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Mount Rushmore, Black Hills and Badlands: Vanishing Trails

Program Number: 13160RJ
Start and End Dates:
9/23/2012 - 9/29/2012; 5/26/2013 - 6/1/2013; 6/2/2013 - 6/8/2013; 6/9/2013 - 6/15/2013; 6/16/2013 - 6/22/2013; 6/23/2013 - 6/29/2013; 7/14/2013 - 7/20/2013; 7/28/2013 - 8/3/2013; 8/18/2013 - 8/24/2013; 8/25/2013 - 8/31/2013; 9/1/2013 - 9/7/2013; 9/8/2013 - 9/14/2013; 9/15/2013 - 9/21/2013; 9/22/2013 - 9/28/2013; 9/29/2013 - 10/5/2013;
Duration: 6 nights
Location: Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
Price starting at: $1,046.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: National Parks Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 16; 6 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 6 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

The land now shadowed by Mount Rushmore was, up until the 1870s, called the "last great unknown." Enrich your understanding of American growth in this vast wilderness as you immerse yourself in the discovery of Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Badlands National Park and Deadwood. Study the lives of gold seekers and sod busters, and discover the Old West before a handful of presidents made it famous.




Highlights

• Field trips get you up close to Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial and Custer State Park’s bison, and begging burros.
• Experience Deadwood and its colorful history — Calamity Jane, Wild Bill Hickok and The Homestake Gold Mine.
• Ride a historic 1880 steam engine train to explore the beautiful back country of the Black Hills.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to one-half mile with stops; some hilly terrain and stairs. Elevations over 5,000 feet.




Date Specific Information

9-23-2012

Join the annual Buffalo Round Up in Custer State Park. You will arrive at the round up area shortly after sunrise to watch as 1,500 buffalo are driven into the corrals in Custer State Park. A must-see! NOTE: This date is less active and does not include some of the activities shown in 2013 dates. Please call for details.



9-22-2013

This program includes Custer State Park's Annual Buffalo Roundup.



Coordinated by Black Hills Educational Institute.




Mount Rushmore

Massive granite faces overlook the forested treetops of the Black Hills, representing the first 150 years of American history in the sculptural representation of four U.S. presidents: Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln. Mount Rushmore and the gateway town of Keystone attract visitors to this beautiful, storied region of the state.
Accommodations
Luxury lodge with a view of Mount Rushmore on 45 forested acres with a large meadow that is often a wildlife playground.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Kristine Reed
Kristine Reed has been wildlife biologist and technical services director of the Intertribal Bison Cooperative for the last five years. She has extensive experience as a range-management specialist, wildlife biologist and post-secondary educator in many tribal communities in the fields of natural resources. She is certified by The Wildlife Society as a certified wildlife biologist and actively participates in committees representing Tribal interests in bison and natural resource issues.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   K Bar S Lodge
  Keystone, SD 6 nights
 K Bar S Lodge
Type: Hotel
  Description: The K Bar S Lodge is brand new (open in spring 2006) and located with a view of Mt. Rushmore. It is quietly secluded on 31 forested acres and away from busy streets. Battle Creek winds its way throughout the property and the large meadow in front of the Lodge is often the playground for deer and turkeys.
  Contact info: 434 Old Hill City Rd.
Keystone, SD 57751 USA
phone: 866-522-7724
  Room amenities: Each room is equipped with an ironing board and iron, in room coffee, hair dryer, and t.v. with remote control. Many rooms have decks with a view of Mt. Rushmore. All rooms feature highest quality Serta Presidential beds.
  Facility amenities: A beautiful lobby provides a spectacular view of Mt. Rushmore and nearby Mt. Baldy. Free coffee is available in the lobby. An elevator serves the main building. Guest laundry is available on site.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: call for pricing Extra night room reservations may be made by contacting the K Bar S Lodge directly at 1-866-522-7724.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: call for pricing Extra night room reservations may be made by contacting the K Bar S Lodge directly at 1-866-522-7724.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Hotel check in 3:00pm. Orientation in K Bar S meeting room at 5:30pm. You will be staying at K Bar S Lodge that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends after breakfast at 9:00am. Hotel check out at 11am. You will be staying at K Bar S Lodge the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. None
  Parking availability:
There is free parking on site at the K Bar S Lodge.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Keystone, SD
  Nearest city or town:  Rapid City, SD
  Nearest highway: US Hwy 16A off US Hwy 16 from Rapid City
  Nearest airport:  Rapid City Regional Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: Keystone, SD
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Rapid City

