National Park Wonders with Black Hills Pow Wow
National Park Wonders with Black Hills Pow Wow
National Park Wonders with Black Hills Pow Wow
9 Days Starting in Jackson (WY), United States and ending in Rapid City, United States
Visiting: Jackson, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Cody, Rapid City, Black Hills
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DNPPN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the National Park Wonders with Black Hills Pow Wow tour, exploring the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the United States. Begin your adventure in Jackson, Wyoming, and marvel at the majestic peaks of Grand Teton National Park. Discover the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone, including the iconic Old Faithful, and stay within the park for an immersive experience. Delve into the Wild West history in Cody and enjoy a unique dining experience in Billings. Journey through the Black Hills of South Dakota, visiting the sacred Devils Tower and the monumental Crazy Horse Memorial. Experience the vibrant Black Hills Pow Wow, a celebration of Native American culture, and witness the grandeur of Mount Rushmore. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural encounters, and historical insights, culminating in a memorable farewell in Rapid City.
Must-see Highlights
- Discover Jackson, Rapid City
- Visit the towering peaks of Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Devils Tower National Monument, the Black Hills of South Dakota
- View Crazy Horse Memorial, Mount Rushmore
- Explore Meet naturalist guides from Yellowstone Wildlife Profiles to learn about its geysers, hot springs, deep canyons and wildlife
Make Travel Matter®
Rapid City: Get ready for a one-of-a-kind-experience meeting Stephen Yellowhawk to discover the history of his tribe during a festive evening of dance and song. A performer for more than 20 years, Stephen has a passion for dance and sheer determination to promote his Native American culture. Raised by his grandparents from the Lakota tribe and Onondaga Iroquois tribe, Stephen will share his family and tribal history, culture, and traditions with you. Your experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.
Black Hills: Enjoy an evening at the Black Hills Pow Wow, one of the premier American Indian cultural events in the United States, attracting hundreds of dancers, singers, artisans and several thousand spectators.
Be My Guest
Billings: Guests will dine at the historic Billings Depot and experience a hyper-local pairing of food and mixed cocktails. Your host for the evening is Allen Hodges, the owner of Undammed Distilling Company. Undammed is located in Billings and their products are a tribute to the majestic, wild, undammed Yellowstone River. Guests will get to hear from Allen how his products are made and get a taste of three different Undammed cocktails, each paired with a dinner course prepared by award-winning Chef, Stephen Hindman of Stacked a Montana Grill. Drinks for the evening will be prepared by the historic Rainbow Bar. The ‘Bow, as it’s often called, opened as a beer parlour and hotel in 1935 and continues to be a staple in Downtown Billings.
Stays with Stories
Yellowstone National Park: Nothing beats staying close to all the action. Your accommodation for the next two nights is inside the National Park granting you all day access to the park and hotel amenities. Enjoy an evening stroll when the day-trippers are gone and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding you.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Jackson
Location: Jackson
Accommodation: The Lodge at Jackson Hole
Accommodation Name: The Lodge at Jackson Hole
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Jackson! Home to an array of wildlife and the center of outdoor adventures, explore Jackson on your own before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner. Excitement builds as your Travel Director outlines the sites to come in your exploration of US national parks.
Day 2: An Adventure In Grand Teton National Park
Location: Grand Teton National Park
Accommodation: The Lodge at Jackson Hole
Accommodation Name: The Lodge at Jackson Hole
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend the morning connecting with the dazzling natural scenery of Grand Teton National Park. Marvel at the summit peaks of the Teton mountain range and take in the awe-inspiring Jenny Lake. This afternoon, choose to sail into the sky on an aerial tram ride to the peak of Rendezvous Mountain offering 360-degree views of the Tetons, Jackson Hole, the Snake River Valley, and Grand Teton National Park. This evening, opt for a western hoedown featuring a Dutch-oven style dinner with Bar-T 5.
Day 3: Delve Into Yellowstone National Park
Location: Yellowstone National Park
Accommodation: National Park Lodges Yellowstone
Accommodation Name: National Park Lodges Yellowstone
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, you may take an optional float trip down Snake River. Sit back and relax as your expert guide points out the sites and wildlife which may include beaver, cutthroat trout, cliff swallows, pelicans, osprey, and bald eagles. No matter what critters come into view, you’ll surely enjoy the mountain views. We continue our exploration of the great American West as we head to the world's first National Park, Yellowstone. Your encounter with its geothermal wonders will leave you in awe. Witness Old Faithful’s waters arc high into the air as it has done approximately every 90 minutes since the Washburn Expedition discovered it. We stay amidst the colorful pools of hotsprings, mudpots and geysers tonight at one of the park’s signature lodges.
Day 4: Journey Through Yellowstone National Park
Location: Yellowstone National Park
Accommodation: National Park Lodges Yellowstone
Accommodation Name: National Park Lodges Yellowstone
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rise and shine to unlock Yellowstone National Park. Begin by teaming up with local naturalist guides to explore Norris Geyser Basin, the hottest, most acidic and most dynamic geyser basin in Yellowstone on the rim of the Yellowstone volcano. Continue your discovery of the Park with your Travel Director, keeping a keen eye out for bison, grizzlies and elk as you journey through Hayden Valley en route to the rusting walls of Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon. Drive along Dunraven Pass and past Montana’s Lamar Valley, home to herds of elk, bison and grizzlies. Admire the gentle cascade of water running down the multi-colored mineral terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs as they descend into the valley.
