Sojourn to South Dakota

I am extremely pleased to offer this wonderful journey to the Heartland of America!

Most of us haven’t been to this part of our country, and I say ‘It’s time!!’

When I announced this upcoming trip, I heard from several people who had been to the sites we will be visiting, and they said that it was one of the BEST trips they had ever been on…and how much they LOVED this area!

Plus, we will have the most AWESOME tour guide, Ean, who was our guide in Utah a few years ago. He knows this area VERY well and I know you will enjoy him, too.

The end of May is a great time to go…not too hot, not too cold (mid 60’s to mid 70’s) and not too crowded or expensive. I bet the night sky will be magnificent, too!!!

Please let me know if you would like a Registration Form. Limited to 20 people.

267-614-6012, SusanDuvalSeminars@gmail.com

RAPID CITY, SD

Fly from your home airport to Rapid City Airport. Transfer on your own or with travel companions to the K Bar S Lodge in Keystone. We will enjoy a Welcome Dinner tonight and meet our travel friends.

Overnight at K Bar S Lodge

BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK

Begin the day with a scenic drive to Badlands National Park, known for its extraordinary landscapes and dramatic natural beauty. Explore the park’s unique terrain, from rugged canyons and towering rock formations to sweeping expanses of mixed-grass prairie.

Along the way, enjoy opportunities to hike and take in the scenery, while watching for native wildlife such as bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and pronghorn.

Continue to Wall, South Dakota, to visit the famous Wall Drug Store, a beloved Western roadside landmark. Take a break for lunch and enjoy time to browse the shops, discover local souvenirs, and experience the distinctive atmosphere of this longtime South Dakota attraction.

In the afternoon, make your way to Rapid City, where you’ll visit Prairie Edge Trading Company, renowned for its collection of Native American art, traditional crafts, and cultural works representing the Northern Plains.

After a full day of exploring the region’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and local landmarks, return to your hotel in Keystone. The remainder of the evening is yours to unwind and enjoy at your leisure.

MT. RUSHMORE + THE 1880 TRAIN

Begin the morning at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, located just outside Keystone in the heart of the Black Hills. Admire the enormous granite sculptures of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, carved into the mountainside by artist Gutzon Borglum. Spend time exploring the visitor center, walking the Presidential Trail, and enjoying different perspectives of this iconic American landmark.

Continue the day aboard the historic 1880 Train, operated by the Black Hills Central Railroad. This vintage steam train travels between Keystone and Hill City, offering a relaxing journey through the pine-covered hills and forested landscapes of the Black Hills. Along the way, enjoy scenic views and a glimpse into the area’s railroad and frontier history.

Next, visit the Crazy Horse Memorial, an ongoing mountain carving honoring Crazy Horse, the celebrated Oglala Lakota leader. Begun in 1948 by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski at the request of Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear, the project recognizes Native American history, culture, and heritage. Explore the grounds and visit the Indian Museum of North America and Native American Cultural Center to learn more about Indigenous traditions, artwork, and the story behind this remarkable undertaking.

Return to Keystone for a leisurely afternoon and early evening at your own pace. This small mountain town offers a selection of local restaurants, shops, and galleries, making it a pleasant place to wander and enjoy dinner on your own before the evening’s activities.

As the day draws to a close, return to Mount Rushmore National Memorial to see this iconic landmark illuminated after dark. Enjoy a different perspective of the monumental presidential sculptures as they stand against the night sky, with the surrounding Black Hills providing a beautiful backdrop. Take time to appreciate the scale and craftsmanship of the memorial before returning to your hotel for the evening.

MAMMOTH SITE + WIND CAVE

Start the day with a scenic drive through Wind Cave National Park, known for its expansive grasslands, ponderosa pine forests, and diverse wildlife. This is one of the world’s longest caves. Established by President Theodore Roosevelt, it is the first cave designated as a national park worldwide.

As you travel through the park, keep an eye out for bison, elk, pronghorn, and mule deer grazing across the open landscape. The park offers a beautiful opportunity to experience the natural scenery and wildlife of South Dakota.

