Overview
Itinerary
Welcome to Rapid City!
At 6pm, meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.
Legends of the West
After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Rapid City. Visit Badlands National Park to see some of the most spectacular scenery in the region. Afterward, there's time to explore Wall Drug, known for its quirky roadside signs. Continue to Custer State Park for a backcountry adventure; a Buffalo Safari with a local expert and traditional cookout.
LOCAL FAVORITE - WHERE THE BUFFALO ROAM: Awaken your adventurer's spirit on a Buffalo Safari in Custer State Park. The U.S. national mammal and historic mainstay of indigenous people, the American Bison is a native species of North America, whose numbers were reduced from more than 60 million across the great bison belt grasslands from Alaska to the Atlantic to less than 600 by the late 1880s. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing up to 2,000 pounds, these formidable and majestic mammals have been restored in numbers due to conservation efforts of the 20th century.
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT: Enjoy an overnight stay at the historic State Game Lodge in Custer State Park. This gracious stone and wood lodge is set in a beautiful mountain valley, surrounded by a ponderosa pine forest. Built in 1920 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the lodge served as the “Summer White House” for President Calvin Coolidge and was visited by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Wild & Wooly Discoveries
Travel to Hot Springs to visit the Mammoth Site and Museum. Continue to Crazy Horse Memorial, built in honor of the fearless Lakota Chief who led the victory at the Battle of Little Bighorn. Experience a unique, close-up view of the carving during an exclusive Small Group Discovery trip with a storyteller (weather permitting) to the base of the mountain. Drive the Needles Highway and visit Sylvan Lake en route back to Custer State Park. The remainder of the day is yours to relax. Perhaps try mountain biking, a guided horseback trail ride to French Creek Nature Areaor take a nature walk on a park trail.
LOCAL FAVORITE - HISTORIC SITES: Dig deeper into prehistoric South Dakota with a visit to the Mammoth Site and Museum. Tour the world's largest mammoth research facility and active dig site, where scientists are currently excavating remains of mammoths that were trapped and died in the pond more than 26,000 years ago. After a short tour, you'll have time to stroll the sidewalks of the dig area and see the paleontology laboratory. Imagine this landscape when the more than 60 Mammoths found to date roamed and ruled in the Pleistocene era in North America.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE: Explore the Crazy Horse Native American Cultural Center and artist's studio at Crazy Horse Memorial. The world's largest mountain carving is still in progress, honoring Native American heritage with the Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse on horseback pointing to his tribal land.
Statesmen, Sheriffs & Sharpshooters
Visit one of the world's largest stone monuments – Mount Rushmore National Memorial – to see the solid granite faces of four legendary American presidents majestically carved more than a thousand feet overhead. Continue to the historic Old West town of Deadwood for a tour with a Local Guide. Visit Mount Moriah Cemetery then drive the scenic Spearfish Canyon for a hike, dinner and an overnight stay at the exclusive Spearfish Canyon Lodge.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDS & LORE: The legendary town of Deadwood is home to the ghosts of the Wild West, where bold frontiersmen and optimistic gold miners set down stakes in this untamed mining town. Hear the rip-roaring stories of legends like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Potato Creek Johnny while exploring the streets where shoot-outs and sheriffs ruled the day.
Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch...
Continue across the grassy plains of Wyoming and soak in the expansive blue skies. Enjoy lunch at the historic Ranch at UCross. Next, cross the Bighorn Mountains via Shell Creek Canyon to Buffalo Bill's Wild West town of Cody, Wyoming.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE: You're invited to lunch at The Ranch at UCross – smack in the middle of the Wyoming landscape that's rich in the history of the American West. Explore activities to get in the cowboy spirit where writers, sculptors and artists have drawn inspiration for years. See gentle horses, sweeping scenery, and plenty of trout in the river make this the perfect place to get away from it all.
Explore the Buffalo Bill Center of The West, a comprehensive museum of historic weapons and art on a private guided Small Group Exclusive experience. Go behind-the-scenes with an expert to view artifacts and hear insider stories that bring the collections to life. In the town named for Bill Cody (Buffalo Bill), you'll find a wealth of amazing insight to the historic American West and Native American culture in this complex founded in 1917. Depart for Yellowstone National Park, America's first national park, where wild animals roam freely in vast meadows and forest.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ICONIC FOOTSTEPS: Cavalry scout, Pony Express rider, ranch hand, wagon train driver, city planner, railroad contractor, bison hunter, fur trapper, gold prospector, Native American advocate, feminist, and inventor of modern Show Business, William Cody's legend rides on as a symbol of the unbridled possibilities of the early American West. “Buffalo Bill” Cody's horsemanship and sharpshooting skills gained notice by the U.S. Army and his Wild West shows endeared him to the elite audiences of Europe.
