The Best of Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills and Badlands

Mount Rushmore

At a Glance

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 The Mammoth Site. Study the lives of gold seekers and sod busters, and discover the Old West before a handful of presidents made it famous.

Activity Level

Moderate

Walking up to one mile on varied terrain; some stairs. Elevations up to 4,300 feet.

Best of all, you'll ...

Expand your mind with interpretive field trips to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, the Crazy Horse Memorial and Custer State Park.
Experience the otherworldly moon-like landscape of spectacular Badlands National Park.
Discover an active paleontological dig site, which boasts the largest concentration of mammoth remains in the world!

Featured Expert

All Experts

John Esposti

Born and raised in central New Jersey, John Esposti made the decision at five years of age to go out west and meet his destiny. At 18, he enrolled at the University of Idaho and received a degree in education. He then moved to Valdez, Alaska to teach woodworking, drafting and electronics. After four years of working and experiencing all sorts of adventures in a wild and amazing land, he climbed onto a sailboat and sailed off into the sunset bound for Hawaii, and later attended the University of Hawaii. After marrying his wife, Cindy, John returned to the Black Hills to operate a family-run business named Rushmore Cave. After selling the cave business in 2008, John worked for three years at the renowned Black Hills Institute of Geological Research in Hill City, S.D. Today, he and Cindy are starting a new venture called GeoFunTrek, with a goal to provide stimulating visitor experiences in the form of day-long educational explorations in the Black Hills.

John Esposti

Stephen Yellowhawk

Paul Horsted

Linda M. Hasselstrom

Suggested Reading List

View 6 books

Exploring with Custer: The 1874 Black Hills Expedition

by Ernest Grafe & Paul Horsted

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

by John S. McClintock

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.

Moon of Popping Trees

by Rex Alan Smith

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.

Roadside History of South Dakota

by Linda Hasselstrom

Reading Roadside History of South Dakota is like having a knowledgeable friend explain the most fascinating and pertinent tidbits of the state's past without reciting a lot of boring details. The book's comfortable, conversational style guides readers smoothly along the state's highways and byways. Even those who think they already know South Dakota will can anticipate learning new things from this insightful, informative, yet thoroughly readable and entertaining roadside history. The material is rich, and Linda Hasselstrom reveals it in an exciting way by focusing on the people who made South Dakota what it is today.

The Carving of Mount Rushmore

by Rex Alan Smith

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.

Cowboy Life: The Letters of George Philip

by George Philip and Cathie Draine

As a young man, George Philip emigrated from Scotland to escape a harsh apprenticeship. In 1899, he arrived on the doorstep of his uncle, James (“Scotty”) Philip, patriarch of one of South Dakota’s foremost ranching families. For the next four years, Philip rode as a cowboy for his uncle’s L-7 cattle outfit during the heyday of the last open range. But the cowboy era was a brief one, and in 1903 Philip turned in his string of horses and hung up his saddle to enter law school in Michigan. With a law degree in hand, he returned to South Dakota to practice in the wide-open western towns of Fort Pierre, Philip, and Rapid City. In these candid letters, Philip tells his children that his life was an ordinary one, but his memoirs quickly dispel that notion. He provides fascinating insights into the development of the West and of South Dakota. His writing details the cowboy’s day-to-day work, from branding and roping to navigating across the plains by stars and buttes as the great open ranges slowly closed up. The places and characters of the range find life in Philip’s mixture of humor, hard-nosed “horse-sense," and poignant reflection.