From there, continue south to Hot Springs to visit the Mammoth Site, a remarkable paleontological discovery and one of the most significant Ice Age fossil sites in North America.

Explore the indoor excavation area, where the remains of Columbian mammoths and other prehistoric animals have been uncovered. Dating back more than 26,000 years, these fossils offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s prehistoric past. Return to Keystone for a leisurely afternoon and early evening at your own pace.

CUSTER STATE PARK + MOCCASIN SPRINGS NATURAL MINERAL SPA

Begin the morning at Custer State Park, a spectacular 71,000-acre landscape of rolling prairies, pine forests, and striking granite formations in the Black Hills. Drive along the scenic Wildlife Loop Road, renowned for its wildlife sightings and opportunities to see the park’s large free-roaming bison herd, along with pronghorn, deer, and other native animals. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and keep your camera ready as you explore this remarkable natural area.

After your visit to Custer State Park, continue south to Hot Springs, South Dakota, for a relaxing experience at Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa. Unwind in the naturally heated mineral pools, surrounded by a peaceful setting that offers a welcome contrast to the morning’s outdoor adventure.

Take time to soak in the warm waters and recharge before continuing to Rapid City for the late afternoon. Then spend some time exploring downtown Rapid City, with its independent boutiques, art galleries, and public spaces. Keep an eye out for the city’s well-known collection of life-size bronze statues honoring former U.S. presidents, displayed throughout the downtown streets.

Overnight at Alex Johnson Hotel in the center of the city, with a great view from the rooftop terrace.

DEVIL’S TOWER + DEADWOOD

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before setting out on a scenic drive west into Wyoming to visit Devils Tower National Monument, the first national monument designated in the United States in 1906. Rising 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River valley, this striking rock formation is one of the region’s most recognizable natural landmarks. Take a guided tour to learn about its geology, history, and cultural significance, then walk the Tower Trail, a 1.3-mile loop that circles the base of the formation. Along the way, admire the towering columns of rock, enjoy views of the surrounding landscape, and look for native plants and wildlife.

Devils Tower is a sacred place for more than 20 Native American tribes, adding important cultural and spiritual context to our visit. For them, it is known at Mato Tipila (Bear Lodge).

Continue to Deadwood, South Dakota, a historic Black Hills town known for its gold rush origins and colorful frontier past. Here we’ll enjoy lunch and discover stories of legendary figures such as Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, and learn how Deadwood evolved from a bustling mining settlement into a popular historic destination. Afterward, enjoy free time along Historic Main Street to browse local shops and galleries and explore the town at your own pace. Return to Rapid City to enjoy a Farewell Dinner.

DEPARTURES (B)

After breakfast, taxi with others to Rapid City Airport. So many new friends and wonderful memories of this special part of our country will stay with us for years to come!

$3775 per person in a shared room
$4295 single room

$775 deposit
Balance due Feb 1, 2027

Please contact Susan for a Registration Form: 267-614-6012 or SusanDuvalSeminars@gmail.com

COST INCLUDES

• Hotel accommodations for 6 nights
• Private Mini-Vans
• Dedicated tour guide
• 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners

NOT INCLUDED

• Flight to/from Rapid City, SD
• Travel & Health Insurance
• Alcohol and soft drinks
• Gratuity for guide + drivers

Because all payments are non-refundable and non-transferable, we STRONGLY encourage you to purchase COMPREHENSIVE travel insurance. No one likes to buy it, but if you have to make a claim due to unforseen circumstances, you are VERY happy that you have it.

Please be responsible, and get insurance to protect your investment in this trip.

If you have pre-existing conditions, most insurance companies will require you to buy a policy within 7-14 days of paying your deposit. Otherwise, purchase it as soon as possible for the full cost of the tour. You can call the insurance company and add in the cost of your flight when you book your air.

There are many good insurance companies including Allianz, WithFaye, Travel Guard, Travel Insured International, Insure My Trip. Rates are based on your age, your state, and the non-refundable cost of the tour.