America's First National Park
A full day's adventure in this vast national park! See the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone with its Upper and Lower Falls. Watch for herds of bison in Hayden Valley, and view many of Yellowstone's geothermal sites, including Old Faithful Geyser.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL WONDERS: Designated as a national park by law 150 years ago, President Ulysses S. Grant worked to preserve and protect the wild landscapes, native heritage, spectacular wildlife, and extraordinary geologic and ecological phenomena that make this Rocky Mountain paradise a treasure today and for future generations to treasure. From geysers to grizzlies and great bison, no one leaves the park without being forever changed by the natural wonder witnessed in any of its 2.2 million acres of pristine wilderness. As part of Globus family of brands Lighthouse Project, this historic site is one example of our commitment to supporting the people and places we share with you.
Glacial Giants
This morning, tour Grand Teton National Park on your way to Jackson for a 2-night stay at the Rustic Inn at Jackson Hole.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL WONDERS: With its magnificent peaks and glacial landscapes, this Rocky Mountain marvel is the perfect pairing of natural grandeur and frontier spirit of the town of Jackson. Find serenity on the shores of gorgeous glacier-fed Jenny Lake and stroll along the shore before continuing to Jackson. This evening, visit the Antler Arches, enjoy a drink at the iconic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, or shop for the perfect cowboy hat.
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT: Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa at Jackson Hole blends rugged beauty with easy urban access, close to Jackson's downtown and near the National Elk Refuge. The Flat Creek Preserve and Wetlands Walk onsite enhances your stay with walking paths, fire pits, and a backdrop of stunning Teton scenery.
Peak Experiences
Enjoy a free day in Jackson to explore on your own, relax at theresort, or perhaps take an optional float trip down the Snake River. Join your travel companions for a farewell dinner tonight at a local restaurant.
ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: in Jackson with an optional float trip along the Snake River, stroll along the downtown boardwalks to enjoy a drink at one of the local saloons, or explore one of the many galleries that call Jackson home.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Want more time to explore Jackson? Additional nights are available for purchase.
Trip Inclusions
- Orientation tour of Rapid City
- Visit to Badlands National Park with scenic views and photo stops
- Buffalo Safari and western-style cookout in Custer State Park [LF]
- Tour of the Mammoth Site and Museum in Hot Springs [LF]
- Visit to Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- Small group exclusive visit to Crazy Horse Memorial including a private guided tour and close-up view from the base of the mountain
- Guided sightseeing tour in Deadwood
- Visit to Spearfish Canyon
- Lunch at the historic Ranch at UCross in Wyoming
- Small group exclusive docent led visit to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody
- Guided sightseeing in Yellowstone National Park including geysers, canyons, and wildlife
- Visit to Grand Teton National Park including Colter Bay, Jackson Lake, and Jenny Lake
- Walking tour of downtown Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- Overnight stays at iconic lodges including two-nights at the State Game Lodge in Custer State Park, two-nights in Yellowstone lodges, and two-nights at the Rustic Inn at Jackson Hole
- Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 5 dinners
- Rapid City: The Rushmore Hotel (First-Class):
The Rushmore Hotel Rapid City is a great place to rest after spending a busy day in Rapid City exploring everything the city offers. The hotel is an eco-friendly hotel representing sustainability in South Dakota. The rooms have a fun decor showcasing the beauty and flavor of South Dakota. - Custer State Park: State Game Lodge at Custer State Park (First-Class):
Located in Custer State Park, this historic Lodge is set in a beautiful mountain valley, surrounded by a ponderosa pine forest. Sit on the front porch and watch as bison and deer stroll across the lawn. A short drive to the area's attractions as well as Rapid City Airport. The Lodge has a restaurant, bar, gift shop, and Internet access. Activities in the park include a buffalo jeep safari, fly fishing, hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. - Spearfish: Spearfish Canyon Lodge (First-Class):
Log structure, log timbers set over massive stone pillars - Heart of the Canyon. The main lodge, with heavy log walls & nature's artifacts, is open throughout every beautiful canyon season; Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. - Cody: Holiday Inn Buffalo Bill Village - Cody (First-Class):
Located downtown, the Holiday Inn Cody is minutes away from local shops, restaurants, and attractions. Amenities at the hotel include an outdoor pool, a fitness center, a gift shop, and 189 guestrooms. - Yellowstone National Park: Canyon Lodge - Yellowstone National Park (National Park):