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7 days

6 nights

16 meals

6 B 4 L 6 D

Getting There

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DAY

Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner

Keystone, SD

K Bar S Lodge

Activity note: Lodge check-in available from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration 4:30. After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff and pick up your welcome packet containing your name-tag, up-to-date schedule that we will review during Orientation, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If your arrival is delayed, please ask for your packet at the front desk when you check in. Orientation 5:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. All lectures and field trips will be led by local experts; this includes our Group Leaders. Unless specified otherwise, transportation will be provided via motorcoach which will require going up/down a few steps when getting on/off. All evening programs and one morning program will take place in a meeting room at the Lodge. Periods in the schedule labeled “Free Time” and “At Leisure” offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable while going out to explore on your own, engaging in available activities independently, making new friends among fellow Road Scholars, or simply relaxing. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: In the dining facility at the lodge, enjoy a buffet dinner with salad, vegetable, entrée, and dessert. Beverage choices include coffee, tea (iced or hot), water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY

High Plains Heritage Center, Homestake Program, Presentation

Keystone, SD

B,L,D

K Bar S Lodge

Activity note: Walking about ½ mile indoors and out; groomed paths; standing up to ½ hour at a time in museums and historic buildings, some stairs. Driving approximately 120 miles; about 1 hour in both morning and afternoon.

Breakfast: In the lodge dining facility, enjoy a breakfast buffet with hot and cold cereals, waffles with fruit topping, hard-boiled eggs, rotating main dishes, pastries, bagels, yogurt, fruit, coffee, hot tea, milk, an assortment of juices and water.

Morning: We'll begin our week of discovery by transferring to The High Plains Western Heritage Center for an expert-led field trip. This center includes a Five-State Regional Museum founded to honor the old west pioneers of North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming & Nebraska. Over 20,000 sq. ft. of quality exhibits feature Western art, Artifacts & Memorabilia including the original Spearfish to Deadwood Stagecoach, turn-of-the-century Kitchen, Saddle Shop & a Blacksmith Shop. Forestry, Mining, Ranching & Rodeo are also represented. Outdoor displays feature Longhorn Cattle, a furnished Log Cabin, rural Schoolhouse & antique Farm Equipment. After our exploration of the early western settlement in South Dakota we'll move to the theater for a historical representation program interpreting one of South Dakota's early pioneers.

Lunch: Lunch is included today.

Afternoon: Lead, the sister city to historic Deadwood, has played a pivotal role in the history of the Black Hills. Home to the Homestake Gold Mine, 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. The mining of gold from Homestake ceased several years ago due to low gold prices but has begun a new life serving as a laboratory 4,850 feet underground. The lab is working towards a revolution in physics by studying neutrinos. While here, we’ll enjoy a presentation from the Deputy Director for Education and Outreach for Sanford Underground Research Facility. We’ll then return to the lodge.

Dinner: Lodge buffet.

Evening: At the lodge with a local expert, we’ll learn more about the natural and human history of the Black Hills.

DAY

Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Presentation

Keystone, SD

B,L,D

K Bar S Lodge

Activity note: Walking about 1 mile indoors and out along groomed paths; standing up to 1 hour at a time in museums, some stairs. Driving approximately 100 miles total; about 4 hours aboard the motorcoach throughout the day.

Breakfast: Lodge buffet.

Morning: We’ll transfer to traverse the Needles Highway in Custer State Park where slender granite formations called "Needles" dominate the skyline. Deemed impossible to construct by critics, the Needles Highway – a National Scenic Byway – was completed in 1922. The spectacular drive through forested mountains includes 14 miles of sharp turns, low tunnels, and impressive granite spires. One of the most impressive features, the Needle’s Eye, has been formed by countless years of rain, ice, and wind. We'll further our exploration of Custer State Park with interpretation delivered by our local expert Group Leader during a scenic drive around the Wildlife Loop Road. 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 burros“ – wild donkeys that have learned to seek food hand-outs from motorists – all freely roam the park’s sprawling 71,000 acres.

Lunch: At the historic State Game Lodge, we’ll enjoy an outdoor Western cookout. President Calvin Coolidge made this his “summer White House” in 1927.

