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Trafalgar - National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas (05/2023 - 09/2023) (DMTMN18)

9 Days From Rapid City to Bismarck
Tour Style: Regional Explorer
Trafalgar Brochure Price from $2,669.00
Brochures: USA Canada and Central America 2023
Visits: United States

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.
Choice Highlights

Must-see Highlights
  • : Explore Medora
  • : See Dignity Statue, Sitting Bull & Sakakawea Monument
  • : View Crow Flies High outlook
  • : Visit Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Rosebud Indian Reservation, Standing Rock Indian Reservation, Fort Berthold Indian Reservation
  • : Scenic Drive to Badlands Loop Road Drive, Mobridge via Native American Scenic Byway,
  • : Explore Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Theodore Roosevelt National Park
  • : You'll travel through and past the different indigenous communities and reservations in South Dakota.
  • Theodore Roosevelt South Unit: Watch the sunrise as you go along the scenic loop of the National Park and potentially see bison herds, wild horses, coyotes, wild turkeys, and hundreds of prairie dogs. With an early start you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy the park without many other people around.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
  • Rapid City: Oglala Lakota Living History Village where you will time travel from the past to the present and gain priceless insight along the way.
  • Pine Ridge Reservation: Enjoy a traditional box lunch prepared by a local Lakota family before your next activity.
  • 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: Enjoy a lunch of local foods from the Lakota Tribe at Turtle Crossing. After lunch you'll learn about Rosebud's food sovereignty projects, life on the reservation, and economic initiatives for the area from a community member involved in the projects.
  • Bismarck: Enjoy an enlightening MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where you'll gain a deeper understanding of how the Lakota and Dakota people harness the medicinal power of plants through long held practices passed down by generations, before creating your very own herbal tea in a hands-on experience that will steep you in tradition.
  • Fort Yates: Meet Jennifer Martel, also known as Wahukaze Nunpa Win, who will share with you her experiences of speaking at the United Nations, being part of the Standing Rock Movement, and being on the board of the Indigenous Peoples Movement.
  • Fort Yates: You will get to experience and learn about traditional plants hands-on as you make your own tea-mix based on what healing purposes you want to focus on.
  • New Town: You'll have the chance to browse arts and crafts from local community members in the gift shop. If you choose to purchase any art or craft pieces the proceeds will directly support the artisans of the community and help to raise awareness of what they do.

Be My Guest
  • Chamberlain: The future of the Lakota Nations takes centre stage as you join Marla, C. Bull Bear, Executive Director of the program and a member of Rosebud Sioux Tribe for traditional storytelling, singing, dance and local flavors at this Be My Guest Experience.

