Arrive in Rapid City, SD for a three-night stay at a local hotel.

This evening, enjoy dinner on own at Mount Rushmore and then stay for the Lighting Ceremony.  The program includes American flag lowering with veterans on stage, a patriotic film and illumination of the faces. Return to Rapid City for the evening.

This morning, head to Keystone, SD and board the 1880 Steam Train for a scenic steam train ride through the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota.  This ride takes approximately one hour and travels to Hill City where you enjoy time for lunch on own.  During the ride, hear a narrated history of the mining districts and communities served by the original rail line.

This afternoon, visit the Crazy Horse Memorial.  Born in 1840 along Rapid Creek, Crazy Horse rose to become one of the most powerful and most recognized Native American figures of the Lakota Indian Tribe, second only to Sitting Bull.  His is an intriguing and vibrant legacy, inspiring the world’s largest mountain carving, beginning in 1948 and currently in progress, in the Black Hills of South Dakota.  View a film, take a bus ride to the base of Crazy Horse Mountain, and then view exhibits at the Visitors Center.

Next, head to Custer State Park for the Buffalo Round Up Arts & Crafts Festival.  This event features up to 150 vendors offering their fine arts and crafts for sale, including many South Dakota-made products.

Returning to Rapid City, dinner is included this evening at a local restaurant. (B,D)

This is the Big Day!  Get up bright and early for Custer State Par’s Annual Buffalo Roundup.  Feel the thunder as 1,500 buffalo rumbles by and park personnel and cowboys do their best to drive the Park’s herd into Buffalo Corrals, passing two designated viewing areas along the way.  After the herd is safely in the corrals, the park staff will sort, brand, test and select certain animals for the fall sale to be held in November.

After having lunch on your own, continue to Rapid City for a guided tour and uncover the must-see highlights that make Rapid City a truly remarkable destination.  Also included this afternoon is a stop at the Black Hills Gold Factory for a tour through the jewelry factory.  You will be able to watch and learn how their gold jewelry is made by their skilled artisans.

Dinner is included at the hotel this evening. (B,D)

After breakfast, depart for home. (B)

We are happy to customize and schedule lodging and services enroute to the Black Hills.