Day 1: Leave your cares behind as we head north into the Dakota’s, The Land of Great Diversion and rich in American heritage. After traveling through Nebraska, we overnight in Mitchell, SD.

Day 2: For all you corn farmers, what a stunning and whimsical way to decorate with an everyday commodity. The “World’s Only Corn Palace” is redecorated each year with thousands of bushels of corn, grain, and grasses. This afternoon we travel to Bismarck, ND, the heart of the Lewis and Clark Trail. After checking into our hotel, we venture out on the Lewis and Clark Riverboat for a sunset dinner cruise. (B, D)

Day 3: We start our day at the historic Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. It was from this fort that the Seventh Cavalry, under the command of General George Armstrong Custer, rode out on the ill-fated campaign at Little Big Horn. Explore Custer’s reconstructed home, the commissary, and barracks. Located near the confluence of the Heart River and the Missouri River, was a former Mandan settlement, the On-A-Slant Village. Estimated to have included about 75 earth lodges and perhaps 1,000 residents, the village had likely existed for over 200 years before a 1781 smallpox epidemic decimated the population. Next, we visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park which honors Roosevelt and his national conservation policy based upon the wise use of the nation’s natural resources. This 36-mile loop drive is home to a great variety of animals and plants. Tonight we are in for a treat as we enjoy a Pitchfork Fondue dinner. Bring your cameras for a picture of the chefs and their pitchforks full of steaks! Then we see The Medora Musical at the breathtaking Burning Hills Amphitheater. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Today we return to South Dakota and the Black Hills. Enjoy eating at one of the many restaurants in downtown Deadwood such as the Historic Franklin Hotel. After lunch, explore Deadwood before the a guided trolley tour of Deadwood. Hear stories about Wild Bill Hickok, Annie Oakley, and the gold rush days. "There's gold in them thar hills!" (B)

Day 5: This morning we visit Mount Rushmore, a symbol of democracy, featuring 60-foot faces of four great American presidents. Crazy Horse Memorial is our next stop. This rock creation is much more than a mountain carving, it is a tribute to the Native Americans. The visitor complex includes displays illustrating the mountain work and one of the foremost collections in the upper Midwest, the Indian Museum of North America. Then on to Custer State Park for our buffalo safari tour. We trek off-road through the park in open-air jeeps in search of pronghorns, elk, and buffalo. Along the way, our guides share historical and educational facts about the park and wildlife. Tonight we step back in time with a chuckwagon feast. (B, L, D)

Day 6: This morning we board the 1880’s train for a ride through the Black Hills National Forest. The 1880 train affords spectacular mountain scenery, including the vistas of Harney Peak. Leaving the Black Hills, we head to Wall, SD, home of the famous Wall Drug. Here we have lunch and a chance to explore the world’s largest drugstore! Time to head south as we travel through the Badland’s National Park. Years of wind and water erosion have carved an eerie sight from the vast prairies of western South Dakota. The miles of pink and brown bands of sandstone are absolutely beautiful. (B, L)

Day 7: Today is a day of traveling as we share memories with our fellow travelers of our experiences in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota and the rich history of North Dakota. (B)