Day 1, Monday, July 22:We will fly to Rapid City (RAP) to meet our local guide, who will take us to an awaiting motorcoach to go tothe Hotel Alex Johnson. Since opening its' doors in 1928, the hotel has played host to several presidents,countless celebrities and maybe a spirit or two. The handcrafted decor will leave you feeling that everystep you take is a step back in time, while the ammenities and service immerse you in modern comfort and luxury. This will be a free evening, with dinner on your own in Downtown Rapid City.
Day 2, Tuesday, July 23 (B, L, D)Today we will visit Mount Rushmore, where we will see the roughly 60 foot faces of Washington, Jefferson,Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt, and the museum with interactive exhibits. Our next stop will be at the Crazy Horse Momument. Crazy Horse is the world's biggest mountain carving, and is dedicated to preserving and honoring Native American culture. There is a large museum featuring an extensive collection of Native American artifacts, and a gift shop. We will be having lunch at the restaurant here. Our final tour of the day will be of Custer State Park, which is South Dakota's first and largest state park. It was named on of the World's Top Ten Wildlife Destinations for the array of wildlife and the unbelievable visitor access. Dinner this evening will be at the State Game Lodge.
Day 3, Wednesday, July 24 (B)This morning, we will take a guided riding tour of Badlands National Park, known for its dramatic landscapes that span layered rock formations, steep canyons and towering spires. Bison, bighorn sheep, and prarie dogs inhabit its sprawling grasslands. After our tour, we will have lunch on our own at the famous Wall Drug. Learn how Ted and Dorothy Hustead turned a small pharmacy of the Great Depression in the middle of nowhere into a booming tourist attraction in the "geographic middle of nowhere" with the promise of "free ice water" and more than 3,000 signs around the world. Expect to spend some time exploring the shops, stops and activities of Wall Drug. You will have this afternoon and evening to enjoy downtown Rapid City and dinner on your own.
Day 4, Thursday, July 25 (B)After breakfast, we will depart for a 41-mile ride to Deadwood, South Dakota. We will go on a tram tour ofBoot Hill with our local guide, including Mount Moriah Cemetery, where we will visit the graves of Wild BillHickok and Calamity Jane. Our guide will tell us about Deadwood, them the day will be spent on your ownexploring and enjoying this western town. (Lunch and dinner are on your own)
Day 5, Friday, July 26 (B)We will say goodbye to Rapid City and fly home to Grand Rapids. Time of departure from RAP and arrival at GRR to be determined.