Afternoon: In 1939, Chief Henry Standing Bear wrote to sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski, "My fellow chiefs and I would like the white man to know the red man has great heroes, too." In response, and without federal funding, Ziolkowski set out to create a memorial to the history and heritage of Native Americans, personified by Chief Crazy Horse. He began carving the mountain in 1948 and worked on the project until his death in 1982. His family continues the dream as work progresses on the world's largest mountain sculpture that still uses no tax dollars and is funded privately through a non-profit organization. When completed, the Crazy Horse Memorial will be the largest outdoor sculpture in the world: 641 feet long and 563 feet high. Led by an expert, we’ll enjoy a visit around Crazy Horse's Museums while learning about its campus that serves as a repository for Native American artifacts, arts, and crafts and the Native American Educational & Cultural Center. We’ll then return to the lodge.

Dinner: Lodge buffet.

Evening: A local expert will captivate us with stories and historic accounts of the local culture, peoples, and traditions.

DAY

Mount Rushmore, Journey Museum, Patriotic Lighting Ceremony

Keystone, SD

B,L,D

K Bar S Lodge

Activity note: Walking about ½ mile indoors and out along groomed paths; standing up to 1 hour at a time in museums, some stairs. Driving about 70 miles throughout the day; about 2 hours total spent aboard the motorcoach.

Breakfast: Lodge buffet.

Morning: Under the guidance of our expert Group Leader, we’ll explore the United States’ Shrine of Democracy – Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Danish-American sculptor Gutzon Borglum, the creator of Mount Rushmore, wrote: “The purpose of the memorial is to communicate the founding, expansion, preservation, and unification of the United States with colossal statues of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt.” Borglum intended his monumental sculpture to be not only a memorial to four of our greatest Presidents, but a Shrine to Democracy. Why these four? Washington led the nascent United States to win independence from Great Britain. Jefferson was the author of the Declaration of Independence. Roosevelt the “trust buster” ensured the rights of working people and was instrumental in building the Panama Canal. Lincoln led the country through the Civil War. Borglum began work in 1927 and continued until his death in 1941, when his son, Lincoln Borglum, took it on and ended work later that year. If you wish, feel free to expand your exploration of Mount Rushmore with an independent 1/2 mile walk on the Presidential Trail to Borglum’s studio. Interpretive signage along the way will illuminate more about the monument, its construction, and the artist whose vision produced one of America’s most iconic symbols.

Lunch: At the lodge, a build your own taco buffet with rice and beans and dessert. Beverage choices include coffee, tea (iced or hot), water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll venture into Rapid City to visit Journey Museum. Led by our local Group Leader expert and museum docents we'll learn about the Black Hills and surrounding area through the Journey's four major collections that provide a metaphorical journey into the past. The Journey brings into focus a cogent story of billions of years of eruption, exploration, evolution, conflict and change. A tectonic shift deep inside the earth 2.5 billion years ago violently thrust the land now known as the Black Hills into being. One of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, they have been worn down by the ravages of time from a height that was greater than the Matterhorn, thereby exposing the fine granite suitable now for mountain carving. Once on the edge of a great inland sea, this part of what is now the Great Plains was home to ancient dinosaurs. The Journey helps bring them back to relevance as we understand their time in this place. Prehistoric people came here when ice still held sway over most of North America and it would be another 10,000 years before the arrival of current Native Americans. The Journey helps us understand their life before the arrival of the white man. As we continue through The Journey, we’ll begin to comprehend their changing world with the arrival of gold seekers and settlers who were intent on building a future in Dakota Territory. Afterwards we'll head to down town Rapid City for some free independent exploration, Chosen as the “Most Patriotic City” by USA Today readers, where we’ll be greeted by the “City of Presidents” – a 20-square-block section of historic downtown with life-size bronze statues of all of the past presidents along streets and sidewalks. It was begun in 2000 to honor the legacy of the American presidency. The Group Leader will hand out an interpretive walking brochure of the statues. The Group Leader will also offer other suggestions of galleries and cultural shops to visit during your free time.

