National Parks of the Dakotas
Feel the ground come alive as nearly 1,500 bison move across the rolling hills of Custer State Park during its annual Buffalo Roundup. This rare event is the centerpiece of a seven-day journey through the rugged landscapes and enduring stories of South Dakota, North Dakota, and Wyoming.
You’ll explore the dramatic spires of Badlands National Park with a local guide, stand beneath Mount Rushmore, and see Devils Tower rise nearly 900 feet above the plains. In Medora, follow Theodore Roosevelt’s connection to the American West during visits to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.
Along the way, stories of Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, the Lakota Nation, and Plains Indian cultures add depth to the landscapes around you. Three nights in Rapid City and two nights in Medora provide a comfortable base for exploring, while included meals and a Tour Director help make your journey easy and enjoyable.
Highlights of National Parks of the Dakotas
- Experience Custer State Park’s annual Buffalo Roundup
- Explore Badlands National Park with a local guide
- Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- Tour Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Visit the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
- See Devils Tower rise nearly 900 feet above the plains
- Hear stories of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane in Deadwood
- Learn about the Lakota Nation’s connection to the plains bison
DAY 1: WELCOME TO RAPID CITY!
Arrive in 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 incomparable Badlands National Park, a geologic wonder filled with dramatic spires, roaming 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 ROUNDUP
Rise early and travel to Custer State Park for a day you’ll never forget! Watch as cowboys and cowgirls “Roundup” 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 Roundup 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
Depart Rapid City and head north for a stop at the Vore Buffalo Jump, one of the most important archaeological sites connected to prehistoric Plains Indian cultures. 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 shape Theodore Roosevelt into an American icon. Take a guided tour of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where rugged badlands, roaming bison, and wild horses capture the spirit of the American frontier. Experience the brand-new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library on a guided tour. This evening, enjoy a fun-filled western-themed performance at a Medora theater (show TBD). B, D
DAY 6: DEADWOOD
Travel to historic Deadwood and step into the stories of the Old West. Hear tales of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane during the Mount Moriah Cemetery Tour, then visit Tatanka: Story of the Bison for a deeper look at the connection between the Lakota Nation and the North American plains bison. Return to Rapid City this evening for a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers. B, D
DAY 7: RETURN HOME
Head home with unforgettable memories of rugged landscapes, frontier legends, and the spirit of the American West. B
QUALITY ACCOMODATIONS
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 19-25, 2027
Price Per Person:
Double: $2,497
Single: $3,255
Pre/Post Tour Hotel:
$188 per night
Depart/Return:
Rapid City, SD
Inclusions:
Airport transfer included
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling at most hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service
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
We ask that you utilize Uber, Lyft or a taxi to the Hotel. Keep your receipts, and email or mail them to us following your tour, and we will reimburse you for your transfer expenses up to $100 per person.
Walking Distance
To fully enjoy your vacation, you should be in good physical health and understand there are times when a good deal of walking is involved in our tours. Those who have difficulty walking may not want to take this trip or should discuss their personal situation with their doctor before deciding. You should be able to walk at a steady pace up to a mile at a time for a daily total of three to four miles per day and be able to manage steps to board/de-board the motorcoach several times a day. In addition, please know you may be expected to exit the motorcoach at each stop because local law requires mandatory motorcoach driver breaks.
Due to the lack of proper facilities at some of the farms, ranches, and off-the-beaten-path sites we often visit, we are unable to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.
Average Temps
High of 85°, low of 55°
Time Zone
Mountain
Hotel Amenities
Most accommodations arranged by Country Travel Discoveries are equipped with in-room amenities such as a hair dryer, iron, and coffee maker. In addition, some properties may also have a pool, fitness center, or laundry facilities.
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.