Trafalgar Tour Itinerary

Day 1Welcome To Rapid City Make Travel Matter
Welcome to Rapid City where we begin our exploration of the Tribal Nations of North and South Dakota, told firsthand through passionate storytellers and the communities themselves. Setting the scene, you’ll meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception, then enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with Lakota storyteller Stephen Yellowhawk, who's undeniable passion for dance and sheer determination to promote his Native American culture will be evident from the moment you meet him. A performer for more than 20 years, he is a treasure trove of cultural knowledge and insight.
Visits: Rapid City
Meals: Welcome Reception
Accommodation: The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
Day 2Exploring The Badlands National Park And Oglala Sioux Tribe Make Travel Matter
Discover how deeply the Lakota people are connected to their land, customs and ancestors as you enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Oglala Lakota Living History Village where you will time travel from the past to the present and gain priceless insight along the way. Then, take in the sights along the iconic Badlands Loop Road, you’ll arrive at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation where you’ll meet talented Native artists and view their incredible works that powerfully represent Native culture with the goal of bringing positive change to the community. Later, visit Wounded Knee Memorial, site of the 1890 Massacre, told in vivid detail by a local storyteller who’ll share personal stories passed down through generations as you look upon the historic lands where it all happened.
Visits: Rapid City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3Visit Mount Rushmore And The Crazy Horse Memorial
Head to one of America's most iconic sites, and learn of its complicated past as you stand face to face with history and heritage. Then, embark on a self-guided walk in the majestic Black Hills, before today’s highlight: the Crazy Horse Memorial, depicting the famous and moving Oglala Lakota warrior, riding a horse and pointing to his tribal land, a striking monument that has been a work in progress since 1948. While there we take a locally guided walk to the base of the mountain where we will get even more immersed in the story of the land through a visit to the museum.
Visits: Rapid City, Mount Rushmore
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4Spend The Day With The Rosebud Sioux Tribe Make Travel Matter Connect with Locals
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. Next we head to St. Francis Community Mission, before touring the Buechel Museum showcasing Sicangu Lakota Oyate traditions and culture. Connect With Locals at the Turtle Creek Crossing Supermarket later, sampling delicious and authentic Lakota foods. Finally, it’s onto Sinte Gleska University for a Star Knowledge Presentation by Lakota elder, Victor Douville.
Visits: Rosebud Reservation
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort & Conference Center
Day 5Day Trip To Lakota Youth Development Connect with Locals
The future of the Lakota Nations takes centre stage as you Connect With Locals and join Marla, C. Bull Bear, Executive Director of the program and a member of Rosebud Sioux Tribe for traditional storytelling, singing, dance and local flavors at today’s Be My Guest Experience. Learn about their mission to reclaim their language culture, spirituality and more, before a guided indigenous plant walk. Then it’s back to Chamberlain where you’ll visit the Statue of Dignity, a stunning intersection of art and history honoring the Lakota and Dakota people – and their connection to the earth and sky.
Visits: Chamberlain
Meals: Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 6Sitting Bull & Standing Rock Indian Reservation Connect with Locals Make Travel Matter
Travel along the Native American Scenic Byway stopping in South Dakota’s capital, Pierre. You’ll spend the afternoon immersed in Plains Indian History, learning about the incredible legend of Sitting Bull, before you’ll Connect With Locals to learn about day-to-day life in Standing Rock Indian Reservation. Later enjoy an enlightening MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where you'll gain a deeper understanding of how the Lakota and Dakota people harness the medicinal power of plants through long held practices passed down by generations, before creating your very own herbal tea in a hands-on experience that will steep you in tradition.
Visits: Pierre
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Bismarck
Day 7Mandan, Hidatsa And Arikara Nation Make Travel Matter
As we make our way to New Town stop at the North Dakota Heritage Center, followed by a stop at Crows Flies High for views of Lake Sakakawea and the Four Bears Bridge. You’ll make your way to Earth Lodge Village to experience the role of tribal tourism, as dancers and singers perform for you. Then discover life on the harsh Northern Plains through the stories of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara peoples. Enjoy an insightful MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a visit to the MHA Nation Interpretive Centre where historical Native artifacts are on display as well as a market of art work from local artists where you can browse for additions to your collection and help support local artisans in the process. Followed by a delicious traditional dinner you won't soon forget.
Visits: Bismarck, New Town
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Teddy's Residential Suites New Town
Day 8Theodore Roosevelt National Park Sightseeing Stays With Stories
Take the scenic route to the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park that climbs from the bottom of the Badlands through the canyon to must-sees like the Oxbow Overlook. Arriving in Medora in the Badlands, you’ll have time to embrace your inner cowboy at the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. Your Stays with Stories is the historic Rough Riders Hotel filled with western charm and 1880s nostalgia. Depending on the time of year you visit, you could choose to see the Medora Musical. Enjoy a last dinner with your newfound friends with engaging conversation and discussion of the countless impactful moments of these days spent in travel.
Visits: New Town, Theodore Roosevelt North Unit, Medora
Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Accommodation: Rough Riders Hotel
Day 9Farewell In Bismarck
The perfect way to end your tour starts with a drive through the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park to watch the sun rise over the Badlands. Make one last stop at the Maltese Cross Cabin, famously used by Theodore Roosevelt before he was president. Say your final goodbyes with your travel companions and Travel Director before departing from Bismarck airport. Airport arrival is at 1 p.m.
Visits: Medora, Theodore Roosevelt South Unit, Bismarck
Meals: Breakfast


Available Room Types: Single, Triple, Twin, Twinshare
Child: ages 5 to 17

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