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Mount Rushmore, Black Hills and Badlands: An Active Discovery

Program Number: 12774RJ
Start and End Dates:
5/26/2013 - 6/1/2013; 9/8/2013 - 9/14/2013; 9/15/2013 - 9/21/2013; 9/22/2013 - 9/28/2013;
Duration: 6 nights
Location: Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
Price starting at: $1,575.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: National Parks; Outdoor Adventures, Misc.
Meals: 16; 6 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 6 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian; Gluten Free    

In Mount Rushmore, Black Hills and Badlands find a landscape that is still as large as the heroes who laid a claim to it, a land once called “the last great unknown,” where some of mankind’s greatest monuments pay tribute to great leaders. From pacific grass prairies to the otherworldly Badlands to the spiritual and verdant Black Hills, gain an up-close and objective perspective of the monuments, cultures and natural treasures that are at the heart of the American experience.




Highlights

• Hike amongst ethereal buttes and peaks in Badlands National Park, walk through towering pine trees in the shadow of Mount Rushmore and experience this oasis of mountains in a sea of prairie.
• Learn about the irony of two stories told by mountain carvings within 17 miles of each other — Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial.
• Visit a national award-winning family winery in the heart of the Black Hills.



Activity Particulars

Hikes of 1-3 miles over uneven and rocky terrain. Optional horseback riding and kayaking, included in the program, are appropriate for beginners. Elevations of 3,500 to more than 5,000 feet.




Date Specific Information

9-22-2013

Join 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 large meadow that is often a wildlife playground.
Meals and Lodgings
   K Bar S Lodge
  Keystone, South Dakota 6 nights
 K Bar S Lodge
Type: Hotel
  Description: The K Bar S Lodge, built in 2006, is 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
web: www.kbarslodge.com
  Room amenities: Each room is equipped with an ironing board and iron, in room coffee, hair dryer, and television with remote control. All rooms feature highest quality Serta Presidential beds. Rooms are not equipped with a mini-fridge but, the 24 hour manned front desk has a large refrigerator for any medicines that may need to be kept cool.
  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 while ramps services all other hotel room buildings. Free 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. 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. 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 5:00pm. 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. There will be waivers for activities like horse-back riding and kayaking that will need to be signed and returned ahead of program start.
  Parking availability:
There is free parking at the K Bar S Lodge.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Keystone, South Dakota
  Nearest city or town:  Rapid City
  Nearest highway: Highway 16A
  Nearest airport:  Rapid City Regional Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: Keystone, South Dakota
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Rapid City

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Rapid Taxi
phone: 605-348-8080
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$45.00 flat rate
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

30 miles
   

Please call no earlier than two days ahead for reservations. Credit card and cash accepted
 

Rapid City

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

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

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$45 per person for 1 - 2 people. $23 per person for 3 or more.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

30 miles
   

Please call a week in advance for reservations. The Airport Shuttle Company accepts CASH ONLY.
 

Rapid City

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Car Rentals
Alamo / National
phone: 605-393-2664
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Call for current rates.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

30 miles
   

Unless you require personal transportation during the week or you plan to extend your visit we recommend using the Taxi or Airport Shuttle service. All local transportation is provided during the program.
 

Rapid City

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Car Rentals
Budget
phone: 605-393-0488
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Call for current rates.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

30 miles
   

Unless you require personal transportation during the week or you plan to extend your visit we recommend using the Taxi or Airport Shuttle service. All local transportation is provided during the program.
 
Driving Directions
  Denver, Colorado The Black Hills are about 400 miles north of Denver. Several routes may be selected.
  Minneapolis, MN. Rapid City is about 600 miles west, south west of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
  Rapid City, SD 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.

Equipment Requirements: Rain gear, day pack, hiking boots, water sandals, jacket, hat, sun screen and water bottle are required for this program.
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: Arrival and Orientation
(Sunday, May 26)
   
 Afternoon: Check-in time at the K Bar S Lodge is at 3:00 PM. Collect your Road Scholar Program Welcome Packet at time of check-in. Orientation will take place at 5:00 PM in the Lodge.
 Dinner: K Bar S Lodge
 Evening: After dinner you're free to settle into your room.
   
Accommodations: K Bar S Lodge
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Visit the Magnificent Crazy Horse Memorial Mountain Carving / Kayaking on Beautiful Sylvan Lake / Travel the Famous Needles Scenic Byway
(Monday, May 27)

Note: Please bring a set of quick-dry clothes, sandals for the kayaking activity and light hiking shoes/boots for the easy walk/hike around Sylvan Lake.
   
