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, Rosebud Indian Reservation, Chamberlain, Pierre, Fort Yates, Bismarck, New Town, Medora, North Unit Visitor Center, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, South Unit., Theodore Roosevelt North Unit, Theodore Roosevelt South Unit
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DMTMZN20
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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: Exploring The Badlands National Park And Oglala Sioux Tribe Make Travel Matter
Location: Rapid City, Pine Ridge Reservation, Badlands National Park, Rapid City
Accommodation: 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 2: Spend The Day With The Rosebud Sioux Tribe Make Travel Matter Connect With Locals
Location: Rosebud Indian Reservation, Rapid City, Chamberlain
Accommodation: 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. 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.
Day 3: Day Trip To Lakota Youth Development Connect With Locals
Location: Chamberlain
Accommodation: 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 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.
Day 4: Sitting Bull & Standing Rock Indian Reservation Connect With Locals Make Travel Matter
Location: Pierre, Fort Yates, Chamberlain, Bismarck
Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Bismarck
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 5: Mandan, Hidatsa And Arikara Nation Make Travel Matter
Location: Bismarck, New Town
Accommodation: Teddy's Residential Suites New Town
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 6: Theodore Roosevelt National Park Sightseeing Stays With Stories
Location: Medora, New Town, North Unit Visitor Center
Accommodation: Rough Riders Hotel
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 7: Farewell In Bismarck
Location: Theodore Roosevelt National Park, South Unit., Medora, Bismarck
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 8: Theodore Roosevelt National Park Sightseeing Stays With Stories
Location: Theodore Roosevelt North Unit, Medora, New Town
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: Theodore Roosevelt South Unit, Bismarck, Medora
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
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Optional Experiences and free time
Check out our Q&As
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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.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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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.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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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.
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Terms and Conditions