Begin your exploration of the Tribal Nations of North and South Dakota at a welcome reception. (WR) Stay: The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
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. (B/L)
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 the 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. (B)
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.
Later, at the Turtle Creek Crossing Supermarket, sample delicious and authentic Lakota foods. Finally, it's onto Sinte Gleska University for a Star Knowledge Presentation by Lakota elder, Victor Douville. (B/L) Stay: Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort & Conference Center
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 and members for traditional storytelling, performance and meal during this Be My Guest Experience. Learn about their mission to reclaim their language, culture, and spirituality and how this experience supports local youth. (B/L)
Travel along the Native American Scenic Byway stopping in South Dakota's capital, Pierre. Spend the afternoon immersed in Plains Indian History, learning about the incredible legend of Sitting Bull, before you learn about day-to-day life in Standing Rock Indian Reservation. Enjoy an enlightening MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where you'll learn how the Lakota and Dakota people harness the medicinal power of plants through long held practices passed down by generations. Then create your very own herbal tea in a hands-on experience steeped in tradition. (B) Stay: Radisson Hotel Bismarck
At Earth Lodge Village, experience the role of tribal tourism, as dancers and singers perform for you. Discover life on the harsh Northern Plains through the stories of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara peoples. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience visiting the MHA Nation Interpretive Centre where historical Native artifacts are on display. Finish with a delicious traditional dinner you won't soon forget. (B/D) Stay: Teddy's Residential Suites New Town
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. (B/D) Stay: Rough Riders Hotel
Watch the sun rise over the Badlands at the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Stop at the Maltese Cross Cabin, famously used by Theodore Roosevelt before he was president. We depart to Bismarck with an airport arrival at 2pm. (B)
Be My Guest
Dive Into Culture
Iconic Experience
Make Travel Matter®
Trafalgar Difference
Trafalgar Tours
Regions