National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas

Welcome To Rapid City

Welcome to Rapid City where we begin our exploration of the Tribal Nations of North and South Dakota on this culturally enriching adventure that leads with authenticity. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening at dinner as you ready for an unforgettable journey.

The Rushmore Hotel & Suites

• Rapid City

Exploring The Badlands National Park And Oglala Sioux Tribe Make Travel Matter

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. Take in the sights along the iconic Badlands Loop Road, arriving at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation where you’ll meet talented Native artists. 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 unfolded.

The Rushmore Hotel & Suites

• Rapid City
• Pine Ridge Reservation
• Badlands National Park
• Rapid City

Visit Mount Rushmore And Attend the Black Hill's Pow Wow Make Travel Matter

Head to one of America's most iconic sites, and learn of its complicated past as you stand face to face with history at Mount Rushmore, before heading to the Crazy Horse Memorial, depicting the famous and moving Oglala Lakota warrior. While there we take a locally guided walk to the base of the mountain. Then for the highlight of the day; attend the Black Hills Pow Wow, also known as He Sapa Wacipi, with Stephen Yellowhawk of the the Lakota tribe. A sacred social gathering held by many North American indigenous communities that includes singing, dancing, drum groups, art, athletic competitions, and a variety of other events, all to celebrate and honor their beautiful culture that you get to witness.

The Rushmore Hotel & Suites

• Rapid City
• Mount Rushmore
• Crazy Horse Memorial
• Rapid City

Spend The Day With The Rosebud Sioux Tribe Make Travel Matter Connect with Locals

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. You'll learn the history and cultural heritage of the Rosebud Reservation, in addition to understanding the socio-economic issues impacting the Lakota in today’s modern world. Later, sample delicious and authentic Lakota food over lunch at Sinte Gleska University. Founded in 1971, the university's mission is to provide higher education opportunities while preserving and promoting the Lakota culture and traditions. The university aims to integrate Lakota perspectives and values into its academic programs and foster a sense of identity and pride among its students. After lunch, you will meet Lakota elder Victor Douville for a Star Knowledge Presentation.

Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort & Conference Center

• Rapid City
• Rosebud Reservation
• Chamberlain

Day Trip To Lakota Youth Development Connect with Locals

The future of the Lakota Oyate (Lakota Nation) takes center stage as you meet Marla C. Bull Bear, Executive Director of Lakota Youth Development, a non-profit organization whose mission is to reclaim Lakota language, culture, and spirituality by promoting healthy lifestyle education for Lakota youth through culturally based strategies. Listen to Indigenous storytelling, enjoy a performance put on by tribal youth, and appreciate an Indigenous plant walk all before sharing a meal with tribal members of the Rosebud Reservation. We continue to Chamberlain where you'll witness to awe-inspiring Statue of Dignity, a soaring sculpture of a Native woman standing high on a bluff above the Missouri River.

Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort & Conference Center

• Chamberlain

Sitting Bull & Standing Rock Indian Reservation Connect with Locals

Travel along the Native American Scenic Byway stopping in South Dakota’s capital, Pierre, for a tour of the town and the State Capitol. Next up, visit Sakakawea Monument & Sitting Bull Monument, believed to be the final resting place of Native American spiritual and social leader, Sitting Bull. Unlock more of the life and story behind Sitting Bull’s grave at Fort Yates Military Cemetery, where Sitting Bull was originally buried. Learn how the US Army abandoned Fort Yates in 1903 and had all the graves moved except for Sitting Bull’s. In the 1950s a group of businesspeople from Mobridge, South Dakota received permission through the Bureau of Indian Affairs to move Sitting Bull’s remains from the neglected grave in Fort Yates to Mobridge in an effort to attract tourists to their town.

Radisson Hotel Bismarck

• Chamberlain
• Pierre
• Fort Yates
• Bismarck

Mandan, Hidatsa And Arikara Nation Make Travel Matter

Our first stop today is the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center for a self-guided visit through engaging exhibits, hundreds of period artifacts, world-class art collections and friendly interpreters who tell the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition like never before. Then, we head to the MHA (Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara) Interpretive Center for a unique Make Travel Matter experience and traditional lunch followed by a guided tour. Make your way outdoors to experience Earth Lodge Village learning how the organization is dedicated to protecting, preserving and educating the world about their living culture, history and environment.

Teddy's Residential Suites New Town

• Bismarck
• New Town

Theodore Roosevelt National Park Sightseeing Stays With Stories

Stop at Crows Flies High for views of Lake Sakakawea and the Four Bears Bridge. Take the scenic route to the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park that climbs through the canyon to must-sees like the Oxbow Overlook. Arrive in Medora for a free afternoon. Your Stays with Stories is the historic Rough Riders Hotel filled with western charm and 1880s nostalgia. Enjoy a last dinner reflecting on the countless impactful moments.

Rough Riders

• New Town
• Theodore Roosevelt North Unit
• Medora

Farewell In Bismarck

End your tour with a drive through a portion of the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Say your final goodbyes before arriving at Bismarck airport.

• Medora
• Theodore Roosevelt South Unit
• Bismarck