Call us toll free
1 (877) 336-0335
Mon–Thu, 9am–6:30pm ET

Travel for People Who Love to Learn

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Have a Question?

Here's what people had to say about this program:

“This program is so much more than just Mount Rushmore. Each day was filled with exciting new adventures and sights. We learned about the culture of both Native Americans and settlers and obtained a grasp of the history, geology, & development of the region. Wildlife spotting is great fun and the bison are magnificent!”

— MARLENE FROM HOOVER, AL

“This program met all expectations and went beyond. It opened our eyes and minds to so much of which we were previously unaware. We plan to return to the Black Hills.”

— Dale from Whitehall, PA

Mount Rushmore, Black Hills & Badlands: Vanishing Trails

Unique learning programs for travelers age 50+

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 & sod busters, & discover the Old West before a handful of presidents made it famous.

What's Included

All lodgings & most meals
Expert-led lectures & field trips
All gratuities
Road Scholar Assurance Plan

Favorite Experiences:

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.

A university of the world, Not-for-Profit Road Scholar has been leading global educational adventures for adults for nearly 50 years.

Our programs are all-inclusive educational adventures, not superficial tours. When you explore with us, you’ll have a deep, thought-provoking experience delivered by faculty experts on site.