I was on this program in 2010 and was extremely pleased, particularly because of the program director. She ran a fine tuned program with considerable personal attention to the needs of the participants. Time at Mt Rushmore was very sufficient. Yellowstone was a great experience. There was a good balance of nature and the stories of the natives and settlers as well as the geography. You should love the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody. And if possible take a raft ride on the Snake River. If you are not a vegetarian, be sure to try the bison. We experienced a wide range of temperatures so prepare to layer.

I would like some input from someone that has been to Mount Rushmore, Black Hills and Yellowstone!!! I would also like to meet some people gpoing on this trip.

Welcome Rena, you will love Road Scholar programs. I am a solo traveler and love the "family" feel. I have done 16 trips so far, and have never had a bad one. I'm doing a big one in June, California Natl Park Medley, and big one in Aug in the Canadian Maritimes. I am using another tour group next year only because RS does not do the itinerary they offer, but I know it will not be as good as RS.
One thing I would recommend is to be sure you carefully read the description and the activity level. Road Scholar is now doing a better job of describing what to expect. In this program they now call it "on the road", which means a lot of bus time and changing hotels each night, living out of your suitcase. Another consideration for this program, since we were so far from towns we did a lot of picnic lunches, which RS does a great job on but they get boring. Also, be sure you understand what size the group will be. This one was about 40 people, so getting on and off the bus took time. I prefer smaller groups, but that is not always possible for economic reasons. But if I know what to expect I deal with it better :-). I loved the program, and as I posted back in 2010 I did pre and post program side trips, which I'm glad I did.
I've introduced many friends to RS. There are many wrong ideas out there about RS, and it is certainly not for everyone, but I have only met a few folks who would not love to do another program. You'll meet folks who have done hundreds of programs,all over the world. Whenever I get a new catalog it's like a wish list, so many places to go and not enough time (or money). I also do a lot of cruises and some solo travel.

By the way, at the Irma Hotel I had a room with a ghost, which I was told is not unusual. She flushed the toilet a few times and turned the tv off & on, plus the usual lights off & on :-). Another person had one also. It was fun.

This is my first Road Scholar trip. Seeing Rushmore and Yellowstone has been on wish list so decided do it now. Any particular tips from those of you who have enjoyed other RS trips.

A few weeks ago I noted that a Fran from California was going on this tour and expected to stay a few days longer. I'm responding to her - I am staying 2 days afterwards and want to see the Badlands, possibly Deadwood or Wounded Knee. I found one local tour company.

I plan on coming in several days ahead of the program and stay a few days later. With the high price of airfare from Orlando to Rapid City, I figure I'd better see everything in the area on this trip. Want to go out to Wall and Badlands NP, also go up to Deadwood, Devils Tower and some other things.