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South Dakota

The Best of Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills and Badlands

Program No. 13160RJ
Discover South Dakota’s beautiful Black Hills and Badlands, where bison mosey through roadside meadows and hand-carved mountains tower over vast stretches of untouched wilderness.

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Participant Reviews
4.95
Based on 83 Reviews
SHOWING
Phyllis | Wantagh, NY
This was an enlightening, well-organized trip. I learned so much! If the food situation improves, I would certainly consider another Road Scholar trip.
— Review left May 18, 2025
Susan – Class of 2025 | Freehold, NJ
This was the first Road Scholar program that my husband and I took. Friends of ours asked us to join them and we are so glad we did. Our guide was very knowledgeable and personable and was always able to answer any questions we asked. The days were filled with nonstop visits to various locations and we thoroughly enjoyed every stop we made. The program itinerary was very extensive, and also included various outside speakers that gave us a wealth of knowledge. Can’t wait to book our next trip!
— Review left May 15, 2025
Rosalyn – Class of 2025 | Longmont, CO
Visiting Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument and the Badlands was inspirational. The Black Hills are beautiful.
— Review left May 11, 2025
Darla – Class of 2024 | Victoria, TX
We had never traveled with a company before. We have always done our planning and trips. As we are aging, we are starting to want to let someone else do the planning and make the arrangements. We had read reviews about Road Scholar and decided to give them a try. We were very pleased. If you like To know more about the places you are visiting, I highly recommend this company. We will travel with them again. They go everywhere and accommodate all types of travelers and ages.
— Review left November 11, 2024
Dennis – Class of 2022 | Kimberton, PA
Beautiful scenery and interesting experiences. This trip has inspired me to want to return to the area for deeper exploration.
— Review left October 6, 2024
Ryan – Class of 2024 | Rock Spring, GA
The road scholar trip to the black hills in south dakota was one of the best trips I have ever been on. If you get put with the group leader, Mike, you will have a fantastic time regardless of what the trip is. I fully plan on taking more road scholar tours in the future and would recommend the same to anyone.
— Review left September 29, 2024
Larry – Class of 2023 | Greenfield, IN
I enjoyed the program and was able to go to two places I've wanted to see for some time: The Homestake Mine. I was there when it was still operating and see that it is now a scientific research center. It is over 4850 feet deep, and they have various projects going from neutrinos to geophysics studies. The Mammoth Site was great too. It is a working archaeological dig site. It is very impressive. Those were just two of the sites I enjoyed seeing. It is a worthwhile trip, and I recommend taking it.
— Review left September 22, 2024
Kenneth – Class of 2024 | Zanesville, OH
This was our first Road Scholar trip, and it won't be our last. We had a knowledgeable and personable guide. The accommodations were comfortable and appropriate. The scenery was breathtaking! Our guide and the educational presentations increased our awareness, understanding and knowledge of the human and geographical history of the area.
— Review left September 15, 2024
Annette – Class of 2000 | Tucson, AZ
The Badlands visit was the highlight of a week full of natural and man-made wonders. The Crazy Horse Memorial and the Mammoth Site notwithstanding, this was a week of adventure it will take time to absorb.
— Review left September 14, 2024
Sherri – Class of 2023 | Bulls Gap, TN
This was my first Road Scholars trip and it definitely won't be my last! I had a great time, learned a lot about the Black Hills of South Dakota, and met some new friends along the way!
— Review left September 2, 2024
Caroline – Class of 2017 | Harleysville, PA
This program was fantastic. The Black Hills are gorgeous; we were able to stroll many times among granite boulders and fir trees. There was also "free time" in Hill City and in Deadwood. We visited an actual archeological "dig"and saw ancient mammoth bone and tusks. The Badlands were otherworldly . The Leader Jerry Gau was the best! I leaned a lot about SD and native American culture also. I highly recommend this program.