Dinner: Lodge buffet.

Evening: Weather and SEASONAL AVAILABILITY permitting, we will attend the Lighting Ceremony at Mount Rushmore – a patriotic program presented in the open, outdoor auditorium.

DAY

Presentation, Mammoth Site, Free Time, Presentation

Keystone, SD

B,L,D

K Bar S Lodge

Activity note: Walking about ½ mile indoors and outdoors along boardwalks and sidewalks; standing up to 1 hour at a time in museums, some stairs. Driving approx. 110 miles round trip; about 2 hours of total travel time.

Breakfast: Lodge buffet.

Morning: At the lodge, a local expert will captivate us with unique and fascinating stories directly related to South Dakota and the Black Hills. Afterwards, we'll travel to Hot Springs South Dakota where we'll enjoy an expert-led visit to an active paleontological dig site, which boasts the largest concentration of mammoth remains in the world! We'll travel back in time when Ice Age mammoths, camels, and giant short-faced bears roamed the Great Plains of North America. More than 26,000 years ago a sinkhole suddenly collapsed and the warm spring percolating from the bottom filled it in to create an ideal watering hole for animals to quench their thirst. Unfortunately the sinkhole proved to be too slippery and steep for the animals to retreat, thus creating a death trap for large Columbian and Woolly Mammoths. We’ll investigate this historic event by visiting the world's largest Columbian Mammoth exhibit and research center for Pleistocene studies. By going behind the scenes of the Mammoth Site Laboratory with the museum's collector and curator, we’ll learn more about specific bones, fossils and stories behind the Mammoths’ demise.

Lunch: At a popular restaurant next to the Mammoth Site enjoy a sandwich bar with water, tea and coffee included.

Afternoon: Next, we'll stop in Hill City on the way back to the hotel where you can choose how to spend your free time. Take this opportunity to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions. Hill City also hosts a number of art galleries belonging to local artists and artisans. You may wish to visit the Black Hills Institute of Geological Research, the leader in paleontological excavations and preparation since 1974. The Institute helps supply museums and collectors the finest in professionally prepared fossils and cast replicas. They have been involved with the excavation of eight Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons since 1990, including SUE, STAN, BUCKY, DUFFY, and WYREX. Interestingly, these 5 are among the top 10 most complete T-rex skeletons yet discovered. If your interest lies in trains, the South Dakota State Railroad Museum, Ltd. is a not-for-profit organization that preserves and interprets railroad equipment, memorabilia, and the ever-changing historical material specific to South Dakota and related American railroads.

Dinner: Lodge buffet.

Evening: Through a lecture at the lodge, we’ll enjoy a unique look into the colorful past of those who blazed the trail expanding the western frontier.

DAY

Badlands National Park

Keystone, SD

B,D

K Bar S Lodge

Activity note: Walking about ½ mile outdoors along board walks and groomed paths. Driving approx. 230 miles total; about 4.5 hours total: 2 hours to the Badlands, 1 hour in the Badlands, 1.5 hours return.

Breakfast: Lodge buffet.

Morning: The settlers and gold seekers of early days often struggled daily just to satisfy their basic needs for food and shelter on the rugged moon-like landscape that is now known as Badlands National Park. After transferring to 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. Our Group Leaders will provide the history and descriptions of the Badlands. Later, we’ll carry on to Badlands National Park where we will explore the place the Lakota named “mako sica,” meaning “land bad.” Via coach, we will travel through and stop at interpretive sites within the Park to go on some short walks. An inland sea covered this area 68-77 million years ago. Erosion of the Badlands over the last 75 million years reveals sedimentary layers of vivid colors resulting from different minerals and elements left from volcanic ash carried here by the wind from other parts of the world. Today, the 244,000 acres of mystical moon-like topography of spires and pinnacles surrounded by a sea of grass are inhabited by buffalo, deer, antelope, prairie dogs, and much more. We’ll then continue to Wall, South Dakota.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like in Wall. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Afternoon: The Wall Drug Store got its start during the Depression years by offering free ice water to thirsty travelers. Wall Drug features the largest privately owned western and illustration art collection in the country and you will be free to visit the gallery independently after lunch. We’ll then return to the lodge.

