Best of South Dakota

featuring Mount Rushmore

Header Photo Credit: Travel South Dakota

 

Embark on an extraordinary journey through South Dakota, where history, culture and breathtaking landscapes intertwine. Explore the legendary streets of Deadwood City, where the spirit of the Wild West comes alive. Stand in awe of the majestic Mount Rushmore National Monument, a symbol of American freedom and democracy. Visit the monumental Crazy Horse Memorial, honouring Native American heritage. Experience an unforgettable adventure filled with rich narratives and stunning vistas that showcase the heart and soul of South Dakota!

 

TOUR ITINERARY

DAY 1 – SIOUX FALLS, SD

Depart this morning to Sioux Fall, South Dakota arriving late afternoon. Settle in at the Fairfield Inn & Suites for two nights. Gather together tonight for dinner and get to know your fellow travellers.

DAY 2 – SIOUX FALLS

Tour the World’s Only Corn Palace followed by a visit  to Carnegie Resource Center and its world-famous dome mural. Take a guided tour of Falls Park taking in the natural beauty of the park and learning the history of the formation plus ride up the viewing tower to get a great view of the city! Tonight experience the Olde Town Dinner Theatre.

SPOTLIGHT

The World’s Only Corn Palace was built in 1892 as a way to prove to the world that South Dakota has a healthy agricultural climate.

DAY 3 – RAPID CITY, SD

Drive through Badlands National Park to the  Ben Reifel Visitor Center. The rugged beauty of these striking geological deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds.  Visit Wall Drug Cafe – a maze of souvenir shops featuring unique items. Continue to Rapid City and Elevation Inn for four nights.

SPOTLIGHT

Experience the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park, with its dramatic landscapes and unique geological formations

DAY 4 – RAPID CITY

Experience a tour of historic Deadwood City with a Wild West Guide. Learn of the rich history and its legendary gunslingers and be transported back and explore the original site of ‘The Brothel’. Stroll along the boardwalk at Fort Hays and tour film sets and a movie museum.

DAY 5 – RAPID CITY

Get closer to nature with an open-air jeep safari in Custer State Park and get a glimpse of the iconic buffalo herds and other famous residents.

DAY 6 – RAPID CITY

Board the 1880 Train for a narrated scenic tour through the backcountry of the Black Hills. Visit Crazy Horse Memorial – the largest mountain carving in the world. As a tribute to four presidents, Mt. Rushmore not only represents the past but also a promise of the future.  Tonight enjoy dinner here and the light ceremony for an amazing final evening.

EXPERIENCES & HIGHLIGHTS

Visiting the Crazy Horse Memorial offers a profound glimpse into Native American culture and heritage. As you approach the massive sculpture, be awed by its scale and the vision behind its creation, initiated by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski in 1948. The onsite Indian Museum of North America enriches your experience with exhibits showcasing Indigenous artefacts and art.

DAY 7 – RETURN HOME