About Black Hills Magic Tour
After more than twenty years on the American road uncovering a history not always found in the history books, it gives us special pleasure to plan a trip to a place new to us. Such a destination is South Dakota and its Badlands region. The first human entry into the adjacent Black Hills is frankly uncertain. The oldest Indian site found to date is a little over 7,000 years old. It is thought these early people were big game hunters who stalked the mammoth and bison that thrived in the lush post-glacial grass lands.
For eight days in June 2024, we will follow in their footsteps, encountering fossilized remains of prehistoric creatures, ancient mountains carved by daredevil sculptors, and the raucous frontier of Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickock. Basing ourselves in Rapids City, South Dakota – and staying in the same downtown hotel for eight nights – we’ll explore stunning landscapes in and around the Black Hills. From a moving nighttime lighting ceremony at Mount Rushmore and a mountaintop excursion to the nearby Crazy Horse Memorial – a monument in the making – to Wyoming’s Devils Tower, and the colorful history of Deadwood.
On the itinerary: An old gold mine, restored 19th century brothel, Victorian mansion, and a scenic train ride through the Black Hills. We’ve included a safari Jeep ride through herds of Buffalo and other animals in Custer State Park, lunch at Calvin Coolidge’s summer White House, an actual Minuteman missile in its Cold War silo, plus chuckwagon dinners and frontier breakfasts. And did we mention: THE SAME HOTEL – THE RUSHMORE – FOR THE ENTIRE TRIP.
With a first-class hotel, meals to match, and the incomparable landscape of the Badlands – we think you’ll agree that this tour does indeed deliver Black Hills Magic.
Tour Itinerary
We meet as a group at the Hotel Rushmore in downtown Rapid City, South Dakota. Our first adventure today is a scenic ride on the Black Hills Central Railroad, an 1880 train that takes us into the heart of the beautiful Black Hills. In the history of the American frontier, no development was more influential than the railroad and its iron horses. Steel rails crisscrossed the plains, ran up into the mountains and brought settlers and town-builders to areas that had been home to native tribes for centuries. Next, we’ll visit Dinosaur Park. Located on a ridge of sandstone that encircles the Black Hills, where many dinosaur skeletons from the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous have been found. After lunch, our last stop today is Chapel in the Hills, a faithful re-creation of the Borgund Stavkirke circa 1150. It's one of the oldest, best preserved Stavkirkes (or stave churches) in Norway. A special Welcome Dinner tonight is planned.
Tour Includes
- Tour arrangements by Presidents & Patriots Historical Tours, which reserves the right to modify this itinerary in order to maintain the quality of the tour.
- Presidents & Patriots Historical Tours is not a full-service travel agency. Tour participants can save by making their own transportation arrangements to and from Rapid City, SD.
- Please note that there will be a fair amount of walking involved on this tour.
- Meeting/Departing from the lobby of Rushmore Hotel & Suites (located at 445 Mt. Rushmore Road, Rapid City, SD) on the morning of Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 8:00am. Please arrive early for timely departure.
- Meals: Tour includes seven (7) breakfasts, seven (7) lunches, and six (6) dinners.
- Insurance: Presidents & Patriots Tours suggests highly affordable travel insurance through I Travel Insured to protect your travel investment from unforeseen circumstances. TO COMPARE PROTECTION OPTIONS YOU WILL RECEIVE A LINK VIA E-MAIL WHEN YOU REGISTER. NOTE: Travel Insurance is optional. You may obtain insurance from any provider you wish or forgo it altogether.
- Deposit: To maintain quality, space on this tour is limited. A $1,000.00 deposit per person is required to confirm your reservation. Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Deluxe transportation via climate-controlled motor coach, featuring on-board restroom, individual 110-volt power supply access (for cell phones, DVD player, iPads or lap tops), as well as Wi-Fi (wireless internet) throughout the coach.
- Deluxe Accommodations: Rushmore Hotel & Suites (June 11 – 18, 2024)
- Balance: Final payment must be received by Presidents and Patriots Tours on or before April 1, 2024. Cancellations are subject to loss of full tour cost unless suppliers grant exceptions.
- All taxes and gratuities for all group functions, including meals, guides, bellmen, and motor coach driver.
- AIR TRANSPORTATION: The airport servicing Rapid City, SD is Rapid City Regional Airport – RAP.
- Admission fees to all historic sites, attractions and museums listed on the itinerary.
- IMPORTANT NOTICE: Presidents and Patriots has reserved a courtesy block of rooms at Rushmore Hotel & Suites for the night prior to the start of the tour (the night of June 10 th ). Please let us know if you would like one of these rooms. You would then simply pay for this advance night upon arrival.
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