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Airport Shuttle Company
phone: 800-357-9998

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$45.00 per person Group rate is $23.00 per person
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

30 miles
   

The shuttle accepts CASH ONLY.
 
Driving Directions
  Denver The Black Hills are about 400 miles north of Denver in western SD.
  Minneapolis Rapid City is about 700 miles west, south west of Minneapolis. Follow I90 to Rapid City and then US 16 and 16A into Keystone.
  Rapid City The K Bar S Lodge is located just 1/3 mile west of Keystone, South Dakota on the Old Hill City Road. If you are arriving on Interstate 90 take exit 57, which becomes US Highway 16. Continue on Hwy. 16 south approximately 25 miles to a large arched wooden bridge that is the exit to US Highway 16A. This is well signed as the route to Mt. Rushmore. From this bridge continue south approximately 3 miles to Keystone. As you arrive in Keystone, you’ll approach a stop light. At this light, turn right on Old Hill City Rd. and go less than 1/2 mile to the K Bar S sign showing the address as 434 Old Hill City Road. Turn right at the sign and go onto the property. Arriving by plane at Rapid City Regional Airport, you'll drive west on US Highway 44 and into Rapid City. At the intersection with US Highway 16, turn left (south) and go approximately 20 miles to a large arched wooden bridge that is the exit to US Highway 16A. Continue as above. Driving from Denver there are many routes through Nebraska or Wyoming. If arriving through Wyoming, the best route is north from Lusk on US Highway 85 to US Highway 18 at Mule Creek Junction. Turn right, east, toward Edgemont SD. After 12 miles, turn left on US Highway 89 that will then merge 16 miles later and become US Highway 385 north. Follow 385 north through the towns of Custer and Hill City to US Highway 16. Follow Highway 16 east to 16A and proceed as Described above into Keystone and to the K Bar S. If arriving through Nebraska, the best way is through Chadron on US Highway 385. Simply follow 385 north into South Dakota to the intersection with US Highway 16 described in the Wyoming directions and come into Keystone.
Elevation Note: Keystone is about 4,300 feet above sea level. Several of our field trips will be near 5,200 feet.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrivals and Orientation
(Sunday, September 23)
   
 Afternoon: Check in at the Lodge after 3:00 PM; Orientation at 5:30 PM in the Lodge. Please check your final itinerary to schedule your arrival time allowing about 45min travel time from the airport to the K Bar S Lodge.
 Dinner: Opening dinner at K Bar S Lodge.
 Evening: Feel free to settle into your room after dinner.
   
Accommodations: K Bar S Lodge
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Field trip to Custer State Park's annual Buffalo Roundup/Crazy Horse Memorial
(Monday, September 24)
   
