Be transported back to the Wild West for tales of Wild Bill, Crazy Horse, and Theodore Roosevelt. Experience the unique natural wonders of Devils Tower, Badlands, and Roosevelt National Parks; and feel the thunder of thousands of bison at Custer State Park’s annual Buffalo Round Up. This trip to America’s frontier has it all!
DAY 1: WELCOME TO RAPID CITY!
Fly to Rapid City, SD and join your fellow travelers and Tour Director for a welcome dinner. D
DAY 2: BADLANDS/MOUNT RUSHMORE
Join a morning guided tour through the incomparable Badlands National Park, a geologic wonder filled with scenic spires, interesting wildlife, and one of America’s richest fossil beds. Visit Wall Drug, an iconic stop for road trippers since 1931 with plenty of shopping, food, and of course, “free ice water.” Cap the day with a memorable stop at Mount Rushmore to see some of our country’s greatest presidents forever etched in stone. B, L
DAY 3: BUFFALO ROUND UP
Rise early and travel to Custer State Park for a day you’ll never forget! Watch as cowboys and cowgirls “round up” nearly 1,500 bison across the rolling hills of Western South Dakota. Feel the ground awaken with the thunder of the stampeding herd. Occurring just once each year, the Round Up is a critical management tool for maintaining the health of Custer’s bison. Enjoy a catered dinner at the Journey Museum including a special Native American cultural performance. B, D
DAY 4: VORE BUFFALO JUMP/DEVILS TOWER
Depart Rapid City and head north for a stop at the Vore Buffalo Jump, one of the most important archaeological sites from Prehistoric Plains Indians. Continue to America’s first National Monument, Devils Tower, an impressive monolith rising almost 900 feet out of the plains of Eastern Wyoming. Arrive in Medora, ND for dinner and a 2-night stay at the Rough Rider Hotel. B, D
DAY 5: MEDORA
Spend the day in the town that helped make Theodore Roosevelt an American icon. Take a guided tour of the National Park bearing his name. Search for bison and wild horses as you scan the rugged terrain. Be among the first to visit the brand-new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, scheduled to open in summer 2026. Finish the day with a fun-filled western-themed performance at a Medora theatre (show TBD). B, D
DAY 6: DEADWOOD
Travel to Deadwood and explore this classic western town. Hear the stories of Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity Jane aboard the Mount Moriah Cemetery Tour. Visit Tatanka Story of the Bison for an in-depth look at the symbiotic relationship between the Lakota Nation and the North American Plains Bison. Return to Rapid City for a farewell dinner. B, D
DAY 7: RETURN HOME
Round up your group and mosey on back home from this wild Western adventure. B x
Quality Accommodations:
Nights 1-3: Hilton Garden Inn, Rapid City, SD
Nights 4-5: Rough Rider Hotel, Medora, ND
Night 6: Hilton Garden Inn, Rapid City, SD (or similar)
Dates:
Sep 23-29, 2026
Price Per Person:
Double - $2,459
Single - $3,289
Pre/Post Tour Pricing:
$215/per night
Depart/Return:
Rapid City, SD
Inclusions:
Free airport shuttle or hotel parking
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions, meals, and drivers
Luggage handling at most hotels
24-hour emergency call service
Free bottled water on coach
Arrival Time
Our Welcome Dinner on Day 1 is at our hotel, Hilton Garden Inn Rapid City, starting at 6:30 p.m. We recommend scheduling your flight to arrive by 4:00 p.m.
Departure Time
Schedule your flight home to depart Rapid City Airport any time on Day 7.
Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our starting hotel offers complimentary parking for the duration of the tour. Transfers to and from the airport are included in your cost, more information will be provided upon booking.
Walking Distance
Moderate walking is required to fully enjoy this tour. Some walking will also be on uneven paths. While walking canes are allowed, we are unable to accommodate travelers using other mobility devices, including walkers and wheelchairs.
Average Temps
High of 85°, low of 55°
Time Zone
Mountain
Hotel Amenities
Each hotel has a hair dryer, iron and ironing board, coffee maker, and WiFi. The Hilton Garden Inn Rapid City offers a fitness room and swimming pool.
Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
Dress on tour is casual. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, visors, and comfortable walking shoes will add to your enjoyment of this tour.
Travel Protection Available?
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.
