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This bespoke, culturally-rich itinerary supports the growth of indigenous tribal tourism in the USA , developed in collaboration with local communities in the Dakotas, for an authentic, one-of-a-kind insight into Native American history and heart. Through the power of storytelling through passionate locals you’ll meet, you’ll leave enlightened by your visits to four reservations of the Dakotas, as well as National Parks and monuments to discover first-hand the stark and rich history and future of the people that call it home. Packed with meaningful travel experiences, this is a must-book itinerary supporting culture and heritage of our important Tribal Nations.
This bespoke, culturally-rich itinerary supports the growth of indigenous tribal tourism in the USA , developed in collaboration with local communities in the Dakotas, for an authentic, one-of-a-kind insight into Native American history and heart. Through the power of storytelling through passionate locals you’ll meet, you’ll leave enlightened by your visits to four reservations of the Dakotas, as well as National Parks and monuments to discover first-hand the stark and rich history and future of the people that call it home. Packed with meaningful travel experiences, this is a must-book itinerary supporting culture and heritage of our important Tribal Nations.
Welcome to Rapid City where we begin our exploration of the Tribal Nations of North and South Dakota, told firsthand through passionate storytellers and the communities themselves. Setting the scene, you’ll meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception, then enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with Lakota storyteller Stephen Yellowhawk, who's undeniable passion for dance and sheer determination to promote his Native American culture will be evident from the moment you meet him. A performer for more than 20 years, he is a treasure trove of cultural knowledge and insight.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
Exploring The Badlands National Park And Oglala Sioux Tribe
Discover how deeply the Lakota people are connected to their land, customs and ancestors as you enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Oglala Lakota Living History Village where you will time travel from the past to the present and gain priceless insight along the way. Then, take in the sights along the iconic Badlands Loop Road, you’ll arrive at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation where you’ll meet talented Native artists and view their incredible works that powerfully represent Native culture with the goal of bringing positive change to the community. Later, visit Wounded Knee Memorial, site of the 1890 Massacre, told in vivid detail by a local storyteller who’ll share personal stories passed down through generations as you look upon the historic lands where it all happened.
Head to one of America's most iconic sites, and learn of its complicated past as you stand face to face with history and heritage. Then, embark on a self-guided walk in the majestic Black Hills, before today’s highlight: the Crazy Horse Memorial, depicting the famous and moving Oglala Lakota warrior, riding a horse and pointing to his tribal land, a striking monument that has been a work in progress since 1948. While there we take a locally guided walk to the base of the mountain where we will get even more immersed in the story of the land through a visit to the museum.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 4
Spend The Day With The Rosebud Sioux Tribe
Get an insider’s view from a Local Specialist at the Rosebud Indian Reservation, home to the Sicangu Lakota Oyate Nation, for a deeply meaningful MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that intertwines Native culture and life while adding to their growing economy of tribal tourism. Next we head to St. Francis Community Mission, before touring the Buechel Museum showcasing Sicangu Lakota Oyate traditions and culture. Connect With Locals at the Turtle Creek Crossing Supermarket later, sampling delicious and authentic Lakota foods. Finally, it’s onto Sinte Gleska University for a Star Knowledge Presentation by Lakota elder, Victor Douville.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort & Conference Center
The future of the Lakota Nations takes centre stage as you Connect With Locals and join Marla, C. Bull Bear, Executive Director of the program and a member of Rosebud Sioux Tribe for traditional storytelling, singing, dance and local flavors at today’s Be My Guest Experience. Learn about their mission to reclaim their language culture, spirituality and more, before a guided indigenous plant walk. Then it’s back to Chamberlain where you’ll visit the Statue of Dignity, a stunning intersection of art and history honoring the Lakota and Dakota people – and their connection to the earth and sky.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 6
Sitting Bull & Standing Rock Indian Reservation
Travel along the Native American Scenic Byway stopping in South Dakota’s capital, Pierre. You’ll spend the afternoon immersed in Plains Indian History, learning about the incredible legend of Sitting Bull, before you’ll Connect With Locals to learn about day-to-day life in Standing Rock Indian Reservation. Later enjoy an enlightening MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where you'll gain a deeper understanding of how the Lakota and Dakota people harness the medicinal power of plants through long held practices passed down by generations, before creating your very own herbal tea in a hands-on experience that will steep you in tradition.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Radisson Hotel Bismarck
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 7
Mandan, Hidatsa And Arikara Nation
As we make our way to New Town stop at Crows Flies High for views of Lake Sakakawea and the Four Bears Bridge. You’ll make your way to Earth Lodge Village to experience the role of tribal tourism, as dancers and singers perform for you. Then discover life on the harsh Northern Plains through the stories of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara peoples. Enjoy an insightful MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a visit to the MHA Nation Interpretive Centre where historical Native artifacts are on display as well as a market of art work from local artists where you can browse for additions to your collection and help support local artisans in the process. Followed by a delicious traditional dinner you won't soon forget.
