National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of the Dakotas with the "National Parks and Native Trails" tour. This immersive experience takes you from Rapid City to Bismarck, exploring the rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes of North and South Dakota. Discover the profound connection between the Lakota people and their land at the Oglala Lakota Living History Village, and witness iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. Engage with local communities, learning about their history and traditions, and enjoy authentic Lakota cuisine. Visit the Rosebud and Pine Ridge Reservations, and explore the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation. Marvel at the natural beauty of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and enjoy a stay at the historic Rough Riders Hotel. This tour offers a unique blend of cultural insights, breathtaking scenery, and meaningful connections with Indigenous communities, making it an unforgettable adventure.

Must-see Highlights

• See Dignity Statue, Sitting Bull & Sakakawea Monument
• View Crow Flies High outlook, The Dignity statue, Sitting Bull and Sakakawea Monuments
• Visit Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Rosebud Indian Reservation, Standing Rock Indian Reservation, Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Fort Mandan, Oglala Lakota Living History Museum, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Theodore Roosevelt National Park
• Scenic Drive to Badlands Loop Road Drive, Mobridge
• Explore Stephen Yellowhawk in Rapid City, Marla C. Bull Bear in Pine Ridge, Rosebud Sioux Tribal Guide, Victor Douville Star Knowledge Presenter in Mission, MHA Guides at Earth Lodge Village
• Visit Indigenous communities and learn, see & hear about history & traditions.
• Connect with Locals during a lunch at Lakota Youth Development
• Pierre: Unlock the best of Pierre, South Dakota over a sightseeing tour with your Travel Director. There’s no better place to discover the town’s history than at the State Capitol. Learn how it was built in 1908 and June 30, 2010 marked the 100th anniversary of the formal dedication. At this time, a time capsule was placed in a locked glass display case that you can have a look at. The capsule contains a South Dakota Quarter set from the U.S. Mint, Gov Rounds' 2010 State of the State Address, photos with personal messages from state and tribal officeholders, and several current newspapers from around the state, among other artefacts.
• Fort Yates: Visit the Sitting Bull and Sakakawea Monuments set in a remote spot overlooking the Missouri River. At this monument sculpted by Korczak Ziolkowski, known for Crazy Horse Memorial, learn about what would later become known as "The Battle in the Dark." The monument remembers Chief Sitting Bull, a Hunkpapa Teton Sioux spiritual leader best known for his victory over George Armstrong Custer's 7th Cavalry at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. In the 1870s, after Sitting Bull became a great spiritual leader, he organized a resistance movement against US expansion on treaty-reserved lands. But on December 15, 1890, nine years after surrendering to the US government, he was shot to death by Indian police.
• Theodore Roosevelt South Unit: Located in western North Dakota, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is dedicated to the preservation of the landscape that profoundly influenced the 26th President of the United States. The park is renowned for its stunning Badlands, diverse wildlife, and rich history associated with Roosevelt's time in the region. The park was established on November 10, 1978, and it encompasses approximately 70,000 acres divided into three separate units: the North Unit, the South Unit, and the Elkhorn Ranch Unit. We visit the North and South Units.

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.

Philip: Travel to the past at the Oglala Lakota Living History Village and gain valuable insights into the culture and Indigenous knowledge of Lakota Country. Your experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10 & 11: Reduced Inequalities & Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Rosebud Reservation: 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.

Rosebud Reservation: Join a Rosebud tribal member to learn about life on the reservation and food sovereignty projects, before sampling authentic Lakota dishes at Sinte Gleska University. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10 & 11: Reduced Inequalities & Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Rosebud Reservation: Enjoy a visit to Sinte Gleska University where you will be given a Star Knowledge Presentation by a Lakota elder, Victor Douville.

New Town: Explore the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, located on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in central North Dakota. Spanning 988,000 acres along the Missouri River, this stunning region covers six counties: McLean, Mountrail, Dunn, McKenzie, Mercer, and Ward. You will visit the MHA Interpretive Center, a striking new facility opened in May 2021. This center features a captivating collection of artefacts and large displays detailing the history, traditions, and unique aspects of the Three Affiliated Tribes. Your Local Specialist will offer personal stories handed down through generations, enriching your understanding of this vibrant culture. Discover incredible artefacts donated by community members, making your visit truly unforgettable. This experience advances the UN Global Goals 10 & 11: Reduced Inequalities & Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Be My Guest

Chamberlain: The future of the Lakota Oyate "Lakota Nation" takes center stage as you meet Marla C. Bull Bear, Executive Director of LYD, and the Rosebud tribal youth members for a traditional storytelling. Enjoy a traditional meal during this Be My Guest Experience, and plant knowledge as you get a true taste of the prairie and everything Grandmother Earth has to offer. Learn about their mission to reclaim their language, culture, and spirituality and how this experience supports local youth.

Trafalgar Difference

Medora: Enjoy your Stay With Stories experience at the Rough Riders Hotel. Bask in the 1880s nostalgia and its western charm, as you enjoy a dinner with your new friends.