— Review left September 1, 2024
Robert – Class of 2024 | Brooklyn, NY
I enjoyed every bit of the vacation. It was educational and enjoyable.
— Review left September 1, 2024
Nancy – Class of 2022 | Cedar Lake, IN
Road Scholar’s trip through South Dakota exceeded my expectation! We had an opportunity to explore Mount Rushmore, the Badlands and Rapid City. We also learned so much whether it be a former gold mine turning into an exploration of Dark Matter or how dinosaur bones were found accidently. I learned about the personal stories of the Lakota Native Americans as well as the white settlers who defined South Dakota.
— Review left September 1, 2024
Karen – Class of 2024 | Thousand Oaks, CA
Our trip to Mount Rushmore,Crazy Horse and the Badlands was a wonderful experience,Everyday was a new and interesting adventure.
— Review left August 26, 2024
Roberta – Class of 2024 | Santa Rosa, CA
The Black Hills and Badlands are a beautiful and inspiring part of our nation. Not only will you enjoy the scenery but learn about the varied history of this part of the USA.
— Review left August 19, 2024
Molly – Class of 2013 | Springfield, MO
Another great learning adventure with an experienced guide, Jerry, who had excellent historical background to share with us.
— Review left August 7, 2024
Bonnie – Class of 2024 | Midland, MI
We so enjoyed our southwest SD adventure, we are already looking at our new catalog and planning our next trip with Road Scholar.
— Review left August 7, 2024
Thomas – Class of 2024 | Midland, MI
Most educational and well organized. Excellent leadership and friendly participants which made the whole experience memorable.
— Review left August 1, 2024
Thomas – Class of 2024 | Lexington, KY
An excellent exploration of some treasures in South Dakota that I had not known.
— Review left July 29, 2024
Lawrence – Class of 2018 | St Petersburg, FL
The Black Hills are a unique place; truly the wild West with many interesting places to visit.
— Review left July 23, 2024
Clay – Class of 2024 | Allen, TX
If you are interested in a trip that can enhance your knowledge of Western South Dakota while providing you with an opportunity to meet new friends, then this trip is for you.
— Review left July 22, 2024
Ginger – Class of 2024 | Granada Hills, CA
An amazing tour of Mt. Rushmore and the Badlands through Road Scholars!
— Review left June 19, 2024
Barbara | terre haute, IN
This experience was one of the BEST travel programs I’ve ever participated in. It was well-organized, had an excellent group leader and a variety of sites and activities built into the itinerary.
— Review left June 19, 2024
Marcia – Class of 2024 | Sugar Grove, IL
A lifetime dream to visit Mount Rushmore and South Dakota! The beautiful National Parks, the outstanding content of the program unique to South Dakota, friendly and informative guides and the wonderful trip participants all made this a phenomenal experience!
— Review left June 11, 2024
Jerry – Class of 2024 | Milwaukie, OR
A wonderful trip. The presentations were so informative and added so much when visiting the spectacular sights. Learning new things was fun.
— Review left May 26, 2024
Kathleen – Class of 2004 | Bellingham, WA
If you've always thought there was nothing in South Dakota to see or experience, you need this program! It was terrific for showing just a few of the many elements that make up this upper northwest state. I highly recommend this program.
— Review left May 26, 2024
Frank – Class of 2015 | Boca Raton, FL
The Black Hills area contains many fascinating sites within a small geographic area. Our Group Leader, Tim Raben, was outstanding. By far the best we have experienced in the 16 programs in which we enrolled.
— Review left May 19, 2024
Chris – Class of 2023 | Carmel by the Sea, CA
This is an excellent program on the Black Hills and all of the surrounding attractions. I highly recommend it.
— Review left May 18, 2024
Cheryl – Class of 2013 | Houston, TX
Definitely an experience to enjoy.