 Breakfast: The K Bar S Lodge will provide box breakfast for the early morning departure.
 Morning: This morning will be an early departure as we travel to Custer State Park and partake in the annual Buffalo Roundup. Feel the thunder as bison come charging from all directions driven over the rolling hills and into corrals by cowboys on horseback, and park staff as they rounup the parks roughly 1500 head of bison. The roundup is a spectacular once a year event!
 Lunch: Lunch is included.
 Afternoon: Creation of the world’s largest sculpture began on June 3, 1948 by Boston-born sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski. His work continues today with the help and dedication of his wife and 10 children at Crazy Horse Memorial. The dimensions are staggering. A mountain-sized statue of an Indian man and a spirited warhorse that’s as long as a cruise ship and taller than a 60-story skyscraper! With work now finished on the face of Crazy Horse, carving has shifted to the horses head. Because of the tremendous amount of rock overburden still left to remove and the unique engineering challenges the mountain carving presents, it will take many more years of drilling and blasting. Along with the carving, discover the rich traditional museums and gallery below the mountain. This carving was begun at the request of Lakota Chiefs who, in the words of Chief Henry Standing Bear, said "we want the White Man to know that the Red Man had great leaders, too."
 Dinner: Dinner at K Bar S Lodge
 Evening: Free evening.
   
Accommodations: K Bar S Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Field trip to Mount Rushmore/The Journey Museum/ Lighting Ceremony
(Tuesday, September 25)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at K Bar S Lodge
 Morning: Amidst the emerald carpet of the Black Hills, sculptor Gutzon Borglum looked out upon craggy pine-clad mountains and saw not simply granite, but rather nature’s foundation for a majestic monument. Borglum’s vision became Mount Rushmore National Memorial as the noble portrayal of four of America’s leaders gradually emerged from the enduring granite. The towering faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln embody the birth, growth, preservation and development of the United States. This morning immerse yourself in the shadow of Mount Rushmore. Learn about the monument, the land it occupies and the artist whose vision created a symbol for all of America. Optional ½ mile with numerous stairs down the Sculptor’s Studio is available.
 Lunch: Lunch is included.
 Afternoon: This afternoon we'll continue our exploration with a visit to the Journey Museum. The Journey takes you on an incredible trek through time, from the violent upheaval that formed the mystical Black Hills over 2.5 billion years ago to the continuing saga of the Western Frontier. The Journey Museum brings together four major prehistoric and historic collections to tell the complete story of the Western Great Plains - from the perspective of the Lakota peoples and the pioneers who shaped its past, to the scientists who now study it. Get a close up look at the struggles settlers and sod busters went through to tame the vast and wild land.
 Dinner: Dinner at K Bar S Lodge.
 Evening: Tonight we'll attend the lighting ceremony at Mt. Rushmore. There is a very patriotic program presented in the open, outdoor auditorium. SUBJECT TO SEASONAL DATES.
   
Accommodations: K Bar S Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Field trip to High Plains Western Heritage Center/Field trip to Historic Deadwood/Lead/Presentation
(Wednesday, September 26)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at K Bar S Lodge
 Morning: We'll continue our week of exploration with a trip to the High Plains Western Heritage Center. The Heritage Center contains a five-state regional museum founded to honor the old west pioneers and the Native Americans of North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming and Nebraska. Western artifacts, western art, live animals and family history displays are used as a determinant of historical events. The museum includes over 17,000 sq. ft. of displays featuring a wide range of western artifacts including displays that honor the Native American, the cattle and sheep industries, blacksmithing, saddle making, natural history, mining, forestry and of course the cowboy and rodeo. The High Plains Western Heritage Center currently provides a community forum for entertainment and education. Their intent is to exhibit the on-going historical preservation of this region of the American West.
 Lunch: Lunch is included.
 Afternoon: This afternoon we'll travel to Deadwood as we continue our discovery of the settlers and gold seekers of the 1870's. Jump aboard a trolley as we travel to Boot Hill to hear the stories of people like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and Poker Alice while we learn about the colorful history of Deadwood where the great gold rush of 1876 occurred. Later in the afternoon we'll tour the historic town of Lead. The town of Lead has played a pivotal role in the history of the Black Hills. Home to the Homestake Gold Mine and sister city to the town of Deadwood, the streets of Lead tell a tale as rich as the gold mined from its hills. The Homestake Gold Mine was one of the early enterprises associated with the Gold Rush of 1876 in the northern Black Hills of what was then Dakota Territory.
 Dinner: Dinner at K Bar S Lodge.
 Evening: This evening we'll enjoy a unique look into the colorful past of those who blazed the trail expanding the western frontier.
   
