Day 1 : Fly to Rapid City

We arrive this afternoon and transfer to our beautiful accommodations in Rapid City, known as the Gateway to the Black Hills. Get settled in and enjoy the convenience of unpacking only once as we stay in the same centrally located hotel for our entire trip.

Day 2 : Custer State Park & Iconic Memorials

Each morning of our trip begins with a wonderful breakfast at the hotel. Our first adventure today is a Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour at Custer State Park, one of the best places to witness true wilderness in the United States. Listen to intriguing facts as our driver brings us along exclusive, private routes for the ultimate viewing experience of elk, buffalo, bighorn sheep, red-canyon walls, and more. We then get to know fellow travelers over a Welcome Lunch before gazing upon two of the most iconic, expansive carvings at Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

Day 3 : Historic Deadwood

This morning, we visit Chapel in the Hills, a stunning replica of Norway’s famous Borgund Stave Church. Admire the Scandinavian “Stabbur,” a grass-roofed visitor center and gift shop, discover preserved artifacts from the 1800s in the authentic log museum, or indulge in a moment of tranquility on the Meditation Trail. After a scenic drive through Black Hills National Forest, we arrive in the Wild West town of Deadwood for a guided tour. Dive into the gold rush past of this interesting city as we explore Historic Deadwood and Main Street, then hear about legends, such as Calamity Jane and Wild Bill, who rest at Mount Moriah Cemetery. Before returning to our hotel, we also make a stop at Tatanka: Story of the Bison to learn about the Lakota Nation culture and the impact of North American plains bison.

Day 4 : Black Hills Mining Museum

Our day begins at D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives in Spearfish, one of the oldest operating hatcheries in the country. Stop by the Von Bayer Museum of Fish Culture, learn about fish railcars, admire the Yellowstone Boat, and more. Next, we take a captivating drive down Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway for unmatched views of all the beauty within the Black Hills, including Bridal Veil Falls. After lunch together, watch the Western Hemisphere’s deepest gold mine story unfold before our eyes during a guided tour of a recreated underground mine at Black Hills Mining Museum in Lead. Our exploration continues at Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center, a modern museum with scientific exhibits nestled next to the famed gold mine. We then return to our hotel for time to unwind and eat dinner. Tonight, we depart for the incredible experience of watching the Mount Rushmore Evening Lighting Ceremony and marvel at the illuminated memorial.

Day 5 : Badlands National Park

This morning, we are off to discover the geological wonders and majestic wildlife within Badlands National Park. As we drive through the Land of Stone and Light, admire the striking rock formations, hear about the early Indigenous inhabitants, and visit an outdoor exhibit to learn why these lands are considered one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Afterwards, enjoy time to explore the famous Wall Drug Store and grab a bite at one of its many eateries. We then head to the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site Visitor Center in Philip to browse intricate exhibits on the Cold War and have the opportunity to view an unarmed missile inside a welded silo at Delta-09. The remainder of the day is free to spend as you wish.

Day 6 : Leisure Day

Today is yours for individual pursuits! Explore more of this wild and historic state or indulge in some relaxation time. In Rapid City, you may choose to visit the Reptile Gardens, immerse yourself in natural history at the Museum of Geology, or stroll through the fascinating historic district, where the bronze statues of many U.S. presidents are located. This evening, we gather to celebrate our adventures with a traditional Western experience at Fort Hays Chuckwagon Supper & Music Variety Show.

Day 7 : Fly Home

We return home today with unforgettable memories of our time in the beautiful Black Hills.