Day 5: Get A Taste Of The Wild West
Location: Cody
Accommodation: The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Billings
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Head to the infamous town of Cody, named for its most famous native son, Buffalo Bill. Gain insights into the history of the American West at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and delve into the history of the cowboy, the role of the firearm in the early days, and the culture of the Plains Indians. This evening, enjoy a Be My Guest experience as you dine at the historic Billings Depot, featuring a hyper-local pairing of food and mixed cocktails. Meet Allen Hodges, owner and founder of Undammed Distilling Co. for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience.
Day 6: Journey To Rapid City
Location: Rapid City
Accommodation: The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
Accommodation Name: The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head through the windswept prairies of the American Frontier and into the Black Hills of South Dakota, admiring the looming fortress of Devils Tower, a geological monolith that seems to rise up out of the prairie. You’ll learn why Devils Tower is considered sacred to local Native American tribes while appreciating its distinct beauty. Afterwards journey to Rapid City, where you'll have your overnight stay.
Day 7: Explore The Black Hills Pow Wow
Location: Rapid City
Accommodation: The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
Accommodation Name: The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is your first full day in Rapid City to do as you please. Relax at your hotel or opt for one of our exciting optional experiences. Choose to visit Badlands National Park with your Tour Director exploring some of the 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires amongst the largest protected mixed grass prairie in America. You’ll even make a stop at the famous Wall Drug Store, one of the top roadside attractions in the country. In the evening, you'll attend the Black Hills Pow Wow, also known as He Sapa Wacipi, with Stephen Yellowhawk of the Lakota tribe. The Black Hills Pow Wow is 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.
Day 8: Hear The History Of The Black Hills
Location: Black Hills
Accommodation Name: The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to South Dakota to pay tribute to Crazy Horse, the largest mountain carving in the world, peering at the immortalized face of the famed war chief of the Lakota people etched from the granite rock of the Black Hills. We continue to Mount Rushmore featuring the enormous carvings of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln dramatically etched into the granite rock face. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Farewell Dinner.
Day 9: Farewell Rapid City
Location: Rapid City
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, bid farewell to your traveling companions and transfer to Rapid City Regional Airport at your leisure. Or, extend your stay in Rapid City at The Rushmore Hotel.
What's Included
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Discover Jackson and Rapid City
Discover the cities of Jackson and Rapid City during your tour.
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Visit National Parks
Visit Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Devils Tower National Monument.
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View Memorials
View the Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore.
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Explore with Naturalist Guides
Explore Yellowstone with naturalist guides to learn about its geysers, hot springs, deep canyons, and wildlife.
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Cultural Experience with Stephen Yellowhawk
Meet Stephen Yellowhawk to discover the history of his tribe during a festive evening of dance and song.
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Black Hills Pow Wow
Enjoy an evening at the Black Hills Pow Wow, a premier American Indian cultural event.
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Be My Guest Dining Experience
Dine at the historic Billings Depot with a hyper-local pairing of food and mixed cocktails.
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Stays with Stories
Stay inside Yellowstone National Park for two nights, granting you all-day access to the park and hotel amenities.
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Dining Summary
Includes 4 dinners and 8 breakfasts.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as a float trip down Snake River and a western hoedown dinner are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional meals are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Airfare
Airfare to and from the starting and ending locations is not included.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
Dive Into Culture
- : In Yellowstone National Park’s Norris Geyser Basin, join local guides who bring the landscape to life over accounts of early travelers, anecdotes from the scientists who study the geology and wildlife of Norris Geyser, and their personal stories from living year-round in Greater Yellowstone. Explore history, geology and living traditions here at the home of Steamboat Geyser, the world's tallest active geyser. As you stroll among the boiling springs, hissing steam and spouting geysers of Norris, you'll walk in the footsteps of the Native people who first called this powerful place home. You can opt for one of two one-mile walks. Take a loop walk in the Upper Basin (Porcelain Basin) with a steep decline and mostly flat boardwalk. Or, join a Lower Basin (Steamboat Geyser) out-and-back walk along the boardwalk with mostly a decline toward Steamboat Geyser and a slight incline back to the main trailhead.
Mode of Transport
Travel through the stunning landscapes of the United States, exploring national parks and cultural sites with the convenience of guided transportation, ensuring a seamless and enriching journey.
Accommodation
Experience the comfort of The Lodge at Jackson Hole, stay amidst the geothermal wonders at National Park Lodges Yellowstone, and enjoy the modern amenities of The Rushmore Hotel & Suites in Rapid City.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a unique cultural experience with Stephen Yellowhawk, who shares the history and traditions of his Lakota and Onondaga Iroquois tribes during a festive evening of dance and song. Additionally, you will attend the Black Hills Pow Wow, a premier American Indian cultural event featuring dancers, singers, and artisans.
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What kind of dining experiences can I expect on this tour?
You will have a 'Be My Guest' dining experience at the historic Billings Depot, where you will enjoy a hyper-local pairing of food and mixed cocktails. The evening is hosted by Allen Hodges of Undammed Distilling Company, and the dinner is prepared by award-winning Chef Stephen Hindman.
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What opportunities are there to learn about the local wildlife and natural features?
In Yellowstone National Park, you will team up with local naturalist guides to explore the Norris Geyser Basin and learn about its geothermal features and wildlife. You can also take an optional float trip down Snake River to observe local wildlife such as beavers, bald eagles, and more.
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What is the accommodation like during the stay in Yellowstone National Park?
During your stay in Yellowstone National Park, you will be accommodated inside the park itself, allowing you all-day access to the park and its amenities. This provides the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the park, especially in the evenings when day-trippers have left.
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What historical sites will be visited on this tour?
The tour includes visits to several historical sites such as the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and Mount Rushmore. You will also learn about the history of the American West and the culture of the Plains Indians.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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