— Review left May 13, 2024
Sherril – Class of 2012 | Palm Desert, CA
See America and how people worked to make it a democracy
— Review left May 12, 2024
Lane – Class of 2017 | South Lyon, MI
Our guide, Michael Pflaum, was more than excellent, the trip was well organized and educational, everything went smoothly, and we enjoyed the participants and guest speakers very much. Our bus driver was also great. We cannot say enough about how wonderful our guide/host Michael Pflaum was. He was very informative, helpful, funny, and just great to have as a host/guide. We will miss him.
— Review left October 11, 2023
Patricia – Class of 2023 | Westerville, OH
An amazing opportunity to learn and experience new thing within a safe and welcoming environment. If you are on the line about committing, don't waste any more time. Just Do IT
— Review left October 4, 2023
Laura – Class of 2022 | Arden, NC
This program was a wonderful exposure to quite a few treasures of South Dakota. Seeing Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Black Hills, Minuteman Missile site and the Bison roundup at Custer State Park were spectacular. The people were warm and provided cultural and regional perspectives for us to learn from.
— Review left October 4, 2023
William – Class of 2016 | Madison, WI
This program covers some famous and interesting sites. Would highly recommend it.
— Review left October 3, 2023
Donna – Class of 2023 | Millsboro, DE
This was our first time traveling with Road Scholar & we were not disappointed at all. It was wonderful & we would definitely do another trip.
— Review left September 18, 2023
Lura – Class of 2016 | Chandler, AZ
I didn't know much about South Dakota before my Road Scholar trip. I found that it is a beautiful and enchanting state with bison roaming freely, the monuments of Mt. Rushmore and Chief Crazy Horse, mammoth and dinosaur discoveries, the strange landscape of the Badlands, and even cutting-edge scientific research deep in a former gold mine. Who knew? Find out for yourself.
— Review left September 8, 2023
Suzanne – Class of 2023 | Rincon, GA
A very interesting and BEAUTIFUL Trip! Highly recommend it. You are in good hands. Especially if you are lucky enough to get Pete the Bus driver he was the Best! Donna our leader was fantastic!! So much to see and learn. Go for it!
— Review left September 3, 2023
James – Class of 2023 | Lansing, MI
I highly recommend the Best of the Black Hills tour! Spectacular setting! Great guide, bus driver, and group. It's a very diverse and interesting tour. You'll learn a lot and have fun doing it!
— Review left August 21, 2023
Rita – Class of 2022 | Waller, TX
This is a fabulous trip and I would recommend it highly. We went to places I had never heard of (Mammoth Site and Minutemen Missile Site) and learned so much from each place.
— Review left July 18, 2023
Steve – Class of 2023 | Camarillo, CA
Came to see Mount Rushmore and saw so much more! Our leader, Jerry Gau, is a South Dakota treasure! Thanks for a great trip!
— Review left June 21, 2023
This participant did not give a star rating.
Wayne – Class of 2022 | Cottonwood Heights, UT
I never knew the Black Hills trip had so much to offer. Trip was well planned and organized. Accomodations at the K Bar S Lodge were very good. Tour leader, Jerry Gau, was outstanding. If you can arrange your visit to have him as your guide, it is well worth the effort.
— Review left June 12, 2023
Carolyn – Class of 2019 | Tyrone, GA
I learned a great deal from my trip to South Dakota. The group leader was exceptional in his knowledge and friendliness. Our group experienced at least two interesting sites per day. We saw Native American culture; the black hills, the gorgeous plains, the badlands, Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse memorial, and more. I highly recommend this trip. The K Bar S Lodge was well appointed and beautiful.
— Review left May 29, 2023
Elaine – Class of 2017 | Irmo, SC
This was one of the best tours. Not many people would think of going to South Dakota, but it is definitely a trip everyone should consider. Do you offer this for grandparents/grandchildren? It would be a very cool trip for children.
— Review left May 29, 2023
Juliet – Class of 2023 | Alexandria, VA
Fabulous trip with something for everyone. Beautiful surroundings to learn about geology, archaeology, native peoples, U.S. history, ranching, wildlife and physics research. Mike was an excellent guide. Highly recommend this program.
