(610) 409-9881
National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas with Black Hills Pow Wow
Tour Type: Regional Explorer
Brochure Type: USA Canada and Central America 2024 v2
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 and offers the unique experience of joining in on a traditional Pow Wow in the Black Hills.
Dining Summary
Brochure Type: USA Canada and Central America 2024 v2
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 and offers the unique experience of joining in on a traditional Pow Wow in the Black Hills.
Dining Summary
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Lunch (L)
- 2 Dinner (D)
- Chamberlain: The future of the Lakota Oyate "Lakota Nation" takes center stage as you Connect with Locals Marla C. Bull Bear, Executive Director of LYD, and the Rosebud tribal youth and members for a traditional storytelling, an original performance, a traditional meal during this Be My Guest Experience, and plant knowledge as you get a true taste of the prairie and everything Grandmother Earth has to offer. Learn about their mission to reclaim their language, culture, and spirituality and how this experience supports local youth.
- 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 rather an authentic and emotional experience.
- 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 touched and with a deeper understanding of the culture of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara.
- Badlands National Park: Enjoy the spectacular sights as you make your way through Badlands Loop Road.
- Black Hills: Contribute to the preservation of the heritage of Native Americans during a visit to the Crazy Horse Memorial. This iconic monument represents the Oglala Lakota warrior 'Crazy Horse' on land considered sacred, in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
- 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 high on a bluff above the Missouri River.
- 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 canyon to the North Unit's most iconic view, River Bend Overlook. Unusual yet totally fascinating geological formations like the cannon ball concretions can be seen and a high chance of wildlife like Bison and bighorn sheep.
- Rapid City: Travel to the past from the present at the Oglala Lakota Living History Village and gain priceless insights into the culture and indigenous knowledge of Lakota Country.
- Pine Ridge Reservation: Enjoy a traditional box lunch prepared by a local Lakota family before your next activity.
- Black Hills: Enjoy an evening at the Black Hills Pow Wow, one of the premier American Indian cultural events in the United States, attracting hundreds of dancers, singers, artisans and several thousand spectators.
- 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 their growing economy of tribal tourism.
- Rosebud Reservation: Enjoy a lunch of local foods from the Lakota Tribe at Turtle Crossing. After lunch you'll learn about Rosebud's food sovereignty projects, life on the reservation, and economic initiatives for the area from a community member involved in the projects.
- Rosebud Reservation: Enjoy a visit to Sinte Gleska University where you will be given a Star Knowledge Presentation by a Lakota elder, Victor Douville.
- Fort Yates: Meet Jennifer Martel, also known as Wahukaze Nunpa Win, who will share with you her experiences of speaking at the United Nations, being part of the Standing Rock Movement, and being on the board of the Indigenous Peoples Movement.
- Fort Yates: You will get to experience and learn about traditional plants hands-on as you make your own tea-mix based on what healing purposes you want to focus on.
- New Town: You'll have the chance to browse arts and crafts from local community members in the gift shop. If you choose to purchase any art or craft pieces the proceeds will directly support the artisans of the community and help to raise awareness of what they do.
- : Explore Medora
- : See Dignity Statue, Sitting Bull & Sakakawea Monument
- : View Crow Flies High outlook
- : Visit Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Rosebud Indian Reservation, Standing Rock Indian Reservation, Fort Berthold Indian Reservation
- : Scenic Drive to Badlands Loop Road Drive, Mobridge
- : Explore Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- : Visit Indigenous communities and learn, see & hear about history & traditions.
- : Connect with Locals during a lunch at Lakota Youth Development
- 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 to enjoy the park without many other people around.
- 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.
- : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- : All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- : All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- : Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- : Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- : Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- : Optional Experiences and free time
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences and free time
Call (610) 409-9881 for more information or to book today! Mention code 17471682
- Tour Operator
- Trafalgar Tours
- Offer
- Offer valid through 12/31/2023
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | 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. The Rushmore Hotel & Suites |
| Day 2 | Rapid City | Visit Mount Rushmore And Attend the Black Hill's Pow Wow: Head to one of America's most iconic sites, and learn of its complicated past as you stand face to face with history at Mount Rushmore, before heading to the Crazy Horse Memorial, depicting the famous and moving Oglala Lakota warrior. While there we take a locally guided walk to the base of the mountain. Then for the highlight of the day; the Black Hill's Pow Wow also known as He Sapa Wacipi. A sacred social gathering held by many North American indigenous communities that includes singing, dancing, drum groups, art, athletic competitions, and a variety of other events, all to celebrate and honor their beautiful culture that you get to witness. The Rushmore Hotel & Suites |
| Day 3 | OACOMA | 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. 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. Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort & Conference Center |
| Day 4 | OACOMA | 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 LYD, and the Rosebud tribal youth and members for traditional storytelling, performance and meal during this Be My Guest Experience. Learn about their mission to reclaim their language, culture, and spirituality and how this experience supports local youth. Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort & Conference Center |
| Day 5 | 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. Spend the afternoon immersed in Plains Indian History, learning about the incredible legend of Sitting Bull, before you learn about day-to-day life in Standing Rock Indian Reservation. Enjoy an enlightening MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience where you'll learn how the Lakota and Dakota people harness the medicinal power of plants through long held practices passed down by generations. Then create your very own herbal tea in a hands-on experience steeped in tradition. Radisson Hotel Bismarck |
| Day 6 | New Town | Mandan, Hidatsa And Arikara Nation Make Travel Matter: At Earth Lodge Village, experience the role of tribal tourism, as dancers and singers perform for you. Discover life on the harsh Northern Plains through the stories of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara peoples. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience visiting the MHA Nation Interpretive Centre where historical Native artifacts are on display. Finish with a delicious traditional dinner you won't soon forget. Teddy's Residential Suites New Town |
| Day 7 | 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. Rough Riders Hotel |
| Day 8 | Bismarck | Farewell In Bismarck: Watch the sun rise over the Badlands at the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Stop at the Maltese Cross Cabin, famously used by Theodore Roosevelt before he was president. We depart to Bismarck with an airport arrival at 2pm. |
- 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