Dinner: At the lodge, we’ll enjoy a casual evening of wine and hors d' oeuvres before our final dinner together.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

DAY

Program Concludes

Keystone, SD

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast: Lodge buffet. This concludes our program.

Morning: We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Meals

16 Meals

6 Breakfasts

4 Lunches

6 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free

Lodging

Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.

Display

Aug 27, 2017 - Sep 02, 2017

Aug 13, 2017 - Aug 19, 2017
Aug 20, 2017 - Aug 26, 2017
Aug 27, 2017 - Sep 02, 2017
Sep 03, 2017 - Sep 09, 2017
Sep 10, 2017 - Sep 16, 2017
Sep 17, 2017 - Sep 23, 2017
Sep 24, 2017 - Sep 30, 2017
Oct 01, 2017 - Oct 07, 2017
May 06, 2018 - May 12, 2018
May 13, 2018 - May 19, 2018
May 20, 2018 - May 26, 2018
May 27, 2018 - Jun 02, 2018
Jun 03, 2018 - Jun 09, 2018
Jun 10, 2018 - Jun 16, 2018
Jun 17, 2018 - Jun 23, 2018
Jul 29, 2018 - Aug 04, 2018
Aug 19, 2018 - Aug 25, 2018
Aug 26, 2018 - Sep 01, 2018
Sep 02, 2018 - Sep 08, 2018

K Bar S Lodge

6 nights

Keystone

The K Bar S Lodge, built in 2006, is located a short distance from Mount 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 a playground for deer and turkeys.

TripAdvisor Reviews

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52 Reviews

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4.92 Average

Laani

Class of 2014

New Richmond, OH

(5) 17 days ago

There's much more to see in South Dakota than Mt. Rushmore, some of it even more spectacular than Mt. Rushmore!

Virginia

Class of 2017

Orlando, FL

(5) 24 days ago

I thoroughly enjoyed my first trip with Road Scholar to Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills and Badlands. The leader/guide was personable and knowledgeable and made a good thing even better. I highly recommend the Road Scholar.

Patricia

Class of 2017

Montpelier, VT

(5) 24 days ago

Great but slow to load.

Michael

Class of 2017

Wilmington, DE

(5) 26 days ago

great way to see and learn without worrying about all the other issues (transportation, planning the day, uncertainty about meals, etc.)

George

Class of 2017

Geneva, NY

(5) 30 days ago

It was a experience of my life. Great time. Thank you zRoad Scholar!!!!!!

Sandra

Class of 2015

Encinitas, CA

(5) 30 days ago

Do not miss this program. It was amazing in all respects: educational, well organized, inspirational. There is so much more than Mt. Rushmore included. South Dakota is such a diverse and beautiful state.

Bette

Class of 2017

Columbia, MO

(5) a month ago

Survey very easy to complete!

Glenda

Austin, TX

(4) a month ago

Fun trip with congenial people. Group size: 30. There's a lot to see in South Dakota besides Mt. Rushmore, although that's the big attraction. Check the average rainfall/weather records before you book. We went in May and had three days of cold, rainy weather. Some local residents suggested September instead.

Gracia

Class of 2011

Las Vegas, NV

(5) a month ago

It was a pleasure to finally get to visit the Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monuments. Furthermore the additional visits to Homestake Mine and the So. Dakota Science Institute provided unexpected insights and additional knowledge of the area of South Dakota.

Susan

Fishers, IN

(5) 8 months ago

Our family (seven of us)enjoyed this week in distinctive southwest South Dakota. The four lectures were excellent in presentation and content. The pretrip reading was helpful. The bus itinerary was tightly coordinated. An "extra" was seeing Mount Rushmore from our lodge room!