— Review left May 25, 2023
Darcy – Class of 2023 | Sparta, WI
Fabulous! I can't wait to go on my next adventure!
— Review left May 23, 2023
Tamara – Class of 2023 | Santa Fe, NM
Our trip, the Best of Mount Rushmore, Black Hills and Badlands provided an excellent learning experience and it was interesting to visit an active paleontological dig site.
— Review left May 23, 2023
Davida – Class of 2012 | Wharton, NJ
You will be amazed at how much there is to see and learn in and around the Black Hills of South Dakota! This trip, led by the amazing Michael Snyder, was the perfect mixture of scenic beauty and cultural and scientific exploration. - Davida
— Review left May 22, 2023
Evelyn – Class of 2020 | Bloomington, IN
Thank you for giving me an opportunity for safe, educational travel experiences.
— Review left May 21, 2023
Richard – Class of 2006 | Lincoln, CA
A GREAT Program, A great adventure, I am looking forward to more. But Hurry. I am an active 90 yr. old Person. Most often taken for a 75 person.
— Review left May 20, 2023
Tom – Class of 2023 | Clarion, PA
Outstanding program, leader and facilities!
— Review left May 14, 2023
Marion – Class of 2005 | Greenville, SC
The South Dakotans we encountered all seemed warm, welcoming, happy to have us, and--justifiably proud of their state. Mt.Rushmore at night is something which will touch the hearts of all Americans. The pit of dinosaur bones exceeded expectations and all previous in-situ experiences.
— Review left October 8, 2022
Adria – Class of 2022 | Wilmington, DE
I never knew South Dakota had SO MANY interesting things to see. I was amazed at the many offerings, and loved the whole trip! The buffalo roundup at the end was the icing on the cake!!!
— Review left October 4, 2022
Michael – Class of 2016 | Redondo Beach, CA
You will be very surprised at how much South Dakota has to offer in terms of the points of interest, people how much there is learn from this experience.
— Review left September 27, 2022
Barbara – Class of 2018 | San Diego, CA
The diversity of subjects covered in this program made it an exceptional trip. Every day was filled with fascinating things to see and do. Our group leader, Michael Snyder, made every activity come alive with personal anecdotes (he grew up in the area) or knowledge he acquired from the many books he has read. His desire to share his love of the Black Hills, and his respect for the people who inhabit them, made the program quite special.
— Review left September 21, 2022
Deborah – Class of 2017 | Stickney, IL
Michael Snyder was an excellent tour guide. He and our driver, Craig, made an excellent team ! I highly recommend this tour.
— Review left September 19, 2022
Linda – Class of 2022 | Derby, KS
Traveling as a single person I was totally accepted as part of the group. An excellent organization! Thank you Road Scholar for helping me to fulfill my dreams.
— Review left September 6, 2022
Linda – Class of 2020 | Columbus, OH
Wonderful trip! Bill Keck was a terrific group leader with an amazing knowledge of the area, the people, the history and culture. Also thanks to our driver Pete who drove the winding roads like a pro and was very helpful throughout the trip. This trip is a great way to see this area of South Dakota. I can't imagine being able to go so many places if I was traveling on my own. I really enjoyed visiting Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and the Badlands; and going to the lighting ceremony at Mount Rushmore was inspiring! We drove into Custer State Park and were able to park alongside a large group of bison traveling through the area. What a sight! Bill was personable, knowledgeable, and organized; and this trip included so many sites with notable histories. The optional presentations in the evening (at the lodge) were interesting. The Lodge was also nice, and meals in the evening there were good. Our daily schedule was full, but not rushed, and it was a relaxing and enjoyable week. Recommend this trip!
— Review left August 28, 2022
Lee – Class of 2022 | Traverse City, MI
This was an outstanding program. I learned a lot and met wonderful people. I recommend it for all.
