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National Treasures of the West
Overview
Featuring the Black Hills, Crazy Horse Memorial, Deadwood and Mount Rushmore
Details
- 4 days sightseeing in the Black Hills including Badlands National Park, and both day and night visits to Mt. Rushmore
- Go into the lab with researchers at the Mammoth Dig Site
- Ride the jeeps through Custer State Park’s bison herd
- Stand on top of the arm of the Crazy Horse Memorial
- A guided tour at Sanford Labs explains the importance of neutrinos
Disclaimers
The activity level of this vacation ranges from Average to Energetic.
Categories
Categories:
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
After a midday arrival in Rapid City and a quick lunch, we are off to our destination hotel located in beautiful Spearfish Canyon. Our creek-side location provides dramatic views of steep canyon walls and aspen trees. Spearfish Canyon Resort (L)
Day 2
Dedicated to Native Americans, the Crazy Horse Memorial includes an arts and crafts center in addition to the museum and memorial. Here you have the unique opportunity to stand on a monumental carving project that is still a work in progress! Enjoy a daytime visit to Mount Rushmore and walk along the base of the mountain. This evening return to Mount Rushmore for the very poignant lighting of the mountain. Palmer Gulch Lodge (B,D)
Day 3
Travel south to Hot Springs, where more than 26,000 years ago Woolly Mammoths were stuck in situ in a sinkhole. A visitors center and tour into the labs enables you to view firsthand this working paleontological site. Over the years, this has been one of the Black Hills’ best kept secrets and is often a surprise to Sports Leisure travelers. This afternoon, board a jeep for a ride through the rolling hills of Custer State Park. Who knows what wildlife we’ll see? After all, this is the land where buffalos roam, and deer and antelope play! Alex Johnson Hotel – 3 nights (B,L)
Day 4
Drive through Badlands National Park,or Mako Sico as the Native Americans called this spectacular land of awesome wonder and nature in action; a land of soft clays and sandstones carved by wind and water. You are on your own for lunch in Wall, home of Wall Drug Store, famous for offering a free cup of ice water to weary travelers. Today, “Wall Drug” is a multi-complex of restaurants, museums, and shops. (B)
Day 5
At Tatanka: Story of the Bison, learn from your Sioux guide about the historic importance of buffalo and view a spectacular sculpture commissioned by actor Kevin Costner. In Deadwood there is time for lunch and browsing the shops, before you spend time at the visitors’ center at the Sanford Labs Homestake Mine site. At an orientation talk, learn about the work being done deep underground as scientists search for answers to the most fundamental questions about the universe. And, for fun, try a hole-in-one. (B,D)
Day 6
Depart Rapid City in late morning with an early evening arrival home. (B)
| CB | Continental Breakfast |
|---|---|
| B | Generally a limited buffet or menu |
| FB | Full buffet or choice of menu |
| BR | Brunch, often buffet-style |
| L | Lunch, often several menu options |
| HT or AT | High or Afternoon Tea |
| D | Dinner, often several menu options |
Departures
Monday, September 21, 2020 to Saturday, September 26, 2020
6 Days, 9 Meals
5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
$3060 | p.p./dbl.occ. |
$3445 | single |
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Speak to a Staff Member
Have a question or would rather book over the phone? Call us!
| Local | (916) 361 - 2051 |
|---|---|
| Toll-Free | (800) 951 - 5556 |
