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, told firsthand through passionate storytellers and the communities themselves. Setting the scene, you’ll meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception, then enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with Lakota storyteller Stephen Yellowhawk, who's undeniable passion for dance and sheer determination to promote his Native American culture will be evident from the moment you meet him. A performer for more than 20 years, he is a treasure trove of cultural knowledge and insight.

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 where you will time travel from the past to the present and gain priceless insight along the way. Then, take in the sights along the iconic Badlands Loop Road, you’ll arrive at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation where you’ll meet talented Native artists and view their incredible works that powerfully represent Native culture with the goal of bringing positive change to the community. 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 all happened.

Head to one of America's most iconic sites, and learn of its complicated past as you stand face to face with history and heritage. Then, embark on a self-guided walk in the majestic Black Hills, before today’s highlight: the Crazy Horse Memorial, depicting the famous and moving Oglala Lakota warrior, riding a horse and pointing to his tribal land, a striking monument that has been a work in progress since 1948. While there we take a locally guided walk 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. After a day at Mount Rushmore NM & Crazy Horse NM, our guests will get to witness the yearly held Black Hills Pow Wow in the evening.

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 that intertwines Native culture and life while adding to their growing economy of tribal tourism. Next we head to St. Francis Community Mission, before touring the Buechel Museum showcasing Sicangu Lakota Oyate traditions and culture. Connect With Locals at the Turtle Creek Crossing Supermarket later, sampling 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 Nations takes centre stage as you Connect With Locals and join Marla, C. Bull Bear, Executive Director of the program and a member of Rosebud Sioux Tribe for traditional storytelling, singing, dance and local flavors at today’s Be My Guest Experience. Learn about their mission to reclaim their language culture, spirituality and more, before a guided indigenous plant walk. Then it’s back to Chamberlain where you’ll visit the Statue of Dignity, a stunning intersection of art and history honoring the Lakota and Dakota people – and their connection to the earth and sky.

Travel along the Native Americantradition.

As we make our way to New Town stop at the North Dakota Heritage Center, followed by a stop at Crows Flies High for views of Lake Sakakawea and the Four Bears Bridge. You’ll make your way to Earth Lodge Village to experience the role of tribal tourism, as dancers and singers perform for you. Then discover life on the harsh Northern Plains through the stories of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara peoples. Enjoy an insightful MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a visit to the MHA Nation Interpretive Centre where historical Native artifacts are on display as well as a market of art work from local artists where you can browse for additions to your collection and help support local artisans in the process. Followed by a delicious traditional dinner you won't soon forget.

Take the scenic route to the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park that climbs from the bottom of the Badlands through the canyon to must-sees like the Oxbow Overlook. Arriving in Medora in the Badlands, you’ll have time to embrace your inner cowboy at the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. Your Stays with Stories is the historic Rough Riders Hotel filled with western charm and 1880s nostalgia. Depending on the time of year you visit, you could choose to see the Medora Musical. Enjoy a last dinner with your newfound friends with engaging conversation and discussion of the countless impactful moments of these days spent in travel.

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 p.m.