South Dakota's Black Hills

Day 1

Your early morning flight connects in Denver and arrives in Rapid City in time for a private lunch and Native American performance by Sequoia Crosswhite. Learn about the South Dakota Lakota ancestors and traditions through stories and music. There is time to explore the Journey Museum, highlighting South Dakota and Black Hills history. 

A city tour is next, highlighting the sights and sounds of Rapid City with a stop at Chapel of the Hills an architectural Norwegian work of art. The historic Alex Johnson Hotel is your home for the next 4 nights. Alex Johnson Hotel - 4 nights (L)

Day 2

Two signature attractions fill the day. First, the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Learn about this famous monument with our personal guide. Our next adventure is to Crazy Horse Memorial. Your visit there includes an opportunity only offered to a select few, the chance to ride to the top of the mountain! Indeed, this exclusive addition is only for Sports Leisure Travelers. Dinner with a view is included at Crazy Horse. (FB,D)

Day 3

We begin our day with a tour at the Black Hills Gold Factory, where we'll see skilled artisans crafting the beautiful tri-colored jewelry that is unique to this area.

Next stop is at the Mammoth Site. This active excavation is dedicated to the preservation of Ice Age fossils, and it is fascinating. After lunch stop in the town of Custer, before continuing on to Custer State Park. Named after Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, it's the home to hundreds of Buffalo. You'll see them up close and personal as you travel through the park on a narrated Jeep tour, followed by a chuck wagon dinner. (FB, L,D)

Day 4

We depart for our next destination, Deadwood, the ultimate old west town. You'll stay 2 nights at the Deadwood Lodge, an upscale hotel located in the heart of the Black Hills. Before check-in enjoy a day in Deadwood. A narrated tour of (in)famous Boot Hill, where shady (and not so shady) characters found their resting place. Free time downtown with optional visits Deadwood Museums, including The Brothel Museum, The Adams House, The Adams Museum, and the Days of 76 Museum. (FB)

Day 5

On to Devil's Tower National Monument in eastern Wyoming. The Tower is a geologic feature that protrudes out of the prairie surrounding the Black Hills. This is a sacred place to Native Americans, and you'll learn why it's called "Devil's Tower." Visit a museum in Sundance to learn some local color. Sundance? Home of the famous Sundance Kid? Hear the story of Harry Longabaugh (The Sundance Kid) and how he met Butch Cassidy. Speaking of local color, how about some huckleberry ice cream before heading back to Deadwood! (FB, L)

Day 6

Our last day in South Dakota will be full of awe and wonder. We will start our morning with a visit to Tatanka and learn the story of the Bison. Kevin Costner, inspired by his time with the Lakota people while filming Dances with Wolves, invites you to experience the history of the planes before white settlers arrived. Experience the beauty of the Fall Foliage as we enjoy our farewell lunch at Spearfish Canyon. On to Rapid City airport for a return flight back to Sacramento. (BL)