National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas with Black Hills Pow Wow

Welcome to Rapid City where we begin our exploration of the Tribal Nations of North and South Dakota on this culturally enriching adventure that leads with authenticity. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers this evening at your welcome reception as you ready for an unforgettable journey.

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.

Head to one of America's most iconic sites, and learn of its complicated past as you stand face to face with history at Mount Rushmore, before heading to the Crazy Horse Memorial, depicting the famous and moving Oglala Lakota warrior. While there we take a locally guided walk to the base of the mountain. Then for the highlight of the day; the Black Hill's Pow Wow also known as He Sapa Wacipi. A sacred social gathering held by many North American indigenous communities that includes singing, dancing, drum groups, art, athletic competitions, and a variety of other events, all to celebrate and honor their beautiful culture that you get to witness.

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, 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.

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.

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.

Our first stop today is the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center for a self-guided visit through engaging exhibits, hundreds of period artifacts, world-class art collections and friendly interpreters who tell the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition like never before. Then, we head to the MHA (Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara) Interpretive Center for a unique Make Travel Matter experience and traditional lunch followed by a guided tour. Make your way outdoors to experience Earth Lodge Village learning how the organization is dedicated to protecting, preserving and educating the world about their living culture, history and environment.

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.

The perfect way to end your tour starts with a drive through the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park to watch the sun rise over the Badlands. Make one last stop at the Maltese Cross Cabin, famously used by Theodore Roosevelt before he was president. Say your final goodbyes with your travel companions and Travel Director before departing from Bismarck airport. Airport arrival is at 1:00 PM.