Day 1

Welcome To Rapid City

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 Icon Hotel - The Rushmore Hotel & Suites

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Welcome Reception

Day 2

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.

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3

Visit Mount Rushmore And The Crazy Horse Memorial

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 Icon Included 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 Icon Hotel - Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort & Conference Center

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5

Day Trip To Lakota Youth Development

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 Icon Included 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 Icon Hotel - Radisson Hotel Bismarck

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included 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.

Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Teddys Residential Suites

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8

Theodore Roosevelt National Park Sightseeing

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 Icon Hotel - Rough Riders Hotel

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

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 Icon Included Meals - Breakfast