Accommodations: K Bar S Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Field trip to Historic Prairie Homestead/Badlands National Park
(Thursday, September 27)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at K Bar S Lodge.
 Morning: The settlers and gold seekers of early days often struggled daily just to stay alive--not from attacks by Native Americans or hostile competitors over a claim but in their very effort to live and eat. En route to the Black Hills many traveled across the Badlands. This morning, on the edge of the Badlands, we'll visit an original sod house on the prairie still owned by the descendants of hardy explorers. The Prairie Homestead Historic Site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and gives us a true sense of the rough life of settlers of this by-gone era.
 Lunch: Lunch is on your own in Wall
 Afternoon: This afternoon we’ll tour Badlands National Park. Time becomes difficult to comprehend as we learn about the deep canyons, towering spires and flat-topped tables of the Badlands. An inland sea covered this area 68-77 million years ago. Layers of sediment deposited over the next 75 million years give the Badlands their bands of colors while erosion continues to expose the inner most secrets of these lunar-like deposits. This land of sharp ridges, steep gullies, pyramids and knobs has been so ruthlessly ravaged by wind and water that it has become picturesque. The Badlands are a wonderland of bizarre, colorful spires and pinnacles, massive buttes and deep gorges. The forces that carved these features have not only created a unique topography; they have given a strange beauty to this almost desolate land.
 Dinner: Dinner at K Bar S Lodge.
 Evening: This evening we'll enjoy a unique look into the colorful past of those who blazed the trail expanding the western frontier.
   
Accommodations: K Bar S Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Field trip on the Historic 1880 Train to Hill City/Black Hills Geological Institute
(Friday, September 28)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the K Bar S Lodge
 Morning: Enjoy a lesiurely morning and presentation before traveling back in time as you ride through the beautiful back country of the Black Hills on the historic 1880 steam engine train. We'll have prime opportunity to spot a plethora of wildlife, flora and fauna. The steam engine will take us to the neighboring town of Hill City where we'll enjoy lunch.
 Lunch: Lunch is included
 Afternoon: This afternoon enjoy the local flavor of Hill City. You may immerse yourself in the colorful art galleries and shops of this quaint town. This afternoon discover creatures from long ago with a group tour of the Black Hills Geologic Research Institute. Hop back on the iron horse for your return trip to the K Bar S where we'll enjoy our last evening together.
 Dinner: Tonight enjoy wine, champagne and hors d' oeuvres before dinner. This is the conclusion of the program.
   
Accommodations: K Bar S Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7:
(Saturday, September 29)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the K Bar S Lodge You may make plans for your return trip home.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Keystone, SD General Overview
There are many additional activities available during your visit to the Black Hills. This program will touch on many of the general areas of interest but can not dig deeply into all there is to see and do here. There is an interesting and detailed history about Native Americans, plains settlers, gold seekers and more. Many people come to the Black Hills for exceptional trout fishing, photography, bicycling on old rail beds, hiking, and the study of specialized interests such as geology and palaeontology. There are numerous museums in Rapid City, Deadwood, Hill City, Custer and other smaller towns in the Black Hills. There is an almost endless list of public and private attractions to visit as well. Places such as Bear Country USA, Reptile Gardens, the Wild Horse Sanctuary, Mt. Rushmore Gold factory (on-the-floor factory tours), Jewel Cave, and dozens of other fun activities await your visit. In Keystone there is mini golf, the Presidential Wax museum, Rushmore Borglum Story, places to get your photo taken in historic costumes, gold mine tours, and much, much more. You could travel to Devil's Tower in NE Wyoming and return to the Hills by driving through beautiful Spearfish Canyon, a National Scenic Byway. There is so much to do in the Black Hills, there is a good reason the Black Hills are dubbed "Beyond All Expectations". For additional information, visit www.blackhillsbadlands.com
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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