Nona

Class of 2012

Durham, NC

(5) 9 months ago

If you like what you read this program is for you. We thought it was just wonderful.

Kathleen

Class of 2016

Avon Lake, OH

(5) 9 months ago

This was a great adventure and I learned a lot about South Dakota.

Paul

Class of 2016

Fair Lawn, NJ

(4) 9 months ago

An excellent sampling of the experiences that this part of S Dakota offers , good accommodations with poor quality food.

Gay

Class of 2016

Pioneertown, CA

(5) 9 months ago

The program is as advertised and so much more. I learned so much in a fun and interesting way. I always looked forward to each days' activities and speakers. The reading list was also helpful and added to the overall experience.

Barbara

Class of 2010

Decatur, GA

(5) 9 months ago

The Road Scholar Mount Rushmore program was fun and enlightening. It wasn't on my bucket list but should have been. The tour content was wonderful, and I really enjoyed the people in our group. Road Scholar attracts interesting people who are interested in learning.

Hannelore

Class of 2005

TEMPE, AZ

(5) 9 months ago

One of the best Road Scholar events I have attended, which is many. It far exceeded what I expected. If you have never been to South Dakota you will be awed. The scenery is spectacular, as is the setting of our lodge. I learned so much about ranching, homesteading, the buffalo (bison, actually) and other wildlife, the history of the exploration and settling of the West, the local Native American tribes, the geology of the area, the creation of Mt. Rushmore, and more. Our leader Bob was wonderful, his weaving of personal stories and historical anecdotes into his talks made it all come alive. He is very organized, kept us on schedule, but I never felt rushed, and the pace was active but with enough time to rest. Our fellow travelers were all very personable, congenial people. A thoroughly enjoyable and interesting program!

Carol

Class of 1996

La Grange, KY

(5) 9 months ago

This program is excellent. Seeing Mt. Rushmore, driving the Needles Highway, visiting the presidential statues in Rapid City, going to the patriotic lighting at Mt. Rushmore and visiting an actual sod house used by settler were among the highlights. And staying at the quiet, pastoral K Bar S Ranch was icing on the cake. Our coordinator, Bob Drabek, was excellent. I couldn't recommend this program highly enough!

Ann

Class of 1999

Jacksonville Beach, FL

(5) 9 months ago

This was an eye-opening experience for me. I learned so much about South Dakota and Native Americans that I never knew. Our leader, Jerry Gau, was amazing. The presentation by Stephen Yellowhawk, both his life story and the dance were extraordinary. Seeing herds of bison and long-horn sheep and feeding burros were icing on the cake. The museums were unexpected for a relatively small town.

Douglas

Class of 2011

Grove City, PA

(5) 9 months ago

One of the best programs available!

Tenney

Class of 2016

Arlington, TX

(5) 9 months ago

Far exceeded our expectations every day! Thanks ever so much. And a special thanks to Jerry!He was great.

James

Class of 2015

Colorado Springs, CO

(5) 9 months ago

The Black Hills are rich in history , lore and geological formations . A lighting ceremony at Mount Rushmore is moving and inspiring . If you have not already explored the area , it definitely should be on your Bucket list .

Suzanne

Class of 2015

Jasper, GA

(5) 9 months ago

This is an outstanding program which covers amazing and beautiful geological features of the area, the history of the Native Americans and their interactions with early gold seekers and settlers and the hardships of both, the incredible artistic ventures of the Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse memorials, and much, much more.

Carol

Class of 2016

Rockford, IL

(5) 9 months ago

A wonderful, educational trip to Mount Rushmore, The Black Hills, and the Badlands!! We loved this time to not only enjoy these sights, but also to hear unique and interesting stories relating to them and other areas we explored by bus. Loved the train ride and the diversity of each day!

