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 for an interactive exhibit at the largest mammoth research facility in North America, the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs. A bone bed tour tour of of Ice Age fossils, including Napoleon, the most complete Columbian Mammoth skeleton so far unearthed, is truly a must for young and old alike. Revel in an awe-inspiring Ranger-Guided Tour of Wind Cave, one of the last remaining frontiers of its kind, featuring unusually rare, well-formed cave formations of boxwork unlike anywhere else on earth. Top off an eventful day with a rodeo and spectacular fireworks display at the 105th Annual Black Hills Roundup. (B,L)

Thurs, July 4: Embark on a true adventure with an off-road wildlife Jeep tour through Custer State Park, followed by a picnic lunch on the lawn of the State Game Lodge and President Calvin Coolidge’s “Summer White House,” since declared a National Registry of Historic Places. Touting the second largest state park in the United States, Custer State Park encompasses 71,000 acres of prairies, pine trees, and 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 memorable outing 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: Explore the world’s largest mountain carving, Crazy Horse Memorial, considered an eighth wonder in the world…still in progress. Journey to the bottom of the monument for a unique perspective before taking a short jaunt to the Black Hills Central Railroad of Hill City, a heritage railroad on the National Registry of Historic Places. Hop aboard the 1880’s Train for a captivating journey to Keystone, gliding through the rugged landscape on a vintage steam train reminiscent of the ones that played a vital role in settling the Great American West. Enjoy some free time for lunch and shopping in charming Hill City, a small town bursting with history. Tonight, attend the Chuckwagon Supper & Cowboy Music Variety Show, and view the original buildings of the impressive Dances with Wolves filmset, 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)