America'S Cowboy Country (Rapid City, Sd To Cody, Wy) (2024

Welcome to Rapid City, long known as the gateway to the Black Hills and your home for three nights.

Visit rugged Badlands National Park. Upon arrival at the visitor center, view its informative exhibits and displays and watch a film that introduces you to the area. Follow the Badlands Loop Road, a wonder of rock formations and vibrant colors caused by mineral deposits. Stop at Wall Drug, a classic store from 1936, where there is time for lunch and browsing. This evening, a Lakota Native American will join you before your farewell dinner to discuss his dedication to his community and the Native American way of life, past and present.

Travel to Custer State Park and search for a herd of over 1,000 roaming bison. Your guide will fill you in on the park’s wildlife history and facts. Next, prepare to be amazed by the Crazy Horse Memorial, the world's largest mountain sculpture still in progress. The memorial includes the Indian Museum of North America, Native American Cultural Center, the sculptor's studio, an orientation center and theaters. Many Native American artists and craftspeople practice their art at the memorial and are on hand to discuss the influence their culture has on their work. Later, see Mount Rushmore, one of the country’s most famous landmarks.