scenic wildlife tour on the park’s beautiful backroad to a mountain meadow canyon to a chuck wagon feast and live entertainment! (B, L, D)

Day 4 Deadwood, SD

This morning, we are off to the Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest mountain carving in progress. It was created as a tribute to the Indians of North America. We’ll board a bus and ride to the base of the mountain with a step-on guide. Afterwards, you’ll have plenty of time to explore. Lunch is included today before we make our way to Deadwood. Upon arrival, a guide with join us for a city tour. The afternoon is free for you enjoy Deadwood, maybe try your luck at one of the casinos, visit a museum or just relax at our hotel. This evening, we will gather in front of the Wild Bill Bar for the Main Street Shootout, then we head over to the Saloon No. 10 for the “Capture of Jack McCall.” To end our evening we’ll attend The Trial of Jack McCall at the Wild Bill Theater, a stage play based on the real trial of Wild Bill’s murderer. (B, L)

Day 5 Home

No trip to the Black Hills would be complete without a stop at the famous Wall Drug. They still offer free ice water, just as they always did and be sure to grab some of their homemade donuts! We’ll trek across South Dakota towards home. Lunch is included along the way. (B, L)