Hazel

Class of 2014

Altrincham, Cheshire, UK:England

(4) 10 months ago

If you haven't seen the Black Hills or the Badlands this trip will show you what a variety of scenery there is, and why the hills are special to the Lakota. The K-S Lodge gave us deer, mountain sheep and marmots in the grounds. I especially enjoyed Custer State Park, Needles Highway and the Badlands, and the prairie homestead showed what life was like for the settlers. Thank you to Karen and our driver Jacques- expert on the very tight tunnel.

John

Class of 2016

Huntersville, NC

(5) 10 months ago

If you want to be educated, have fun, see some exceptionally good up close points of interest and at a good price for your money then this is the program for you

Lalena

Class of 2016

Port Hueneme, CA

(5) 10 months ago

I definitely checked something off my bucket list. Everyone was welcoming. I traveled alone. I like how there was a mixture of couples and singles

Ruth

Class of 2003

Tucson, AZ

(5) 10 months ago

Great experience. Learned so much more about Southeastern South Dakota than just Mt. Rushmore.

Jan

Class of 2006

Point Venture, TX

(5) 11 months ago

The time spent near and at Mount Rushmore was one of the most pleasant trips we have ever taken. And our group had SO MUCH FUN as well!

Marcia

Audubon, PA

(5) 11 months ago

I highly recommend this program to Mt. Rushmore, the Black Hills, and the Badlands, and Crazy Horse. Hope it's finished in my lifetime. The people we met were wonderful. The instructors were superb. Learned a lot and want to learn more about the area.

Nancy

Class of 2007

Tollhouse, CA

(5) 11 months ago

This program offered a diversity of opportunities to learn. Every day was a new adventure and I thoroughly enjoyed all of them. Our guide was great and I met many wonderful people. If you have a chance to attend this trip, go!

Ann

Class of 2004

Draper, UT

(5) a year ago

This trip far exceeded my expectations. The Black Hills are beautiful. The group leader, sites visited, speakers, and K Bar S were all fantastic!

Braxton

Class of 2016

Sheffield, AL

(5) a year ago

If you have never been to S. Dakota and especially the Black Hills and Badlands, this trip is for you. The beauty of this part of the state and country are outstanding. Learning the history involved made the experience doubly satisfying.

Stephen

Class of 2005

Fort Wayne, IN

(5) a year ago

Don't miss this one. It is one of the top programs that Road Scholar has.

Marcella

Class of 2011

Holland, MI

(5) a year ago

I'm 90 years old, but this did not hold me back from enjoying the tour. Hope I can do it at 91!

James

Class of 2016

Roseville, CA

(5) a year ago

My experience in the Black Hills was so much more than I could have discovered and seen on my own.

Susan

Class of 2016

Davenport, WA

(5) a year ago

This is the best way to discover an area that you have never been to before. Road Scholar provides everything like meals, accommodations, guest speakers and the best part, transportation to various sites, so you don't have to worry about driving in an area you don't know. You definitely come away smarter! Can't wait to plan another trip!

Glenda

Class of 2014

Crestview, FL

(5) a year ago

Beautiful, educational, wonderful experience! Highly recommend this trip!

Kenneth

Class of 2016

Seaford, VA

(5) a year ago

This was my first Road Scholar tour. I was impressed with how well the daily activities were organized and facilitated by our guide and local resident, Tim Raben. Tim has a real talent dealing with members of the group, maintaining an even tempered but strict calmness, keeping all 36 of us on time and happy. Tim's humorous good nature and his varied knowledge of the people, places, and things we visited each day, really made this trip a success. To all my friends and family, I have been raving about all the history and the beauty South Dakota has to offer. Additionally, all of the local folks who were contracted to make presentations or provide transportation were very interesting and entertaining. The accommodations at K Bar S Lodge were nice, and the lodge staff were very helpful and courteous. The only negative comments I have are the meals were mediocre and the housekeeping was under par for such a nice lodge.