Canyon Lodge and Cabins is a sprawling facility, featuring the most accommodations in Yellowstone with more than 500 rooms and cabins. Canyon Lodge is part of a collection of lodges operated by the National Parks; space fills up quickly at these lodges and is therefore based on availability. We will endeavor to secure your lodge of choice, however in the event space is not available an alternate lodge of similar category will be secured. Please note that all park accommodations are non-smoking and reflecting the natural surroundings of the park, rooms are not equipped with televisions, radios, air conditioning or Wi-Fi. - Yellowstone National Park: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel - Yellowstone National Park (National Park):
On the historic site of Fort Yellowstone, this traditional hotel is nestled in the trees alongside the mountains. The features of this hotel include high ceilings, pine wood accents, and 211 cozy guestrooms. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel is part of a collection of lodges operated by the National Parks; space fills up quickly at these lodges and is therefore based on availability. In the event that space is not available at this hotel, an alternate lodge of similar category will be secured. - Yellowstone National Park: Old Faithful Snow Lodge - Yellowstone National Park (National Park):
Completed in 1999, the Snow Lodge is the newest of the park's full service hotels. The Snow Lodge is part of a collection of lodges operated by the National Parks; space fills up quickly at these lodges and is therefore based on availability. We will endeavor to secure your lodge of choice, however in the even space is not available an alternate lodge of similar category will be secured. - Yellowstone National Park: Old Faithful Inn - Yellowstone National Park (National Park):
The most popular of the lodges, Old Faithful Inn is a national historic landmark. This rustic style lodge, was first built in 1904 and offers rustic charm, complete with a large lobby fireplace and shingled exterior. The lodge offer a full service restaurant, cafeteria, deli, and lounge for dining as well as a gift store and an activities desk. Old Faithful Inn is part of a collection of lodges operated by the National Parks; space fills up quickly at these lodges and is therefore based on availability. In the event that space is not available at this hotel, an alternate lodge of similar category will be secured. - Jackson: Rustic Inn at Jackson Hole Creekside (First-Class):
The Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa welcomes guests with warm Western hospitality. Outdoor enthusiasts and hedonists alike indulge in the lavishly appointed historic lodging accommodations and luxury log cabins.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- Routes and areas visited in Yellowstone are subject to weather and/or road conditions.
- Maximum elevation on tour: 9,033 ft (2,753 m).
- This vacation visits national parks and other remote locations where some facilities may not meet the first-class standard you expect from Globus. Some lodges within the parks do not feature televisions and other routinely expected amenities.
Operator
At Globus, we understand that your holiday is your treat – a gift from you to you. Let us connect you with a new world of people, places and experiences that will ignite your imagination.
Don't waste your precious time queueing up, skip the lines with special VIP access at the must-see sites. Read more
Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of the USA. Read more
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Trip Reviews (6)
The buffalo safari allowed us to get especially close to wildlife and the vastness of Badlands National Park was hauntingly beautiful. And we saw so much wildlife including bear, coyote, bison, elk, sheep, deer, etc. Being located at Yellowstone for 2 days, at various parts of the park, allowed us to explore most of the points of interest. I felt the lunch stop in Montana and driving via Idaho to Salt Lake City were surprise add-ons as well. I felt the Beartooth Highway from Cody into the Yellowstone area was one of the most scenic drives I have every done. All in all, it was a wonderful trip that surpassed our expectations, creating new friendships and new memories, and wondering why I had not discovered this region years earlier.
The tour was excellent - easy paced and not at all rushed, helped in part by one of the best tour directors we have ever come across. Steve was a wealth of information having lived and worked in Yellowstone for over ten years. There was nothing he did not know about the areas we visited. Kirt, our driver, was also excellent.
The fact that there was still a lot of snow lying around just added to the beauty of the scenery. One of the highlights was the float trip down the Snake River as well as the abundance of wildlife we saw - bears, moose, bison just to mention a few.
We had only 17 on our tour - three Aussies - and everyone got on well. The smaller group size made for ease of moving around and plenty of space on the coach. Hotels in Rapid City and Salt Lake City were a few minutes walk from the town centres.
We couldn’t fault Jemma’s handling of our booking with every query answered promptly and efficiently. Looking forward to our next booking with Global Journeys.
Dates & Pricing
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Globus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