 Breakfast: K Bar S Lodge
 Morning: In an effort to honor the rich heritage and traditions of Native Americans, Sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski and Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear set out to carve a mountain just south of Mount Rushmore. In 1948, the two men agreed that this monument would be carved without any federal funding. Korczak and a handful of others began blasting the mountain and removing the rock. Ziolkowski died in 1982 but his family, led by his widow Ruth, continues to work on his great vision. The face of Crazy Horse was dedicated in 1998 and today precision blasting is carving out the features of his horse. When completed, the mountain will be 563-feet high and carved in the round. Korczak Ziolkowski wanted more than just a mountain carving. His 220-page master plan included museums, a medical school and training center, recreation area and an Avenue of Chiefs that would be lined with sculptural portraits of great Lakota and Native American leaders. His family plans to continue to work until this vision is realized. Today, the Crazy Horse Memorial campus offers visitors breath-taking views of the ongoing carving from its viewing veranda. The campus also includes an Indian Museum of North America, gift shop, welcome center, and Native American Cultural Center.
 Lunch: Sylvan Lake Lodge
 Afternoon: There's no better way to spend a summer afternoon than gliding through calm, glass-like waters with the sun warming your skin and a paddle in your hands. This afternoon we'll set sail for Sylvan Lake where novice and experienced kayakers alike will discover the majestic beauty of Custer State Park from the solitude of a kayak. We'll also walk the interpretive Sylvan Lake Loop trail. This is an easy loop around the lake that offers hikers wonderful views of the granite outcroppings lining the lake. This afternoon travel the Needles Highway. Slender granite formations called "Needles" dominate the skyline of the Needles highway. Deemed “impossible” to construct by its critics, the Needles highway—a National Scenic Byway—was completed in 1922 and includes 14 miles of sharp turns, low tunnels, and impressive granite spires. The Needle’s Eye is one of the most memorable granite needles along the drive, with its signature ‘eye’ formed by countless years of rain, ice and wind.
 Dinner: K Bar S Lodge
 Evening: Tonight's instructor will lecture on related information to the Black Hills and its surrounding peoples and cultures.
   
Accommodations: K Bar S Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial / Walk the Presidential Trail / Tour the City of Presidents / Free Time in Rapid City - Voted Most Patriotic City in the Nation / Tour the Journey Museum
(Tuesday, May 28)

Note: You will be walking several miles throughout the day. Please remember to wear comfortable walking shoes.
   
 Breakfast: K Bar S Lodge
 Morning: Visit our Nation's Shrine of Democracy. 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. Walk the 1/2 mile Presidential Trail to the sculptor's studio.
 Lunch: Downtown Rapid City
 Afternoon: Walk the City of Presidents. Visitors to historic downtown Rapid City, voted most patriotic city in the nation, are greeted by the City of Presidents, a series of life-size bronze statues of our nation’s past presidents along the city’s streets and sidewalks. The City of Presidents project began in 2000 to honor the legacy of the American presidency. Each year, four presidential sculptures are added in downtown Rapid City- two presidents from the early years of the presidency and two from more recent administrations. Each of the sculptures is privately funded, and the pattern of placement was chosen to maintain a coherent structure and eliminate any sense of favoritism or political gain. After the City of President's walk please enjoy free time in downtown Rapid City. Later this afternoon we'll gather and tour 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: K Bar S Lodge
 Evening: Tonight, attend the Lighting Ceremony at Mt. Rushmore. This is a very patriotic program presented in the open, outdoor auditorium. SUBJECT TO SEASONAL DATES and WEATHER.
   
Accommodations: K Bar S Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Explore Badlands National Park
(Wednesday, May 29)

Note: Hiking in Badlands National Park will require sturdy hiking boots, hat, sun screen, water bottle, and a day pack for toting a sack lunch.
   
 Breakfast: K Bar S Lodge
 Morning: The rugged beauty of Badlands National Park’s buttes, pinnacles and spires mark terrain once roamed by giant Pleistocene-era beasts. Sabre-tooth cats, rhinoceroses and other bygone creatures once called this wilderness home, leaving their fossil remains in the ancient rock. 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 uniquely picturesque. The forces that carved these features have not only created a unique topography; they have given a strange beauty to this almost desolate land. Explore this beautiful and rugged wonderland while hiking on designated park trails.
 Lunch: Sack lunch in the field
 Afternoon: Continuation of hike. Later this afternoon visit the infamous Wall Drug.
 Dinner: K Bar S Lodge
 Evening: Tonight's instructor will captivate us with traditional oral stories, and historic accounts of the local culture and peoples.
   
Accommodations: K Bar S Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Explore the Wild Life Loop Road / Saddle up for a Horse-Back Trail Ride / Explore Wind Cave National Park
(Thursday, May 30)

Note: Long pants and boots or tennis shoes are required for horse-back riding. Wind Cave is moderately strenuous with 300 stairs (mostly going down). Please bring comfortable walking shoes and a jacket for cool cave temperatures.
   
