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National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas (Black Hills Pow Wow)

Overview
Short Description
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 and offers the unique experience of joining in on a traditional Pow Wow in the Black Hills.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Rapid City
Welcome to Rapid City where we begin our exploration of the Tribal Nations of North and South Dakota on this culturally enriching adventure that leads with authenticity. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers this evening at your welcome reception as you ready for an unforgettable journey.
The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
Welcome Reception
Day 2: Exploring 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. Take in the sights along the iconic Badlands Loop Road, arriving at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation where you’ll meet talented Native artists. 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 unfolded.
The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Visit Mount Rushmore And Attend the Black Hill's Pow Wow
Head to one of America's most iconic sites, and learn of its complicated past as you stand face to face with history at Mount Rushmore, before heading to the Crazy Horse Memorial, depicting the famous and moving Oglala Lakota warrior. While there we take a locally guided walk to the base of the mountain. Then for the highlight of the day; the Black Hill's Pow Wow also known as He Sapa Wacipi. A sacred social gathering held by many North American indigenous communities that includes singing, dancing, drum groups, art, athletic competitions, and a variety of other events, all to celebrate and honor their beautiful culture that you get to witness.
The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
Breakfast
Day 4: Spend 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. Later, at the Turtle Creek Crossing Supermarket, sample delicious and authentic Lakota foods. Finally, it’s onto Sinte Gleska University for a Star Knowledge Presentation by Lakota elder, Victor Douville.
Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort & Conference Center
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Day Trip To Lakota Youth Development Connect with Locals
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 and members for traditional storytelling, performance and meal during this Be My Guest Experience. Learn about their mission to reclaim their language, culture, and spirituality and how this experience supports local youth.
Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort & Conference Center
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Sitting 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, for a tour of the town and the State Capitol. Next up, visit Sakakawea Monument & Sitting Bull Monument, believed to be the final resting place of Native American spiritual and social leader, Sitting Bull. Unlock more of the life and story behind Sitting Bull’s grave at Fort Yates Military Cemetery, where Sitting Bull was originally buried. Learn how when the Army abandoned Fort Yates in 1903, all the graves were moved except for Sitting Bull’s. In the 1950s a group of businesspeople from Mobridge, South Dakota received permission through the Bureau of Indian Affairs to move Sitting Bull’s remains from the neglected grave in Fort Yates to Mobridge in an effort to attract tourists to their town.
Radisson Hotel Bismarck
Breakfast
Day 7: Mandan, Hidatsa And Arikara Nation Make Travel Matter
At Earth Lodge Village, experience the role of tribal tourism, as dancers and singers perform for you. Discover life on the harsh Northern Plains through the stories of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara peoples. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience visiting the MHA Nation Interpretive Center where historical Native artifacts are on display. Finish with a delicious traditional dinner you won't soon forget.
Teddy's Residential Suites New Town
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Theodore Roosevelt National Park Sightseeing Stays With Stories
Stop at Crows Flies High for views of Lake Sakakawea and the Four Bears Bridge. Take the scenic route to the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park that climbs through the canyon to must-sees like the Oxbow Overlook. Arrive in Medora for a free afternoon. Your Stays with Stories is the historic Rough Riders Hotel filled with western charm and 1880s nostalgia. Enjoy a last dinner reflecting on the countless impactful moments.
Rough Riders Hotel
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Farewell In Bismarck
Watch the sun rise over the Badlands at the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Stop at the Maltese Cross Cabin, famously used by Theodore Roosevelt before he was president. We depart to Bismarck with an airport arrival at 2pm.
Breakfast
Availability
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19,631 Trafalgar Travel Reviews & Ratings
National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas (Black Hills Pow Wow)
Company Reviews
Best of Italy Tour for 13 days, really 11 days. Recommendation: Do NOT take a Trafalgar Tour of any kind!
1) Could ONLY understand about 10 % of the travel director's harangue. Her name was Frederica. The same situation occurred in Egypt.
2) The bus driver named Theo was surly and rude.
3) The Travel Director constantly sold the extra excursions. These were 2.5 times more expensive then privately-made tours. Example in Rome--Crown Tours.
4) The food was terrible.
5) The hotels were at best 2-3 star. NO AC, low water pressure, and the breakfasts were poor.
6) Many hours were spent most days on the bus--4-8 hours. There were 49 passengers on this bus! You could not relax on the bus because the tour director constantly was speaking and selling optional excursions. Again, could not understand but 10 % of what she said.
7) We pre-paid gratuities, but wished that we had not done so. Neither the driver nor Travel Director thanked us. We will not prepay again, however, we will NEVER take another Trafalgar Tour.
Anonymous
Carolyne and Christof deserves a raise!
Anonymous
Kerrie
Anonymous
Details
Group Size
Standard Group - 25 + people
Maximum Number of People in Group: 40
Accommodations
- The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
- Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort & Conference Center
- Radisson Hotel Bismarck
- Teddy's Residential Suites New Town
- Rough Riders Hotel
Trip ID#:
trafalgar-DMTPN19
Meals Included
- 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Lunch (L)
- 2 Dinner (D)
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