Spotlight on South Dakota

Arrive at Mount Rushmore, whose epic figures carved in stone represent the first 150 years of American history. Stroll along the Presidential Trail, providing the closest access to the iconic sculpture. Visit the Crazy Horse Memorial and learn the story behind the world’s largest mountain sculpture still in progress. The memorial includes the Indian Museum of North America, the Native American Cultural Centre, the sculptor’s studio, and an orientation centre and theatres. Many Native American artists and craftspeople create their works at the memorial and welcome the chance to share how their culture influences their art.

  Breakfast     High  25  Low  6     Hilton Garden Inn Rapid City

Day 3. Rapid City – Custer – Rapid City

Learn about Black Hills gold on a tour through Riddle’s Black Hills Gold and Diamond Factory. Here you’ll see skilled artisans hand-craft South Dakota’s official state jewellery with time to purchase some of the best hand crafted items in South Dakota. Next, travel through 14 miles of magnificent rock formations on the fascinating Needles Highway. Its curving rock tunnels and steep rock spires provide a breathtaking backdrop. Later, drive through Custer State Park where a band of bighorn sheep, a herd of majestic elk, or buffalo may be seen.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  18  Low  0     Hilton Garden Inn Rapid City

Day 4. Rapid City – Hot Springs – Rapid City

Set out for Hot Springs to see the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary. Enjoy a guided tour through part of this endless prairie of 11,000 acres where over 400 wild horses run free. This is how America appeared 300 years ago. 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. Continue on to Prairie Edge, a Plains Indian store and museum filled with native art and handmade crafts & jewellery. This work remains faithful to the Plains Indian spirit and tradition.

  Breakfast     High 18 Low  0     Hilton Garden Inn Rapid City

Today, explore larger-than-life Badlands National Park. Upon arrival, make a stop at the visitor centre. Set the stage for your adventure with its informative exhibits, displays and video introducing you to this area. The Badlands Loop Road is a marvel of vibrant colours and rock formations created by mineral deposits. Next, enjoy a stop at Wall Drug, an authentic store from 1936, where there is time for lunch and browsing. The afternoon is yours. Venture out on your own or relax at your hotel. As always, your Tour Manager will be available to offer expert suggestions on what the area offers.

  Breakfast    High  18  Low  0     Hilton Garden Inn Rapid City

Day 6. Rapid City – Deadwood – Spearfish – Rapid City

This morning you travel to Deadwood, a rollicking western town and National Historic Landmark. Perhaps you’ll fulfil a childhood dream of living in the Old West. Faithful recreations of turn-of-the-century streetlamps light the way through accurately restored architecture. Upon arrival, a local guide introduces you to the history of the city including a visit to Mount Moriah Cemetery. You’ll also make a stop at Kevin Costner’s Tatanka: Story of the Bison. This interpretive centre features large, awe-inspiring sculptures depicting the relationship of bison and the Lakota Native Americans. Then, enjoy some time to ramble through Deadwood where gold, gambling and gunpowder were once the order of the day. Enjoy dinner at a favourite local restaurant in the historic city of Spearfish.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  18  Low  0     Hilton Garden Inn Rapid City

Day 7. Rapid City – Tour Ends

Your tour comes to a close today.

  Breakfast