Jodie@happytravelsagency.com
603-995-4019
National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas
Tour Type: Regional Explorer
Brochure Type USA Canada and Central America 2025 v1
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.
Be My Guest
Brochure Type USA Canada and Central America 2025 v1
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.
Be My Guest
- Chamberlain The future of the Lakota Oyate "Lakota Nation" takes center stage as you meet Marla C. Bull Bear, Executive Director of LYD, and the Rosebud tribal youth members for a traditional storytelling. Enjoy a traditional meal during this Be My Guest
- 4 Lunch (L)
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- New Town Enjoy a guided tour of the Earth Lodges and see how the MHA people used to live. The tour is followed by the incredible opportunity to witness dancers and singers perform a cultural dance. The meaningfulness of each dance and song will leave you
- Pine Ridge Reservation Learn the History of Wounded Knee as told by Warren Yellow Hair as you look upon where it happened. Listening to stories told from generation to generation will give you a perspective that cannot be gained from a history book but r
- Black Hills Unlock the history of Crazy Horse Memorial. Learn how construction began in 1948 after Henry Standing Bear, a Lakota elder, commissioned Korczak Ziolkowski, who worked on construction of Mount Rushmore. While the original idea was to carve a
- Chamberlain The Dignity sculpture, a stunning combination of art and history. Specifically designed by sculptor Dale Lamphere to honor the cultures of the Lakota and Dakota people Dignity of Earth and Sky is a soaring sculpture of a native woman standing
- Badlands National Park Enjoy the spectacular sights as you make your way through Badlands Loop Road.
- Pierre You'll travel through and past the different indigenous communities and reservations in South Dakota.
- Theodore Roosevelt North Unit Head to the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park this morning, the less frequented part of the National Park that should not be missed. The scenic drive starts at the bottom of the badlands and crawls up out of the
- Rosebud Reservation Enjoy a visit to Sinte Gleska University where you will be given a Star Knowledge Presentation by a Lakota elder, Victor Douville.
- New Town Join a guided tour of the Interpretive Center, listening to stories passed down through generations while appreciating the rich and vibrant culture of the MHA Nation shown through their permanent exhibits and living history programs. This experi
- Rapid City Travel to the past at the Oglala Lakota Living History Village and gain valuable insights into the culture and indigenous knowledge of Lakota Country. This experience advances UN Global Goals 10 & 11 Reduce Inequalities & Sustainable Cities a
- Rosebud Reservation 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
- Rosebud Reservation Join a Rosebud community member to learn about life on the reservation and food sovereignty projects, before sampling authentic Lakota dishes at Turtle Crossing. This experience advances UN Global Goals 10 & 11 Reduce Inequalities &
- Rapid City Get ready for a one-of-a-kind-experience meeting Stephen Yellowhawk to discover the history of his tribe during a festive evening of dance and song. A performer for more than 20 years, Stephen has a passion for dance and sheer determination to
- Visit Indigenous communities and learn, see & hear about history & traditions.
- Pierre Unlock the best of Pierre, South Dakota over a sightseeing tour with your Travel Director. There's no better place to discover the town's history than at the State Capitol. Learn how it was built in 1908 and June 30, 2010 marked the 100th annivers
- See Dignity Statue, Sitting Bull & Sakakawea Monument
- Visit Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Rosebud Indian Reservation, Standing Rock Indian Reservation, Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Fort Mandan, Oglala Lakota Living History Museum, Mount Rushmore National Memorial,
- Explore Stephen Yellowhawk in Rapid City, Marla C. Bull Bear in Pine Ridge, Rosebud Sioux Tribal Guide, Victor Douville Star Knowledge Presenter in Mission, MHA Guides at Earth Lodge Village
- Scenic Drive to Badlands Loop Road Drive, Mobridge
- Connect with Locals during a lunch at Lakota Youth Development
- View Crow Flies High outlook, The Dignity statue, Sitting Bull and Sakakawea Monuments
- Theodore Roosevelt South Unit Watch the sunrise as you go along the scenic loop of the National Park and potentially see bison herds, wild horses, coyotes, wild turkeys, and hundreds of prairie dogs. With an early start you'll also have the opportunity t
- Fort Yates Visit the Sitting Bull and Sakakawea Monuments set in a remote spot overlooking the Missouri River. At this monument sculpted by Korczak Ziolkowski, known for Crazy Horse Memorial, learn about what would later become known as "The Battle in th
- Medora Enjoy your Stay With Stories experience at the Rough Riders Hotel. Bask in the 1880s nostalgia and its western charm, as you enjoy a dinner with your new friends.
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Optional Experiences and free time
Call (603) 995-4019 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18998266
- Tour Operator
- Trafalgar Tours
- Offer
- Offer valid through 3/31/2025
- Duration
- 9 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Rapid City | Welcome To Rapid City Make Travel Matter: Begin your exploration of the Tribal Nations of North and South Dakota at a Welcome 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. Accommodations: The Rushmore Hotel & Suites |
| Day 2 | Rapid City | 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 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. Accommodations: The Rushmore Hotel & Suites |
| Day 3 | Rapid City | 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. 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. Accommodations: The Rushmore Hotel & Suites |
| Day 4 | Chamberlain | 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, 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. Accommodations: Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort & Conference Center |
| Day 5 | Chamberlain | 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. Accommodations: Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort & Conference Center |
| Day 6 | Bismarck | Sitting Bull & Standing Rock Indian Reservation Connect with Locals Make Travel Matter: 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. Accommodations: Radisson Hotel Bismarck |
| Day 7 | New Town | The Mandan, Hidatsa And Arikara Nation Make Travel Matter: At Earth Lodge Village, experience the role of tribal tourism, and try your hand at traditional archery and parfleche painting. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience at the MHA Nation Interpretive Center where Native artifacts are on display. Accommodations: Teddy's Residential Suites New Town |
| Day 8 | Medora | 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. Accommodations: Rough Riders Hotel |
| Day 9 | Bismarck | Farewell In Bismarck: End your tour with a drive through the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Say your final goodbyes before arriving at Bismarck airport. Accommodations: |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- Twin prices are per person.
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class