Take the scenic route to the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park that climbs from the bottom of the Badlands through the canyon to must-sees like the Oxbow Overlook. Arriving in Medora in the Badlands, you’ll have time to embrace your inner cowboy at the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. Your Stays with Stories is the historic Rough Riders Hotel filled with western charm and 1880s nostalgia. Depending on the time of year you visit, you could choose to see the Medora Musical. Enjoy a last dinner with your newfound friends with engaging conversation and discussion of the countless impactful moments of these days spent in travel.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Rough Riders Hotel
The Teddy Roosevelt Show is all that a living history experience should be! The world's best TR repriser, Joe Wiegand, will have you: chasing after TR's first Badlands bison, establishing the Elkhorn Ranch, and roaming the same Badlands where Teddy foughtthe Mingusville Bully and captured the notorious "Boat Thieves!" At the end of the show, Joe --who has performed A TR Salute at the White House for President George W. Bush --will answer your questions!
Adult Price: $19.50
Optional Experience
The Medora Musical
Performed live and outside every night, the show is dedicated to President Theodore Roosevelt's time in the Badlands and to the Spirit of the Old West. That's not all though, you'll also enjoy --live singing and dancing by the Burning Hills Singers, made up of world-class performers from around the nation; high-energy country and western music by the live Coal Diggers Band; live horses on stage; a rotating, featured variety act in the middle of the show, a dramatic reenactment of Theodore Roosevelt's famous charge during the battle of San Juan Hill; a BIG patriotic finish with fireworks...and oh, so much more.
Adult Price: $63.00
Day 9
Farewell In Bismarck
The perfect way to end your tour starts with a drive through the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park to watch the sun rise over the Badlands. Make one last stop at the Maltese Cross Cabin, famously used by Theodore Roosevelt before he was president. Say your final goodbyes with your travel companions and Travel Director before departing from Bismarck airport. Airport arrival is at 1 p.m.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 8
The Teddy Roosevelt Show
The Teddy Roosevelt Show is all that a living history experience should be! The world's best TR repriser, Joe Wiegand, will have you: chasing after TR's first Badlands bison, establishing the Elkhorn Ranch, and roaming the same Badlands where Teddy foughtthe Mingusville Bully and captured the notorious "Boat Thieves!" At the end of the show, Joe --who has performed A TR Salute at the White House for President George W. Bush --will answer your questions!
Adult Price: $19.50
Available on day 8
The Medora Musical
Performed live and outside every night, the show is dedicated to President Theodore Roosevelt's time in the Badlands and to the Spirit of the Old West. That's not all though, you'll also enjoy --live singing and dancing by the Burning Hills Singers, made up of world-class performers from around the nation; high-energy country and western music by the live Coal Diggers Band; live horses on stage; a rotating, featured variety act in the middle of the show, a dramatic reenactment of Theodore Roosevelt's famous charge during the battle of San Juan Hill; a BIG patriotic finish with fireworks...and oh, so much more.
Adult Price: $63.00
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Notepad Icon You must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel
About this trip
About this trip
What's included
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon
8 nights
Accommodation
Trip Summary Meals Icon
14 Meals
1 Welcome Reception, 8 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Be My Guest, 1 Dinner, 1 Farewell Dinner
Trip Summary Transport Icon
On-trip Transport
Land transportation included. Where applicable, Intra-air between cities may be included, please contact us for details.
The Trafalgar difference
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Oglala Lakota Living History Village where you will time travel from the past to the present and gain priceless insight along the way.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Get an insider’s view from a Local Specialist at the Rosebud Indian Reservation, home to the Sicangu Lakota Oyate Nation, for a deeply meaningful MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that intertwines Native culture and life while adding to their growing economy of tribal tourism.
Connect With Locals
The future of the Lakota Nations takes centre stage as you Connect With Locals and join Marla, C. Bull Bear, Executive Director of the program and a member of Rosebud Sioux Tribe for traditional storytelling, singing, dance and local flavors at today’s Be My Guest Experience.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Enjoy an enlightening MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where you'll gain a deeper understanding of how the Lakota and Dakota people harness the medicinal power of plants through long held practices passed down by generations, before creating your very own herbal tea in a hands-on experience that will steep you in tradition.
Sightseeing highlights
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Explore Medora
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See Dignity Statue, Sitting Bull & Sakakawea Monument
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View Crow Flies High outlook
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Visit Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Rosebud Indian Reservation, Standing Rock Indian Reservation, Fort Berthold Indian Reservation
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Scenic Drive to Badlands Loop Road Drive, Mobridge via Native American Scenic Byway,
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Explore Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Welcome Reception (WR), Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Be My Guest (BMG), Dinner (D), Farewell Dinner (FD)
Maximum of only 34 guests on this trip to ensure a more exclusive exploration
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
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Active Trip Details
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What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them.
What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional)
Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.