8-Nights National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas

8 nights from: $3,475

National Parks And Native Trails Of The Dakotas
This bespoke, culturally-rich itinerary supports the growth of indigenous tribal tourism in the USA , developed in collaboration with local communities in the Dakotas, for an authentic, one-of-a-kind insight into Native American history and heart. Through the power of storytelling through passionate locals you’ll meet, you’ll leave enlightened by your visits to four reservations of the Dakotas, as well as National Parks and monuments to discover first-hand the stark and rich history and future of the people that call it home. Packed with meaningful travel experiences, this is a must-book itinerary supporting culture and heritage of our important Tribal Nations.


Dining Summary

• 2 Dinner (D)
• 8 Breakfast (B)
• 4 Lunch (L)

• Chamberlain: The future of the Lakota Oyate "Lakota Nation" takes center stage as you meet Marla C. Bull Bear, Executive Director of LYD, and the Rosebud tribal youth members for a traditional storytelling. Enjoy a traditional meal during this Be My Guest Experience, and plant knowledge as you get a true taste of the prairie and everything Grandmother Earth has to offer. Learn about their mission to reclaim their language, culture, and spirituality and how this experience supports local youth.

• Pine Ridge Reservation: Learn the History of Wounded Knee as told by Warren Yellow Hair as you look upon where it happened. Listening to stories told from generation to generation will give you a perspective that cannot be gained from a history book but rather an authentic and emotional experience.
• New Town: Enjoy a guided tour of the Earth Lodge Village and see how the MHA people used to live. You will also try your hand at archery and parfleche painting to gain a deeper understanding of the culture of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10 & 11: Reduced Inequalities & Sustainable Cities and Communities.

• Badlands National Park: Enjoy the spectacular sights as you make your way through Badlands Loop Road.
• Black Hills: Unlock the history of Crazy Horse Memorial. Learn how construction began in 1948 after Henry Standing Bear, a Lakota elder, commissioned Korczak Ziolkowski, who worked on construction of Mount Rushmore. While the original idea was to carve a face into rock like Mount Rushmore, the monument will ultimately have a full body and horse. There is no completion date yet, but the face of Crazy Horse was completed in 1998 at 87 feet 6 inches (26.7 m) high. Enhance your visit exploring The Indian Museum of North America that is also part of the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation.
• Chamberlain: The Dignity sculpture, a stunning combination of art and history. Specifically designed by sculptor Dale Lamphere to honor the cultures of the Lakota and Dakota people Dignity of Earth and Sky is a soaring sculpture of a native woman standing high on a bluff above the Missouri River.
• Pierre: You'll travel through and past the different indigenous communities and reservations in South Dakota.
• Theodore Roosevelt North Unit: Head to the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park this morning, the less frequented part of the National Park that should not be missed. The scenic drive starts at the bottom of the badlands and crawls up out of the canyon to the North Unit's most iconic view, River Bend Overlook. Unusual yet totally fascinating geological formations like the cannon ball concretions can be seen and a high chance of wildlife like Bison and bighorn sheep.

• Rapid City: Get ready for a one-of-a-kind-experience meeting Stephen Yellowhawk to discover the history of his tribe during a festive evening of dance and song. A performer for more than 20 years, Stephen has a passion for dance and sheer determination to promote his Native American culture. Raised by his grandparents from the Lakota tribe and Onondaga Iroquois tribe, Stephen will share his family and tribal history, culture, and traditions with you. Your experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.
• Philip: Travel to the past at the Oglala Lakota Living History Village and gain valuable insights into the culture and Indigenous knowledge of Lakota Country. Your experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10 & 11: Reduced Inequalities & Sustainable Cities and Communities.
• Rosebud Reservation: Get an insider’s view from a Local Specialist at the Rosebud Indian Reservation, home to the Sicangu Lakota Oyate Nation, for a deeply meaningful MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that intertwines Native culture and life while adding to their growing economy of tribal tourism.
• Rosebud Reservation: Join a Rosebud tribal member to learn about life on the reservation and food sovereignty projects, before sampling authentic Lakota dishes at Sinte Gleska University. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10 & 11: Reduced Inequalities & Sustainable Cities and Communities.
• Rosebud Reservation: Enjoy a visit to Sinte Gleska University where you will be given a Star Knowledge Presentation by a Lakota elder, Victor Douville.
• New Town: Explore the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, located on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in central North Dakota. Spanning 988,000 acres along the Missouri River, this stunning region covers six counties: McLean, Mountrail, Dunn, McKenzie, Mercer, and Ward. You will visit the MHA Interpretive Center, a striking new facility opened in May 2021. This center features a captivating collection of artefacts and large displays detailing the history, traditions, and unique aspects of the Three Affiliated Tribes. Your Local Specialis
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This gateway to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is very much tied to the history of the West. At the park's visitors center museum, you can relive that history through a collection of frontier artifacts and other memorabilia. The North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame showcases the history of ranching, rodeo, Native Americans and the lifestyle of western ranchers.Free Medora Travel
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For a lighter approach to history, you can attend a performance of the Medora Musical (held in an outdoor amphitheater early June to early September), which depicts the story of the state in dance and song, with special emphasis on Theodore Roosevelt's connection to the area and American patriotism.

The Pitchfork Steak Fondue restaurant is a great way to savor a steak while overlooking the badlands.

Visits to Chateau de Mores (the restored home of the town's founder, the Marquis de Mores, a French nobleman) and Sully Creek State Recreation Area (camping, hiking, canoeing and the trailhead for the 96-mi/155-km Maah Daah Hey) are recommended.

The Cowboy Poetry Gathering, an annual reunion of lariat lyricists, is held every Memorial Day weekend in Medora.