South Dakota Lodge Stay

Welcome to Rapid City! Your tour starts at 10am with a group meeting followed by a drive to Badlands National Park for a 48km (30 mile) scenic drive around the park. After you’ve enjoyed the scenery, it’s time to stretch your legs with a hike along the Castle Trail, introducing you to more landscapes and rock formations of the Badlands. After the hike, stop off at the Wall Drug Store, drawing millions of visitors every year. It’s hard to believe this store won over customers in its early days by offering something as simple as free ice water. Then it’s time to check-in at your famous accommodation, a historic wooden lodge that has hosted several American Presidents. You won’t have to go far to spot buffalo as they can regularly be seen grazing on the grass outside. Tonight’s dinner will also be at the lodge, a memorable way to kick off your trip. (D)

After breakfast, we’ll take the scenic drive to Mount Rushmore via the historic Iron Mountain Road where the one lane tunnels were designed to showcase the beauty of Mount Rushmore. The spectacular mountains and valleys along this famous road can be admired from many different angles thanks to the number of curves and switchbacks. After taking photos of this famous spot, we will head to a winery to dine on artisan plates and taste wines made by a fifth-generation female winemaker. It’s a great spot to sit back, take in the view and reflect on the day. Tonight, your leader will take you to Custer and share their inside knowledge on the best and most delicious dinner options for every taste and budget. (B/L)

Today you’ll spend a full day learning about the history, stories and spirituality of the Oglala Lakota People with an expert Lakota guide. Visit Pine Ridge Town and tour the Heritage Center which was one of the first cultural centres and museums located on an Indian reservation. It empowers Lakota artists to preserve their artistic heritage, improve their economic situation and share their traditional arts and crafts with the world. Enjoy lunch at a Lakota-owned restaurant which specialises in traditional foods. Today’s tour ends with a visit to Wounded Knee where a battle with United States soldiers killed hundreds of Lakota people in the late 1800s. Have a relaxing night at the lodge to reflect on today’s tour and perhaps enjoy dinner with your group. (B/L)

After breakfast, it’s time to jump in a jeep and go wild on a buffalo safari. Trek through the park in an open-air jeep as your expert guide shares historical and educational facts and helps you spot pronghorns, elk, and buffalo. Back at the lodge, you might like to grab some lunch before hitting the road for the short drive to Sylvan Lake. Take a stroll around the lake and discover the beauty of this scenic spot which is widely regarded as the jewel in the crown of Custer State Park. From here, it’s a one hour drive to Rapid City where you adventure comes to an end around 3pm. (B)