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South Dakota

Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse & the Badlands With Your Grandchild

Program No. 15968RJ
Enjoy a classic American adventure with your grandchild as you visit the epic monuments of the Black Hills, ride horses, dig for fossils, pan for gold, look for buffalo and much more!

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Participant Reviews
5
Based on 35 Reviews
SHOWING
Suzanne – Class of 2024 | Fort Mill, SC
The grandparent/grandchild group idea is GREAT. It was so much fun having many kids close to the same age together. Both kids and grandparent made new friends. It was a trip my grandson will never forget! The scheduling of tours and daily organization was outstanding.
— Review left August 4, 2024
Paul – Class of 2024 | Newark, OH
It was a very positive, interesting experience. Our granddaughter enjoyed herself and we did too.
— Review left July 28, 2024
Susan – Class of 2024 | Stamford, CT
In four action-packed days, we and our grandson experienced a fascinating part of the country, and engaged in a number of educational and challenging activities, for the first time, together. We made friends with other grandparents, he made friends with other kids, and we strengthened our family relationship. Priceless!
— Review left July 27, 2024
Mary – Class of 2016 | Lisle, IL
This was a repeat trip to Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse and the Badlands with a different set of grandkids! We had a wonderful time and enjoyed seeing the familiar sites through a new set of young eyes! Our guide, Cindii was very patient and helpful. There was a grandparent that made the trip uncomfortable due to the feeling that the trip was not catering to what they felt should happen. The grandparent felt that the schedule for departing to the different outings was too early, that the bus should return to the lodge to pick up swimsuits, even though all the others had somehow managed to bring the suits with them. I don’t think there was ever a time that this grandparent was happy with the program. Guess they didn’t read the details in our program outline. Cindii, always came up with a suggestion, even though it was not appreciated. The schedule was reasonable and I will admit a little tiring, but fun. The new gold panning site was much better than just panning at the sluice. A very realistic lesson for the kids. The horseback ride was lovely, and the lighting ceremony at night at Mt Rushmore was inspiring. We enjoyed the evening with Robert Yellowhawk and his family very much. We appreciate all the hard work that went into making this program, and I would like to include a big thank you to our bus driver, Cody, who was such a gentleman and shared some of his family history. Thank you to Cindii for all her hard work and patience with such a diverse set of grandparents and grandchildren. Ken and Mary Miles Genna(Eve) and Isaac Goldman.
— Review left July 26, 2024
Maralyn – Class of 2016 | Somerset, NJ
A truly rewarding experience being in South Dakota, learning about the great sites, Very Americana and Patriotic being at Mt. Rushmore. Loved meeting new families from many areas.
— Review left July 23, 2024
Jessica – Class of 2016 | Frisco, CO
The Mt. Rushmore Grandparent trip was a wonderful experience that we shared with our 2 grandkids, ages 10 and 11 1/2. We had a great time, had lots of fun, while learning so much. Our tour leader, Donna Fisher, was warm, friendly and a great teacher. I can't wait to go on another Grandparent trip!
— Review left July 8, 2024
Sheron – Class of 2019 | Manassas, VA
This Road Scholar trip the Mt Rushmore was excellent! So much packed into 5 days and everything so exciting! I would highly recommend it for anyone thinking of going West to visit any of the country’s national parks!
— Review left June 22, 2024
Susan – Class of 2024 | Verdi, NV
The program exceeded my expectations and I already had high expectations.
— Review left June 19, 2024
Jerome – Class of 2024 | Ormond Beach, FL
Well worth the trip! Very educational for all who attended including grandparents and grandchildren alike. Enjoyed each of the venues. Great time to share with our grandchildren. Great week!
— Review left June 18, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Linda – Class of 2023 | Oak Park, IL
Future adventurers, in 500,000 yrs the Badlands will be flat and gone---get going! It was wonderful
— Review left August 1, 2023
Margaret – Class of 2013 | Ocean View, DE
This was a great program for me and my grandson. Our trip leader, David, was great with the kids.
— Review left July 30, 2023
Sue – Class of 2012 | Brown City, MI
