National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas
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.
Dining Summary
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Lunch (L)
- 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: Unlock the history of Crazy Horse Memorial. Learn how construction began in 1948 after Henry Standing Bear, a Lakota elder, commissioned Korczak Ziolkowski, who worked on construction of Mount Rushmore. While the original idea was to carve a face into rock like Mount Rushmore, the monument will ultimately have a full body and horse. There is no completion date yet, but the face of Crazy Horse was completed in 1998 at 87 feet 6 inches (26.7 m) high. Enhance your visit exploring The Indian Museum of North America that is also part of the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation.
- 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: Get ready for a one-of-a-kind-experience meeting Stephen Yellowhawk to discover the history of his tribe during a festive evening of dance and song. A performer for more than 20 years, Stephen has a passion for dance and sheer determination to promote his Native American culture. Raised by his grandparents from the Lakota tribe and Onondaga Iroquois tribe, Stephen will share his family and tribal history, culture, and traditions with you. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: Reduced Inequalities.
- Rapid City: Travel to the past at the Oglala Lakota Living History Village and gain valuable insights into the culture and indigenous knowledge of Lakota Country.
- 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.
- 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.
- : See Dignity Statue, Sitting Bull & Sakakawea Monument
- : View Crow Flies High outlook, The Dignity statue, Sitting Bull and Sakakawea Monuments
- : Visit Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Rosebud Indian Reservation, Standing Rock Indian Reservation, Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Fort Mandan, Oglala Lakota Living History Museum, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- : Scenic Drive to Badlands Loop Road Drive, Mobridge
- : Explore Stephen Yellowhawk in Rapid City, Marla C. Bull Bear in Pine Ridge, Rosebud Reservation Guide, Victor Douville Star Knowledge Presenter in Mission, MHA Guides at Earth Lodge Village
- : Visit Indigenous communities and learn, see & hear about history & traditions.
- : Connect with Locals during a lunch at Lakota Youth Development
- Pierre: Unlock the best of Pierre, South Dakota over a sightseeing tour with your Travel Director. There’s no better place to discover the town’s history than at the State Capitol. Learn how it was built in 1908 and June 30, 2010 marked the 100th anniversary of the formal dedication. At this time, a time capsule was placed in a locked glass display case that you can have a look at. The capsule contains a South Dakota Quarter set from the U.S. Mint, Gov Rounds' 2010 State of the State Address, photos with personal messages from state and tribal officeholders, and several current newspapers from around the state, among other artefacts.
- Fort Yates: Visit the Sitting Bull and Sakakawea Monuments set in a remote spot overlooking the Missouri River. At this monument sculpted by Korczak Ziolkowski, known for Crazy Horse Memorial, learn about what would later become known as "The Battle in the Dark." The monument remembers Chief Sitting Bull, a Hunkpapa Teton Sioux spiritual leader best known for his victory over George Armstrong Custer's 7th Cavalry at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. In the 1870s, after Sitting Bull became a great spiritual leader, he organized a resistance movement against US expansion on treaty-reserved lands. But on December 15, 1890, nine years after surrendering to the US government, he was shot to death by Indian police.
- 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
Whats Included
- 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
- Educational and Learning
- National Parks and Preserves
About Trafalgar
Imagine unmissable experiences you've always dreamed of, getting to know the locals and having everything taken care of every step of the way.
Here's what you'll experience:
Must-sees to local secrets
Visiting bucket list sites are a highlight of traveling, however, traveling on your own can make them hard work. Don't queue with other sightseers for hours, with Trafalgar our experts unlock doors - think exclusive access to the Vatican out of hours or a tour of Versailles and its grounds with an expert. This, coupled with the intimate glimpses and hidden gems our local specialists show you, are the life-changing experiences that make you feel like an insider, not a tourist.
One-of-a-kind experiences
Thanks to our global network you'll unlock local access to communities and people around the world. Our 100+ Be My Guest experiences are a signature Trafalgar exclusive, where you will enjoy the hospitality of locals as you are welcomed into their homes to hear their stories and learn about their cultures. In every destination, you'll also enjoy unique "Stays with stories" accommodation: more than just a place to rest your head, they are part of the heritage and fabric of the communities you visit.
Everything taken care of
You'll enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service at every step. From the moment you arrive in your destination to the moment you depart; everything is taken care of. Our on-road team will provide advice and guidance plus porterage and optional experience bookings. We are also proud to have the endorsement of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels Stamp, recognizing our wellbeing standards.
Responsible travel at heart
When you choose Trafalgar, you are choosing to make your travels a force for good and support our goal to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®. We recognize our responsibility to ensure we make a positive impact on the planet we call home, the people we visit, and the rich wildlife we find. We ensure that the impacts of our business and your travels are positive in two ways: through our TreadRight Foundation, and our 5-year sustainability strategy How We Tread Right.
About Trafalgar
Imagine unmissable experiences you've always dreamed of, getting to know the locals and having everything taken care of every step of the way.
Here's what you'll experience:
Must-sees to local secrets
Visiting bucket list sites are a highlight of traveling, however, traveling on your own can make them hard work. Don't queue with other sightseers for hours, with Trafalgar our experts unlock doors - think exclusive access to the Vatican out of hours or a tour of Versailles and its grounds with an expert. This, coupled with the intimate glimpses and hidden gems our local specialists show you, are the life-changing experiences that make you feel like an insider, not a tourist.
One-of-a-kind experiences
Thanks to our global network you'll unlock local access to communities and people around the world. Our 100+ Be My Guest experiences are a signature Trafalgar exclusive, where you will enjoy the hospitality of locals as you are welcomed into their homes to hear their stories and learn about their cultures. In every destination, you'll also enjoy unique "Stays with stories" accommodation: more than just a place to rest your head, they are part of the heritage and fabric of the communities you visit.
Everything taken care of
You'll enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service at every step. From the moment you arrive in your destination to the moment you depart; everything is taken care of. Our on-road team will provide advice and guidance plus porterage and optional experience bookings. We are also proud to have the endorsement of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels Stamp, recognizing our wellbeing standards.
Responsible travel at heart
When you choose Trafalgar, you are choosing to make your travels a force for good and support our goal to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®. We recognize our responsibility to ensure we make a positive impact on the planet we call home, the people we visit, and the rich wildlife we find. We ensure that the impacts of our business and your travels are positive in two ways: through our TreadRight Foundation, and our 5-year sustainability strategy How We Tread Right.
