8-Nights National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas with Black Hills Pow Wow from $3,475

Trafalgar

OFFER ID 1543169

National Parks And Native Trails Of The Dakotas With Black Hills Pow Wow
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.

Dining Summary

2 Dinner (D)
8 Breakfast (B)
4 Lunch (L)

Be My Guest

Chamberlain: 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 members for a traditional storytelling. Enjoy a traditional meal during this Be My Guest Experience, and plant knowledge as you get a true taste of the prairie and everything Grandmother Earth has to offer. Learn about their mission to reclaim their language, culture, and spirituality and how this experience supports local youth.

Dive Into Culture

Pine Ridge Reservation: Learn the History of Wounded Knee as told by Warren Yellow Hair as you look upon where it happened. Listening to stories told from generation to generation will give you a perspective that cannot be gained from a history book but rather an authentic and emotional experience.
New Town: Enjoy a guided tour of the Earth Lodge Village and see how the MHA people used to live. You will also try your hand at archery and parfleche painting to gain a deeper understanding of the culture of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10 & 11: Reduced Inequalities & Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Iconic Experience

Badlands National Park: Enjoy the spectacular sights as you make your way through Badlands Loop Road.
Black Hills: Unlock the history of Crazy Horse Memorial. Learn how construction began in 1948 after Henry Standing Bear, a Lakota elder, commissioned Korczak Ziolkowski, who worked on construction of Mount Rushmore. While the original idea was to carve a face into rock like Mount Rushmore, the monument will ultimately have a full body and horse. There is no completion date yet, but the face of Crazy Horse was completed in 1998 at 87 feet 6 inches (26.7 m) high. Enhance your visit exploring The Indian Museum of North America that is also part of the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation.
Chamberlain: The Dignity sculpture, a stunning combination of art and history. Specifically designed by sculptor Dale Lamphere to honor the cultures of the Lakota and Dakota people Dignity of Earth and Sky is a soaring sculpture of a native woman standing high on a bluff above the Missouri River.
Pierre: You'll travel through and past the different indigenous communities and reservations in South Dakota.
Theodore Roosevelt North Unit: Head to the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park this morning, the less frequented part of the National Park that should not be missed. The scenic drive starts at the bottom of the badlands and crawls up out of the canyon to the North Unit's most iconic view, River Bend Overlook. Unusual yet totally fascinating geological formations like the cannon ball concretions can be seen and a high chance of wildlife like Bison and bighorn sheep.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Rapid City: Travel to the past at the Oglala Lakota Living History Village and gain valuable insights into the culture and Indigenous knowledge of Lakota Country. Your experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10 & 11: Reduced Inequalities & Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Black Hills: Enjoy an evening at the Black Hills Pow Wow, one of the premier American Indian cultural events in the United States, attracting hundreds of dancers, singers, artisans and several thousand spectators.
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: Join a Rosebud tribal member to learn about life on the reservation and food sovereignty projects, before sampling authentic Lakota dishes at Sinte Gleska University. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10 & 11: Reduced Inequalities & Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Rosebud Reservation: Enjoy a visit to Sinte Gleska University where you will be given a Star Knowledge Presentation by a Lakota elder, Victor Douville.
New Town: Explore the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, located on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in central North Dakota. Spanning 988,000 acres along the Missouri River, this stunning region covers six counties: McLean, Mountrail, Dunn, McKenzie, Mercer, and Ward. You will visit the MHA Interpretive Center, a striking new facility opened in May 2021. This center features a captivating collection of artefacts and large displays detailing the history, traditions, and unique aspects of the Three Affiliated Tribes. Your Local Specialist will offer personal stories handed down through generations, enriching your understanding of this vibrant culture. Discover incredible artefacts donated by community members, making your visit truly unforgettable.

8 nights from $3,475 per person

Itinerary

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Itinerary Details

Trafalgar Tours: National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas with Black Hills Pow W

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 dinner as you ready for an unforgettable journey.
Accommodations: The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
Meals: Dinner

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.
Accommodations: The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 - Visit Mount Rushmore And Attend the Black Hill's Pow Wow Make Travel Matter
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; attend the Black Hills Pow Wow, also known as He Sapa Wacipi, with Stephen Yellowhawk of the the Lakota tribe. 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.
Accommodations: The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
Meals: 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. You'll learn the history and cultural heritage of the Rosebud Reservation, in addition to understanding the socio-economic issues impacting the Lakota in today’s modern world. Later, sample delicious and authentic Lakota food over lunch at Sinte Gleska University. Founded in 1971, the university's mission is to provide higher education opportunities while preserving and promoting the Lakota culture and traditions. The university aims to integrate Lakota perspectives and values into its academic programs and foster a sense of identity and pride among its students. After lunch, you will meet Lakota elder Victor Douville for a Star Knowledge Presentation.
Accommodations: Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort & Conference Center
Meals: 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 Lakota Youth Development, a non-profit organization whose mission is to reclaim Lakota language, culture, and spirituality by promoting healthy lifestyle education for Lakota youth through culturally based strategies. Listen to Indigenous storytelling, enjoy a performance put on by tribal youth, and appreciate an Indigenous plant walk all before sharing a meal with tribal members of the Rosebud Reservation. We continue to Chamberlain where you'll witness to awe-inspiring Statue of Dignity, a soaring sculpture of a Native woman standing high on a bluff above the Missouri River.
Accommodations: Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort & Conference Center
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 - Sitting Bull & Standing Rock Indian Reservation Connect with Locals
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 the US Army abandoned Fort Yates in 1903 and had all the graves 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.
Accommodations: Radisson Hotel Bismarck
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - The Mandan, Hidatsa And Arikara Nation Make Travel Matter
Visit Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center before Earth Lodge Village where you'll experience traditional archery and parfleche painting. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the MHA Nation Interpretive Center where Native artifacts are on display.
Accommodations: Teddy's Residential Suites New Town
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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.
Accommodations: Rough Riders
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 - Farewell In Bismarck
End your tour with a drive through a portion of the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Say your final goodbyes before arriving at Bismarck airport.
Meals: Breakfast

Featured Destinations

New Town

Medora

Chamberlain

Bismarck

Rapid City

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

10/10/2025 - 10/18/2025

from $3,475 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $3,475 per person

Length

8 Nights

Air City

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Vacation Rating

Deluxe

Remarks

Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discounts. Trip prices and discounts are subject to change. Airfare is additional. Tour prices, dates and itineraries are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Other restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1543169

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