Ken

Class of 2016

Middleburg, FL

(5) a year ago

Our first Road Scholar adventure. It will not be our last. Adding a learning element to our leisure plans, and meeting people from across the country with the same interest made this an extremely enjoyable experience.

Syble

Class of 2015

Anacoco, LA

(5) a year ago

Mt Rushmore, Black Hills & Badlands was an awesome program. I enjoyed the diversity of scenery and variety of places visited along with knowledge of area provided. I particularly liked the 1800 train ride the last day, very relaxing. Also, accommodations were outstanding at the K-Bar Lodge and food served. I highly recommend this program if not seen this part of the country.

Claire

Class of 2016

Omaha, NE

(5) a year ago

This was our first Road Scholar trip and it totally exceeded our expectations!! Definitely consider this trip in your future! Jeff and Claire

Tom

Class of 2016

Springboro, OH

(5) a year ago

As a first time Road Scholar, this program was more than I expected it to be.

Catherine

Class of 2016

Virginia Beach, VA

(5) a year ago

I just completed the Best of Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills and Badlands Road Scholar Trip. I was delighted with the whole program. We had the "BEST" Group Leader, Tim Raben. The knowledge he and the guest speakers provided was invaluable and the bus trips completely covered the whole area. I highly recommend this trip to everyone.

Janice

Class of 2016

Byron Center, MI

(5) a year ago

We really enjoyed our first Road Scholar trip and hope to make it an annual educational vacation event!

Kay

Class of 2016

Folsom, CA

(5) a year ago

My first Road Scholar trip was an outstanding experience. I met some wonderful people, including our very knowlegeable, friendly and funny guide Jerry. I saw some fantastic places, included in a well-organized and smoothly run, all-inclusive program, with many learning experiences, including museums, excursions and after-dinner lectures given by local individuals. I would highly recommend Road Scholar for anyone over 55 interested in "learning after retirement" with other like-minded individuals.

Geri

Santa Rosa, CA

(5) a year ago

Terrific program and Jerry Gau is a wonderful leader. If you haven't seen this part of the U.S., this is the trip to take.

Judith

Class of 2015

Mooresville, NC

(5) a year ago

Great tour of the Black Hills & Badlands with the "Vanishing Trails" program in September: detailed program description eliminated surprises in level of activity, group leader and speakers were knowledgeable and interesting, field trip destinations were interesting and worthwhile, fellow tour members were interested in learning & enjoyable as companions and the lodging was excellent. This was my first Road Scholar tour and it far-exceeded my expectations in every way. Can't wait to choose another!

Melinda

Class of 2013

La Porte, TX

This reviewer did not give a star rating. a year ago

Excellent Trip! Each day was long and busy but worth every minute to see and learn all that we got to experience in this week spent in the wonderful black hills. If your like me and visualize flat prairie land you will be in for a real treat!

Cheryl

Class of 2013

Aston, PA

(5) a year ago

Excellent trip. Packed a lot into a short time. Learned a lot about the region, including history, culture, geology. Attended talks by knowledgeable and interesting local experts. Bought Indian jewelry from the craftswoman herself. I would do this trip again and highly recommend it.

David

Class of 2012

Avon Lake, OH

(5) a year ago

This program featured very interesting and professional speakers, authors abd photographers and visited some very interesting and little-known places in South Dakota.

James

Class of 2013

Guilford, VT

(5) a year ago

This was an excellent program, with very good presenters and well chosen field trips led by an enthusiastic and very well informed leader. We highly recommend this program. Jim and Pat

Vita

Class of 2015

Los Osos, CA

(4) a year ago

It is a valuable educational experience with many wonderful sites. Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, the badlands, Kevin Costner's ranch and the beauty of the Black Hills all make this a very worthwhile tour. I would suggest taking it in the spring when perhaps it is not so hot.