6 DAYS • 9 MEALS Visit South Dakota’s historic Black Hills and beautiful Badlands on one trip. See national monuments, historic towns, and feel the ground rumble as cowboys bring in the state’s buffalo herd at the Great Buffalo Roundup.
The Great Buffalo Roundup of the Black Hills
Day 1: Arrive in South Dakota
Your northwesterly journey begins in Rapid City. Meet your Tour Manager at 6:00 p.m. for dining suggestions.
Day 2: Crazy Horse Memorial and Historic Deadwood
Travel this morning to the Crazy Horse Memorial where a bus takes you to the base of the carving. Return to the visitor center to see the exhibits and film. In historic Deadwood, visit Mount Moriah Cemetery, known as “Boot Hill,” home to the graves of Old West legends like Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok. There will be time to explore the town, see the local street shows and enjoy an included dinner in Deadwood. Meals: B, D
Day 3: 1880 Train, Mount Rushmore and Dahl Chainsaw Art
This morning board the 1880 Train of the Black Hills Central Railroad for the spectacular mountain scenery found along the tracks laid in the 1880s to service the area mines. Enjoy free time for shopping in the rugged town of Keystone. Then pay a visit to the famed Shrine of Democracy, Mount Rushmore National Memorial. See the memorial and explore the museum. Later, make a stop at Dahl Chainsaw Art where the unique artists create amazing sculptures using chainsaws. Return to Rapid City for an included dinner. Meals: B, D
Day 4: The Great Buffalo Roundup and Mammoth Site
Our day starts early in Custer State Park with a pancake breakfast to get ready for the Great Buffalo Roundup. Each fall the ground rumbles and the dust flies as cowboys and park crews saddle up to bring in the thundering herd of nearly 1,300 strong. After an included lunch at the State Game Lodge, travel to Hot Springs, home to the Mammoth Site. This excavation site features the fossils of 58 woolly mammoths at the world’s largest site of its kind. Meals: B, L
Day 5: Wall Drug Store and Badlands National Park
Begin the day at the Chapel in the Hills, a quiet retreat nestled at the foot of the Black Hills. Then stop at famed Wall Drug Store, a unique shopping emporium featuring western clothing, Indian pottery and favorite watering hole since the 1930s. Enjoy time for shopping and an on own lunch. Then, a local guide takes you through Badlands National Park, a uniquely beautiful geologic area formed over millions of years by wind, rain and erosion. Return to Rapid City for a farewell dinner featuring the entertainment of an Indian dancer, storyteller and flute player. Meals: B, D
Day 6: Travel Home
After breakfast, a group transfer to the Rapid City airport is available for flights out after 10:00 a.m. Meal: B
Itinerary is subject to change.
Tour Highlights
- 9 Meals: 5 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 3 dinners
- Round trip airport transfers
- Spend five nights in Rapid City, at the heart of the Black Hills
- Travel to the base of the Crazy Horse Memorial to see the carving up close
- Visit Deadwood, see Boot Hill Cemetery and have dinner
- Ride the Black Hills Central Railroad 1880 Train to Keystone
- See Mount Rushmore, the world’s largest sculpture
- Visit the unique artists at Dahl Chainsaw Art
- Visit the Journey Museum
- Enjoy a pancake breakfast followed by the annual Great Buffalo Roundup in Custer State Park
- Included lunch at Custer State Game Lodge
- See the fossil remains of woolly mammoths at Mammoth Site
- Visit the Chapel in the Hills and stop at famed Wall Drug Store
- Guided tour of Badlands National Park with beautiful formations
- Special farewell dinner featuring the entertainment of an Indian dancer, storyteller and flute player
Hotel Accommodations
Courtyard by Marriott, Rapid City, South Dakota
September 24, 2024 | $1,999
Call for air rates and schedules from your city to and from Rapid City.
Rooms for the night before and after the tour are available. Cost for a room in Rapid City is $269, tax and breakfast included.
September 23, 2025 | $2,099
Call for air rates and schedules from your city to and from Rapid City.
Rooms for the night before and after the tour are available. Cost for a room in Rapid City is $279, tax and breakfast included.
September 22, 2026 | $2,199
Call for air rates and schedules from your city to and from Rapid City.
Rooms for the night before and after the tour are available. Cost for a room in Rapid City is $299, tax and breakfast included.