National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas
National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas
National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas
9 Days Starting in Rapid City and ending in Bismarck
Visiting: Rapid City, Pine Ridge Reservation, Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Rosebud Reservation, Chamberlain, Pierre, Fort Yates, Bismarck, New Town, Theodore Roosevelt North Unit, Medora, Theodore Roosevelt South Unit
Tour Overview
This bespoke, culturally-rich itinerary supports the growth of indigenous tribal tourism in the USA , developed in collaboration with local communities in the Dakotas, for an authentic, one-of-a-kind insight into Native American history and heart. Through the power of storytelling through passionate locals you’ll meet, you’ll leave enlightened by your visits to four reservations of the Dakotas, as well as National Parks and monuments to discover first-hand the stark and rich history and future of the people that call it home. Packed with meaningful travel experiences, this is a must-book itinerary supporting culture and heritage of our important Tribal Nations.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Rapid City Make Travel Matter
Location: Rapid City
Accommodation: The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
Accommodation Name: The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
Meals Included: Dinner
Begin your exploration of the Tribal Nations of North and South Dakota at a Welcome Dinner featuring Stephen Yellowhawk of the Lakota Sioux tribe. During this Make Travel Matter experience Stephen will regale you with oral histories and traditional song and dances of his tribe.
Day 2: Exploring The Badlands National Park And Oglala Sioux Tribe Make Travel Matter
Location: Rapid City, Pine Ridge Reservation, Badlands National Park, Rapid City
Accommodation: Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort & Conference Center
Accommodation Name: The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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 The Crazy Horse Memorial
Location: Rapid City, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Rapid City
Accommodation: Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort & Conference Center
Accommodation Name: The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head to one of America's most iconic sites and learn of its complicated past. Embark on a self-guided walk in the majestic Black Hills before today’s highlight: the Crazy Horse Memorial. View a depiction of the famous Oglala Lakota warrior riding a horse and pointing to his tribal land, a striking monument that has been a work in progress since 1948. 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.
Day 4: Spend The Day With The Rosebud Sioux Tribe Make Travel Matter Connect With Locals
Location: Rapid City, Rosebud Reservation, Chamberlain
Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Bismarck
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, 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.
Day 5: Day Trip To Lakota Youth Development Connect With Locals
Location: Chamberlain
Accommodation: Teddy's Residential Suites New Town
Accommodation Name: Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort & Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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 Connect With Locals
Location: Chamberlain, Pierre, Fort Yates, Bismarck
Accommodation: Rough Riders Hotel
Accommodation Name: Radisson Hotel Bismarck
Meals Included: Breakfast
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: The Mandan, Hidatsa And Arikara Nation Make Travel Matter
Location: Bismarck, New Town
Accommodation Name: Teddy's Residential Suites New Town
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Visit Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center before Earth Lodge Village where you'll experience traditional archery and parfleche painting. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the MHA Nation Interpretive Center where Native artifacts are on display.
Day 8: Theodore Roosevelt National Park Sightseeing Stays With Stories
Location: New Town, Theodore Roosevelt North Unit, Medora
Accommodation Name: Rough Riders
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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: Medora, Theodore Roosevelt South Unit, Bismarck
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
-
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
-
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
-
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
-
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
-
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
-
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
-
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
-
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
-
Optional Experiences and free time
Dining Summary
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Lunch (L)
Dive Into Culture
- Pine Ridge Reservation: Learn the History of Wounded Knee as told by Warren Yellow Hair as you look upon where it happened. Listening to stories told from generation to generation will give you a perspective that cannot be gained from a history book but rather an authentic and emotional experience.
- New Town: Enjoy a guided tour of the Earth Lodge Village and see how the MHA people used to live. You will also try your hand at archery and parfleche painting to gain a deeper understanding of the culture of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10 & 11: Reduced Inequalities & Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Check out our Q&As
-
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.
-
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.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
-
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.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Sunday - Monday
Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 09, 2025Sunday - Monday
Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 23, 2025Sunday - Monday
Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 21, 2025Sunday - Monday
Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 22, 2025Sunday - Monday
May 31, 2026 - Jun 08, 2026Sunday - Monday
Jun 14, 2026 - Jun 22, 2026Sunday - Monday
Jul 12, 2026 - Jul 20, 2026Sunday - Monday
Jul 26, 2026 - Aug 03, 2026Sunday - Monday
Aug 23, 2026 - Aug 31, 2026Sunday - Monday
Sep 06, 2026 - Sep 14, 2026Book with Confidence
-
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.
-
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.
-
Terms and Conditions