West Dakota

Crazy Horse Monument

Come experience the Western Dakota's with a week's vacation plus to the Black Hills, the Badlands, Ft. Mandan, and many other area attractions. The rugged unsung beauty of this region is magnificent and seasoned with unique cultural and historical sites that make a Dakota vacation something special. From the face of Mt. Rushmore to the banks of the mighty Missouri River, make the Western Dakotas part of your 2009 travel plans.

DAY 1 – Arrivals
Enjoy a welcome dinner and check into your room in Rapid City, SD.

DAY 2 – Mount Rushmore / Crazy Horse/ Custer State Park
Today's highlights include a visit to Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Monument. You will also enjoy a jeep tour through Custer State Park, where you may have the opportunity for close up views of buffalo, pronghorn antelope and other prairie wildlife. Enjoy dinner at the State Game Lodge before returning to Rapid City for the night.

DAY 3 – Badlands National Park
Today's journey begins in the rugged beauty of the desolate Badlands National Park . From there a visit to the iconic Wall Drug store will give you an opportunity to shop for souvenirs before ending the day with lodging in Chamberlain, SD.

DAY 4 – Akta Lakota / travel
Today's adventure takes you to the Akta Lakota Museum and the St. Joseph Indian School where you can learn about the native cultures that once thrived on the Dakota plains. Your evening destination will be North Dakota's capital city, Bismarck.

DAY 5 – Fort Mandan / Bismarck sightseeing
Explore Bismarck and nearby Ft. Mandan. Take a delightful dinner cruise on the Missouri River aboard the Lewis & Clark Riverboat.

DAY 6 – Knife River Indian Villages / Medora
Experience the scenic North Dakota badlands in the old cattle town of Medora, ND where Teddy Roosevelt once lived. Also on the agenda is a visit to the Knife River Indian Villages, a Medora Musical performance and a pitchfork fondue.

DAY 7 – Medora to the Black Hills/ Historic Deadwood
Revisit the Plains Indian Buffalo culture in historic Deadwood at the Tatanka: Story of the Bison exhibit. In The morning you can choose to enjoy a trail ride or if you prefer, you can browse the areas shops and attractions instead.

DAY 8 – Departures
Your trip concludes with a flight home, but you will have many memories to reflect upon or share with friends and neighbors back home.

With seven nights to stay and explore, the West Dakota vacation will give you a new appreciation for the history, the culture, and the natural beauty of this area. Visit Teddy Roosevelt's old stomping grounds and walk where the buffalo roamed, in this one of a kind vacation experience!