— Review left August 28, 2022
Jeanne – Class of 2022 | Encino, CA
I normally wouldn't pick a group tour but due to the area and the amount of driving as well as the learning opportunities, I decided to try Road Scholar. I am sold, it was so wonderful having everything planned, being able to really enjoy the activities was a delight.
— Review left August 21, 2022
Kenneth – Class of 2022 | Berkeley, CA
Good value for the money. A great learning experience. Mid size 25 participants was just right. keep it up! thank you.
— Review left August 21, 2022
Judith – Class of 2016 | Livingston, NJ
What a wonderful trip! Road Scholar kept us busy and engaged for the entire week, not only with the sights we came to see, like Mount Rushmore, but also with visits to the Badlands and to an underground scientific research center.
— Review left July 25, 2022
Jeff – Class of 2022 | Newburgh, IN
Great itinerary, program and content, and very knowledgeable local guide. Highly recommend this program.
— Review left July 24, 2022
Greg – Class of 2019 | Springfield, VA
Great program!! Mount Rushmore and the Black HIlls were beautiful and exceeded my expectations. Bill Keck, our Group Leader, did a masterful job and provided extensive local insight.
— Review left June 23, 2022
William – Class of 2022 | Pittsboro, NC
This was our first Scholar trip experience and our first trip to S.Dakota. We thoroughly enjoyed the outstanding scenery and the excellent educational programs. We could not ask for a better leader. His expertise and organizational skills were outstanding. We look forward to going on another Road Scholar trip.
— Review left June 13, 2022
Mary Ellen – Class of 2022 | Lebanon, OH
This was an excellent trip and I highly recommend it for all. The vastness, the beauty, the history, and the diversity of the area are quite beyond what I expected. This was our first Road Scholar trip and we will definitely take another after such a positive and enjoyable experience.
— Review left May 29, 2022
Vincent – Class of 2013 | New York, NY
This is a well rounded program of introduction to the area and the particular history of it and the things in the area. It was great. We will return, after the planned part of our trip is over, for at least three or four more days in the area - It is a part of America that so few people know due to location and population density - it will help people understand the different values build in this lonely environment.
— Review left May 14, 2022
Jim – Class of 2018 | Flourtown, PA
feel free to use any of the comments I made in the survey for public use.
— Review left May 7, 2022
Byron – Class of 2018 | Silver Spring, MD
The program gave us a great overview of the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, the Badlands, and the Buffalo Roundup. The speakers provided excellent insight into various aspects of the region's history, geology, and culture. The program encompassed so much more than we could have seen on our own, plus someone else did the driving! We enjoyed the program, and it was a good value for our money.
— Review left October 11, 2021
Rebecca – Class of 2021 | Paducah, KY
This program is well designed. Mt. Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Complex, and the Badlands were wonderful and Bill is a great tour guide.
— Review left October 1, 2021
Barbara Annette – Class of 2015 | Clarkston, WA
The Best of Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills and Badlands is a fascinating and fabulous trip. Sufficient time is allowed at each venue and Road Scholar provides group leaders and speakers who are extremely knowledgeable about the area. I would strongly recommend this trip to anyone interested in visiting this area. If you are lucky enough to get Michael Snyder as your group leader, that would be an added bonus. He is fantastic!!!
— Review left September 29, 2021
Gary – Class of 2020 | Festus, MO
This is our first experience with a travel company and it was excellent. No driving,. parking, making reservations, waiting in lines. Excellent accommodations. Food was good. Excellent guides and bus drivers. We have booked 3 more trips.
— Review left September 27, 2021
Malcolm – Class of 2018 | Chicago, IL
Relatively easy to use.
