Thu, July 9: 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) 

Fri, July 10: 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, 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. Return to Keystone before stepping back in time to the 1890s Black Hills Gold Rush era on a Big Thunder Gold Mine tour. Hear grand tales recounting the hopes and dreams of those seeking a big discovery—often proven a fool’s errand! Panning for gold is available for an additional fee. The remainder of the evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure. (B,L)

Sat, July 11: After breakfast, travel to Wind Cave National Park. Established in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt, it was the first cave to be designated a national park anywhere in the world. Revel in an awe-inspiring guided tour of Wind Cave, one of the last remaining frontiers of its kind, featuring unusually rare, cave formations of boxwork unlike anywhere else in the world. Transfer to the town of Hot Springs and visit 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 ever unearthed, truly a must for young and old alike. 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 evening lighting ceremony. (B,L)

Sun, July 12: 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 1880s 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) 

Mon, July 13: Transfer to Rapid City for your return flight to Indianapolis following a magnificent adventure.  (B)