Black Hills of South Dakota

September 5 - 10, 2012                             View Video                                     

Badlands National Park           Crazy Horse Memorial          Lauritzen Gardens    Deadwood
     Custer State Park              Spearfish Canyon                     Mt. Rushmore        Corn Palace    

Borgund Stavkirke

This fall we return to one of our favorite vacation destinations; the treasured Black Hills of South Dakota.  En-route we explore an urban oasis, Lauritzen Botanical Gardens located in Omaha.  Our visit includes a box lunch and a narrated tram ride through acres of plant displays and glorious gardens.  Overnight in Mitchell.

Following breakfast, we stop by the quirky and unique Corn Palace.  Real corny…but a must see!  Next we round up and head to the Badlands.  The forty mile journey features ragged ridges, chiseled spires and deep canyons.  We’ll pass some of the most scenic overlooks in the park with planned stops for photo opportunities.

We arrive in Rapid City and check into our hotel which will be our home away from home for three nights.  

Friday is dedicated to the area’s famous landmarks.  Guided tours include Crazy Horse Memorial, Mt. Rushmore, Needles Highway, Custer State Park and Sylvan Lake.  Lunch is hosted at the presidential summer White House of former President Calvin Coolidge at the State Game Lodge.   Select from a fresh garden salad, a Buffalo Burger or a Beef Cheeseburger.  Leisure time is planned downtown Rapid City this evening.  Enjoy a self-guided walking tour of historic downtown and dining at a location of your choice.  The town’s attractions are marked by signs to guide you as you stroll through the area filled with history, unique shops and life-size bronze statues of our past United States presidents.

More sightseeing is in store on Saturday when we enjoy vivid fall colors on the scenic drive to Deadwood and Spearfish Canyon.  We spend leisure time today in the Old West town of Deadwood.  The town offers something for everyone.  Enjoy a tour of the Adams House and Museum, visit historic Mt. Moriah Cemetery, try your hand at Kevin Costner’s Morning Star Casino, learn the history of the Bison with a visit to Tatanka, bend your elbow in a saloon and watch reinactors in a gunfight!  Before leaving for the day, we will visit Broken Boot Gold Mine for a short tour and  time to pan for gold.       

Sunday morning, following breakfast, our plans include a visit to the Chapel in the Hills.  The chapel is an exact reproduction of the famous Borgund Stavkirke of Laerdale, Norway.  Our trip is winds down today as we leave the Black Hills of South Dakota.  En route we enjoy lunch and a fun visit to Wall Drugs.  Overnight in Mitchell, South Dakota.

$734 pp double  $1027 single                            6 Days/5 Nights (7 Meals - 5 Breakfast and 2 Lunches)           

Trip Cancellation Insurance:  $64/$97