— Review left September 22, 2021
Robert – Class of 2013 | San Rafael, CA
Well designed exploration of western South Dakota, its museums, towns, history, parks, and people with excellent leadership by Penny Island a lifelong local resident with teaching background. Everything from gold mines, bison, Badlands, national memorial Rushmore included with several extra special places shared with a cohesive friendly group
— Review left September 20, 2021
Glenda – Class of 2017 | Grand Rapids, MI
The excellence of the speakers, the quality of most of the field trip sites and the knowledge of the group leader all combined to make this a worthwhile program. The lodge were we stayed was in a beautiful location. The beauty and history of South Dakota are fascinating.
— Review left September 12, 2021
Candace – Class of 2021 | Cambridge, MA
Excellent trip, and jam-packed with varied activities which included Mt Rushmore (day and again in evening for lighting/event), the Badlands, several towns in the Black Hills, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park (saw bison and several other animals), the woolly mammoths site/museum, the Minuteman Missile site/museum. We had the option to attend several interesting lectures in the evenings, and the lodge was beautifully situated, with deer roaming the grounds, and a fire pit for evenings. Penny, the program leader, was topnotch and added immeasurably to the quality of the experience. Highly recommend this adventure; learned a ton and the group was great.
— Review left September 7, 2021
Arthur – Class of 2012 | Brooklyn, NY
This was one of our most enriching and inspiring trips ever! Who knew the Black Hills of South Dakota contained so many wonders--and with the expert guidance of Road Scholar, we were able to explore a treasure trove of them. This trip will reinvigorate your love for the richness of our beloved America!
— Review left September 5, 2021
Marian – Class of 2018 | Mt Lebanon, PA
If you are interested in learning more about different countries with like minded people, then Road Scholar is for you. My husband and I have participated in 5 programs, in the USA and abroad. We look forward to many more.
— Review left August 26, 2021
Kathleen – Class of 2011 | Torrance, CA
This Program of Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills and Badlands was one of the most comprehensive and diversified programs we have ever attended. I can't begin to tell you how interesting it all was -- things I never dreamed I would be interested in fascinated me and opened new doors in so many areas. I'm sure much of this was due to the energetic and dedicated program speakers who were able to explain so many varied subjects to us in layman's terms. This was not just monuments . . . it was about beautifully curated museums, interesting towns, the Mammoth Site, the Homestake Mine and the neutrino studies that are being done there, the Badlands, Crazy Horse,Custer's Army, what it's like to run a ranch, and so much more! Don't miss this one!
— Review left September 30, 2019
Frances – Class of 2019 | Altoona, FL
What a wonderful trip to South Dakota! We were surprised by the rich culture, beautiful scenery, bountiful wildlife, and enthusiastic residents who helped show us all the wonderful sites in their state. We would definitely recommend this trip.
— Review left June 17, 2019
Charles – Class of 2015 | Florence, AL
Great program that exceeded my expectations. Outstanding group leader excellent lecturers and accommodations. I learned much about American Indian culture and history of tribes of the area that were visited.
— Review left June 17, 2019
Karen – Class of 2017 | Dallas, TX
Wonderful trip----who would have known South Dakota had so much to offer!!!
— Review left June 16, 2019
Sarah – Class of 2015 | San Rafael, CA
This program offers an excellent overview of the highlights of western South Dakota. Do be prepared that because SD is a large state, you will spend more time on a bus than you might in city-based programs, but it's the only way to see key sights. It would be a good program for people who don't want to walk much. If you like to hike/walk, you are better off attending an active version of the program. Also, I went the last week of May and this year (2019) the weather was very rainy. Apparently the previous week they even got snow. So if you're looking for warmer but not too hot, weather, I would recommend early June or even September.
— Review left June 4, 2019
Barbara – Class of 2019 | Historic New Castle, DE
As someone who has never taken a group tour (since early 1980s China because I had to) and who has mostly traveled alone through Asia, Europe, South America and the Middle East, I found that group travel was not as difficult as I expected. Although I needed more independence at several points in the trip, I enjoyed meeting and getting to know my group and ended up really being impressed by their helpfulness, kindness, and intelligence.
— Review left May 12, 2019





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