National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas with Black Hills Pow Wow
National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas with Black Hills Pow Wow
National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas with Black Hills Pow Wow
9 Days Starting in Rapid City and ending in Bismarck
Visiting: Rapid City, Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, Rosebud Indian Reservation, Chamberlain, Bismarck, Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Tour Overview
Embark on a culturally enriching adventure through the National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas, culminating in the vibrant Black Hills Pow Wow. This journey invites you to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, marvel at the iconic Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorials, and traverse the scenic Badlands Loop Road. Delve into the rich history and traditions of Indigenous communities as you visit the Pine Ridge, Rosebud, Standing Rock, and Fort Berthold Indian Reservations. Engage with locals during a special lunch at Lakota Youth Development, and witness the awe-inspiring Dignity Statue. With expert guidance, cherry-picked hotels, and a host of surprise extras, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of the USA's majestic natural beauty and the profound cultural heritage of its Native peoples.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Welcome To Rapid City
Location: Rapid City
Accommodation: The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
Accommodation Name: The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
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 travelers this evening at your welcome reception as you ready for an unforgettable journey.
Day 2 : Exploring The Badlands National Park And Oglala Sioux Tribe
Location: Badlands National Park
Accommodation: The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
Accommodation Name: The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
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.
Day 3 : Visit Mount Rushmore And Attend The Black Hill's Pow Wow
Location: Mount Rushmore
Accommodation: Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort & Conference Center
Accommodation Name: The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
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; the Black Hill's Pow Wow also known as He Sapa Wacipi. 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 4 : Spend The Day With The Rosebud Sioux Tribe
Location: Rosebud Indian Reservation
Accommodation: Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort & Conference Center
Accommodation Name: Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort & Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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, at the Turtle Creek Crossing Supermarket, sample delicious and authentic Lakota foods. Finally, it’s onto Sinte Gleska University for a Star Knowledge Presentation by Lakota elder, Victor Douville.
Day Trip To Lakota Youth Development
Location: Chamberlain
Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Bismarck
Accommodation Name: Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort & Conference Center
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.
Day 6 : Sitting Bull & Standing Rock Indian Reservation
Location: Bismarck
Accommodation: Teddy's Residential Suites New Town
Accommodation Name: Radisson Hotel Bismarck
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.
Day 7: Theodore Roosevelt National Park Sightseeing Stays With Stories
Location: Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Accommodation: Rough Riders Hotel
Accommodation Name: Teddy's Residential Suites New Town
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.
Day 8 : Theodore Roosevelt National Park Sightseeing
Location: Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Accommodation Name: Rough Riders Hotel, Medora
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.
Day 9 : Farewell In Bismarck
Location: 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 1:00 PM.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Optional Experiences and free time
What's Not Included
Airport transfers are not included
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Check out our Q&As
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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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Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Trafalgar allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform trafalgar, 90 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP 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 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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