The Black Hills of South Dakota

• Day 1

  You will be picked up from your home and taken to the airport in time for your morning flight, arriving in Rapid City for lunch. South Dakota is a unique combination of mountains, plains, badlands… many cultures and peoples crossing through this area wove a colorful history. We start our exploration of these lands and people with a visit to The Journey Museum for an orientation to the area. The Journey is an incredible museum, bringing together a wide range of sources to tell the story of geology and history in the Black Hills. An opening video creates a wonderful beginning into the understanding of the Black Hills. Check into the restored Alex Johnson Hotel, a 1925 landmark hotel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. “The Alex,” as the locals refer to it, is located in the heart of Rapid City, right on Main Street near some unique shops specializing in Native American arts. Alex Johnson – 3 nights (L)

• Day 2

  This morning drive through Badlands National Park, Mako Sica as the native tribes referred to this spectacular land of awesome wonder, of nature in action, an otherworldly land of soft clays and sandstones carved by wind and water. A loop through the park passes numerous scenic sights and we’ll stop to take a closer look over these beautiful sandscapes. In Wall, you are on your own for lunch. Wall is famous for what was once a small pharmacy offering a free cup of ice water to weary travelers. Today, Wall Drug is a multi-complex of restaurants, museums, and shops… and yes, they still offer the free ice water! Return to Rapid City for dinner with your fellow fun-loving adventurers. (B,D)

• Day 3

  Native American history has a story about Devil’s Tower National Monument so we travel west today to visit this monolith. Considered a sacred site by Native Americans, and a geologic wonder by scientists, many others simply enjoy the pure grandeur of the tower and the surrounding beauty. Enjoy a picnic lunch beneath this mighty tower, then visit Deadwood and the magnificent bronze sculpture, Tatanka: Story of the Bison. More than just a single sculpture, this is Kevin Costner’s homage to the bison’s role in the American West. This life-size depiction of bison and hunters is stunningly displayed on the hillside overlooking the Black Hills in a beautiful park-like setting. No trip to Deadwood would be complete without a tour of Boot Hill so we will pay our respects to Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok. Enjoy some free time before returning to Rapid City for our final night at the Alex Johnson. (B,L)

• Day 4

  This morning begin the day with a visit to the Rushmore-Borglum Museum to learn about the extraordinary sculptor who carved Mount Rushmore. At the Shrine to Democracy “dine with the Presidents” and get your daytime photos. Take a walk along the base and visit the sculptor’s studio. Later, board open-air jeeps for a ride through Custer State Park in search of buffalo that roam free in the hills. Cap your day with a buffalo steak dinner at the State Game Lodge, summer White House to two US Presidents. We check into our second lodge for the last few nights, situated in the shadow of Harney Peak. Palmer Gulch has just the right amount of rustic charm for the remainder of our Black Hills adventure. Palmer Gulch Lodge – 3 nights (B,D)

• Day 5

  Visit a monumental carving project still in the works today, The Crazy Horse Memorial. This awesome project stands as a testament for all the Native Americans of the Black Hills, with the scope of the entire Memorial project being more than just the carving of the mountain. You will have an opportunity to go to the very top of this carving and stand “just below the chin” for an incredible view of the Black Hills. Once back down on common ground, visit the museum, art gallery and artisan tables for beautiful Native American arts and crafts. This afternoon, life on the western plain is explored as we visit the High Plains Western Heritage Center, the restored 1906 Matthew Opera House, and enjoy dinner in the western town of Spearfish. (B,D)

• Day 6

  We travel south today to Hot Springs, where more than 26,000 years ago large Columbian and woolly mammoths were stuck in a sinkhole. This amazing discovery in 1974 created quite a buzz in the scientific world. A visitors center enables us to view first hand this working paleontological site. This afternoon, enjoy quiet Hill City, with some time on your own for shopping and dinner at your leisure. This evening we return to Mount Rushmore for the very poignant night program and lighting of the mountain. (B,L)

• Day 7

  Local artisans show their skills this morning, turning raw materials into works of art before we depart for the airport. How do they do that? How is that made? From Black Hills Gold jewelry, to massive pieces of sculpture to decorative pottery we will enjoy the craftsmanship of the artisans as they reflect the beauty of Black Hills in their pieces. Depart Rapid City in the midafternoon, arriving in Sacramento in the early evening where your transportation will be waiting to take you to your home. (B)

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