Tue, July 2: Fly to Rapid City, South Dakota. Travel to Badlands National Park to see the chiseled spires, deep canyons, perfectly sculpted jagged buttes and one of the most concentrated mammal fossil beds in the world. Follow the boardwalk of the Fossil Exhibit Trail featuring exhibits of the now extinct creatures that once roamed the area, then pause for sweeping views of the geological marvels of nature at Pinnacle Peak Overlook before transferring to Keystone, a quaint town, rich in gold mining history, and home for the next 4 nights. Settle-in to the Ascend Hotel Collection’s K Bar S Lodge nestled in the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve of the Black Hills. Regroup for a hearty welcome dinner before calling it a day.  (Meal: Dinner)

Wed, July 3: After breakfast, travel to Hot Springs, South Dakota for an interactive exhibit at the largest mammoth research facility in North America, Mammoth Site of Hot Springs. Tour a bone bed of Ice Age fossils of the Black Hills including Napoleon, the most complete Columbian Mammoth skeleton so far unearthed, truly a must for all historical bone and stone enthusiasts, young and old alike. Witness firsthand, an awe-inspiring Ranger-Guided Tour of Wind Cave, one of the last frontiers on the earth featuring an unusually rare, well-formed cave formation of boxwork found nowhere else in the world. Revel in the mystery before topping the night off with a rodeo and spectacular fireworks display at the 105^th Annual Black Hills Roundup and traditional BBQ feast. (B,L,D)

Thurs, July 4: Begin this eventful day with an off-road Wildlife Jeep tour through Custer State Park followed by lunch on the grounds of President Calvin Coolidge’s “Summer White House”, the State Game Lodge on the National Registry of Historic Places. Touting the second largest state park in the United States, Custer encompasses 71,000 acres of prairies, pine trees, slender granite needles, and is home to scores of animals including elk, mountain lions, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, and over 1,300 bison—one of the largest herds in the world. Step back in time to the 1890’s Black Hills Gold Rush era on a Big Thunder Gold Mine tour. Hear tales of the hopes and dreams of a “big discovery”, then try your own hand at panning for gold!  Tonight, a remarkable adventure awaits allowing for personal discovery and inspiration in view of the majestic Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Prepare for an unforgettable experience commemorating presidents, patriotism, history, and basic American values, culminating in a breathtaking lighting ceremony for a one-of-a-kind Independence Day Celebration! (B,L)

Fri, July 5: Visit the world’s largest mountain carving, Crazy Horse Memorial, considered the Eighth Wonder of the World… in progress.  Journey to the bottom of the monument for a unique perspective. Travel to Hill City, Black Hills Central Railroad, a heritage railroad on the National Register of Historic Places. Board the 1880 Train for a narrated ride over the rugged landscape aboard a vintage steam train, like those that helped settle this Great American West. Stroll the main street Hill City – a small, historic town and enjoy time for lunch and shopping. Tonight, attend the Fort Hays Chuckwagon Supper & Cowboy Music Variety Show, where you can view the original buildings of the Dances with Wolves film set and browse stores and workshops along the boardwalk. (B,D)

Sat, July 6: Transfer to the airport in Rapid City for return flight to Indianapolis following a magnificent adventure. (B)