 Breakfast: K Bar S Lodge
 Morning: This morning venture into Custer State Park. General Custer’s men found gold here in the summer of 1874. The park’s pine forests, grassy meadows and towers of granite offer spectacular views while also providing a remarkable, lush sanctuary for the park’s four-legged residents. Nearly 1,500 magnificent bison, along with fleet pronghorn, elusive elk, sure-footed mountain goats and a band of begging burrows freely roam the park’s sprawling 71,000 acres Travel the Wild Life Loop road in search of these majestic creatures. At the end of the loop saddle up for a horseback trail ride through the lush back country of Custer State Park.
 Lunch: Blue Bell Lodge
 Afternoon: Hidden beneath the rolling prairie is one of the world's longest and most complex caves. Wind Cave, in Wind Cave National Park, is 28,295 acres of mixed-grass prairie, ponderosa pine forest, and a plethora of wildlife. The cave is well known for its outstanding display of boxwork, an unusual cave formation composed of thin calcite fins resembling honeycombs. The park's mixed-grass prairie is one of the few remaining and is home to native wildlife such as bison, elk, pronghorn, mule deer, coyotes, and prairie dogs. Explore Wind Cave with its Natural Cave Entrance Tour. Travel to the place where the cave was discovered and learn how it got its name. Journey through the vast cave rooms and discover the unique and abundant formations. Most of the 300 stairs along this route are down. This moderately strenuous one-half mile tour lasts 1¼ hours and exits the cave by elevator.
 Dinner: K Bar S Lodge
 Evening: Tonight's instructor will lecture on related information to the Black Hills and its surrounding peoples and cultures.
   
Accommodations: K Bar S Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Bike the Mickelson Trail / Explore the town of Hill City / Enjoy a Wine Tasting at Prairie Berry Winery
(Friday, May 31)

Note: Biking the Mickelson Trail will require comfortable clothing and tennis shoes. The trail is made of crushed limestone and gravel and miles biked will not exceed a 4 percent grade.
   
 Breakfast: K Bar S Lodge
 Morning: Hop aboard a furnished bike and ride on a truly unique Black Hills trail. The Mickelson Trail was originally the Burlington Northern line that took trains from the southern Black Hills to the northern gold mining towns of the Black Hills. The line was abandoned in 1983. A group of outdoor enthusiasts recognized the trails potential, and with support of then Governor Mickelson, it became the states' first rails to trails project. The surface is primarily crushed limestone and gravel and grades do not exceed 4 percent.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own in Hill City
 Afternoon: Later this afternoon visit the local Prairie Berry Winery located just outside of Hill City. The family owned winery has been making South Dakota wines for five generations. They offer more than 15 grape, fruit and honey wines.
 Afternoon: This afternoon feel free to enjoy the local flavor of Hill City with some free time. Hill City has a unique collection of magnificent museums and cultural shops. The Black Hills Institute of Geological Research - the leader in paleontological excavations and preparation since 1974, helping supply museums and collectors the finest in professionally prepared fossils and cast replicas, is a great place to visit if you want to see big time geological and paleontological artefact's in a small town. The South Dakota State Railroad Museum, Ltd. is a not-for-profit organization established for the purposes of preservation, education, promotion, and interactive interpretation of railroad equipment, memorabilia, and the ever-changing historical material specific to South Dakota and related American railroads. It is a destination designed for all ages and levels of interest. Hill City also hosts a plethora of art galleries and unique shops supplied by local artists and business.
 Dinner: Final banquet at the K Bar S Lodge.
   
Accommodations: K Bar S Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Independent Departures. Hotel check out is 11 AM.
(Saturday, June 1)
   
 Breakfast: K Bar S Lodge
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Keystone, South Dakota 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, additional hiking, and the study of specialized interests such as geology and paleontology. 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, 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.

Suggested Reading List


Moon of Popping Trees


Author: Rex Alan Smith


Description: The Massacre at Wounded Knee was the last major battle between whites and Native Americans.With parallels to concerns some have of today’s news reports, you’ll see that this massacre was largely a result of overblown news reports of the danger of the Native American Ghost Dance. Even more startling is the revelation in this book that the Ghost Dance had its origin in the Christian resurrection story. This book spans fifty years of the life and struggles of Native Americans as they try to maintain their lifestyle in the face of America’s westward expansion.



The Carving of Mount Rushmore


Author: Rex Alan Smith


Description: This entertaining and very readable book tells the fascinating stories of the people of Mt. Rushmore. Included are first person accounts of not only the carvers, the politicians and Borglum, but an almost unbelievable host of others who became part of the tumult and triumph that make this history read like a novel. If you’re only going to read one book about Rushmore, this is the one.



Exploring with Custer: The 1874 Black Hills Expedition


Author: Ernest Grafe & Paul Horsted


Description: General George Armstrong Custer's Journey to the Black Hills in 1874 was better documented than any other military expedition of the Old West. Not only did William H. Illingworth record superb views of the landscape and several camps, but at least fifteen men wrote diaries, reports or newspaper dispatches brimming with vivid detail. This book blends the Illingworth photos and their present-day counterparts with selections from all known accounts to paint a unique portrait of everyday life along the trail. Please order through Paul Horsted at www.dakotaphoto.com or 1.800.248.2194



Pioneer Days in the Black Hills


Author: John S. McClintock


Description: A rough-and-tumble account of the early days of Deadwood and the Dakota Territory written by early day pioneer John S.McClintock. He provides material on the gold rush, skirmishes with Indians, exploits of road agents and outlaws, and appearances of celebrities such as Wild Bill Hickok and Deadwood Dick.





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