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National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas
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.
Included With Your Trip
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted All porterage and restaurant gratuities All hotel tips, charges and local taxes Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys) Optional Experiences and free time
Additional Information
Welcome To Rapid City Make Travel Matter
Begin your exploration of the Tribal Nations of North and South Dakota at a dinner featuring Stephen Yellowhawk of the Lakota Sioux tribe. During this Make Travel Matter experience Stephen will regale you with oral histories and traditional song and dances of his tribe.
Hotel: The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
Exploring The Badlands National Park And Oglala Sioux Tribe Make Travel Matter
Discover how deeply the Lakota people are connected to their land, customs and ancestors as you enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTERExperience 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.
Hotel: The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
Visit Mount Rushmore And The Crazy Horse Memorial
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 a 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. With a local guide tour down 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.
Hotel: The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
Spend The Day With The Rosebud Sioux Tribe Make Travel Matter Connect with Locals
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. You'll learn the history and cultural heritage of the Rosebud Reservation, in addition to understanding the socio-economic issues impacting the Lakota in today's modern world. Later, sample delicious and authentic Lakota food over lunch at Sinte Gleska University. Founded in 1971, the university's mission is to provide higher education opportunities while preserving and promoting the Lakota culture and traditions. The university aims to integrate Lakota perspectives and values into its academic programs and foster a sense of identity and pride among its students. After lunch, you will meet Lakota elder Victor Douville for a Star Knowledge Presentation.
Hotel: Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort & Conference Center
Day Trip To Lakota Youth Development Connect with Locals
The future of the Lakota Oyate (Lakota Nation) takes center stage as you meet Marla C. Bull Bear, Executive Director of Lakota Youth Development, a non-profit organization whose mission is to reclaim Lakota language, culture, and spirituality by promoting healthy lifestyle education for Lakota youth through culturally based strategies. Listen to Indigenous storytelling, enjoy a performance put on by tribal youth, and appreciate an Indigenous plant walk all before sharing a meal with tribal members of the Rosebud Reservation. We continue to Chamberlain where you'll witness to awe-inspiring Statue of Dignity, a soaring sculpture of a Native woman standing high on a bluff above the Missouri River.
Hotel: Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort & Conference Center
Sitting Bull & Standing Rock Indian Reservation Connect with Locals
Travel along the Native American Scenic Byway stopping in South Dakota's capital, Pierre, for a tour of the town and the State Capitol. Next up, visit Sakakawea Monument & Sitting Bull Monument, believed to be the final resting place of Native American spiritual and social leader, Sitting Bull. Unlock more of the life and story behind Sitting Bull's grave at Fort Yates Military Cemetery, where Sitting Bull was originally buried. Learn how the US Army abandoned Fort Yates in 1903 and had all the graves moved except for Sitting Bull's. In the 1950s a group of businesspeople from Mobridge, South Dakota received permission through the Bureau of Indian Affairs to move Sitting Bull's remains from the neglected grave in Fort Yates to Mobridge in an effort to attract tourists to their town.
Hotel: Radisson Hotel Bismarck
The Mandan, Hidatsa And Arikara Nation Make Travel Matter
Visit Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center before Earth Lodge Village where you'll experience traditional archery and parfleche painting. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTERExperience at the MHA Nation Interpretive Center where Native artifacts are on display.
Hotel: Teddy's Residential Suites New Town
Theodore Roosevelt National Park Sightseeing Stays With Stories
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.
Hotel: Rough Riders
Farewell In Bismarck
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.
Departure Dates
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Start: June 1, 2025 End: June 9, 2025 Price: $3,475 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
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Start: July 13, 2025 End: July 21, 2025 Price: $3,475 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
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Start: September 14, 2025 End: September 22, 2025 Price: $3,475 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
Price My Trip
Product Code: TTUSAS-DMTMZN20