Wed, 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)

Thu, July 3: After breakfast, travel to Hot Springs, 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 including Napoleon, the most complete Columbian Mammoth skeleton so far unearthed, 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 in the world. 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 experience to kick off 2025 Independence Day Celebrations! (B,L)

Fri, 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, 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!  Enjoy free time for dinner before we embark on an evening showcasing a spectacular fireworks display in celebration of our nation’s Independence Day in the historic Black Hills & Badlands of America! (B,L)

Sat, July 5: Visit the world’s largest mountain carving, Crazy Horse Memorial, considered an Eighth Wonder of the World… still in progress. Journey to the bottom of the monument for a unique perspective before a short jaunt to the Black Hills Central Railroad of Hill City, a heritage railroad on the National Registry of Historic Places. Hop aboard an 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 shopping and lunch in charming Hill City—a small town bursting with history. 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)

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