Watching our grandsons pan for gold, dig for mammoth bones, hike in the Badlands, and enjoy the company of other grandchildren as they shared those adventures and more, was priceless!
— Review left June 30, 2023
Arlene – Class of 2004 | Bloomsburg, PA
This trip is packed full of things to see, do, and learn. Donna is full of interesting information and loves to share it. K Bar S Lodge is a beautiful place to stay and the kids loved playing in the "meadow."
— Review left June 28, 2023
Karen – Class of 2023 | Mountain Brk, AL
Such an excellent program and learning experience for me and my grandson. Wonderful traveling with “like-minded people” who enjoy traveling and sharing with their grands!
— Review left June 26, 2023
Jan – Class of 2008 | Falls Church, VA
Every day was jam-packed. There was so much to see and do! The children bonded with each other, and spent time after dinner playing kickball, etc. We all enjoyed seeing and experiencing new things! There were a number of grandparent/grandchild joint activities which was great. Our 11-year-old was one of the youngest in the group, but she was included in everything by the older kids. I recommend this trip!
— Review left June 24, 2023
Rhett – Class of 2017 | Sedona, AZ
If you are looking for a fun, interesting, and educational trip with your children/grandchildren this is the one to take, especially if David Ireland is your group leader.
— Review left June 20, 2023
Zenon – Class of 2022 | Lansing, MI
Excellent program for our grandson. He picked this Grandparent experience and all of us were happy with it.
— Review left August 6, 2022
Barbara – Class of 2020 | La Plata, MD
Terrific intergenerational trip! We all had a great time, learned a lot and our grandson stayed engaged the entire time.
— Review left August 3, 2022
Mairgrid – Class of 2019 | Belmont, MA
I can't say enough about the Grandparents' trips! I have taken 2 of my grandchildren (on different trips) and intend to take my other three when each one turns 10. Road Scholar plans a wonderful balance of education and fun. We all learned AND had fun. I am so appreciative of the opportunities Road Scholar provides.
— Review left July 25, 2022
Gail – Class of 2011 | Orangevale, CA
Mount Rushmore, Crazy House and the Badlands is an excellent trip. The activities are fun, and the days are full. Culture, history, nature, and friendship - it has it all.
— Review left July 24, 2022
Louise – Class of 2022 | Knoxville, TN
Excellent program for a grandparent/child grouping. Plenty to keep the young ones active and interested and to allow the grandparents to positively interact with the grandchildren.
— Review left July 23, 2022
Eileen – Class of 2012 | Washington Crossing, PA
This was a very positive experience for me and for my 13 year old granddaughter. Our days were full, enriching and also lots of fun. There was something for everyone on this tour. The activities were well suited for all ages. I did find scampering over the rocks in the Badlands a bit precarious but I had the option of hanging back with some of the other grandparents who also recognized their limitations. David, our tour manager was exceptional. His laid back, pleasant style combined with his vast knowledge of the area contributed to our enjoyment. Mick, our bus driver, did an incredible job navigating some of those challenging roads. I highly recommend this tour.
— Review left July 19, 2022
Maralyn – Class of 2016 | Somerset, NJ
Wanting to visit So Dakota becomes a highlight after experiencing a shared trip with other grandparents & grandchildren. This was my 2nd trip to the same excursion, and I hope to return to the same trip with another grandchild. Feeling proud to be an American at Mount Rushmore!
— Review left July 17, 2022
Christine – Class of 2022 | Ridgewood, NJ
I loved my first experience with the Road Scholar Multi-Generational Program! The diversity and length of the trip was perfect, our Group Leader was fun and informative, the accommodations were delightful and convenient, and both grandmothers and our granddaughter enjoyed it immensely!
— Review left July 8, 2022
Livia – Class of 2010 | Madison, WI
First grandparent trip and it was highly enjoyable for my grandson and me. Roberta was terrific: knowledgeable about the area and engaged the kids. We would have liked a little more hiking, but overall the program was as indicated. Perhaps an additional day would have been great. My grandson made lots of friends, adding to his enjoyment. The grounds of the lodge is expansive and kids friendly. Highly recommended.
— Review left June 25, 2022
Max – Class of 2022 | Ringgold, GA
Our family thoroughly enjoyed our Road Scholar experience. We learned a lot, played, and met lots of new people. We highly recommend it.
— Review left June 19, 2022
Laura – Class of 2022 | Glenview, IL
We had a great week and enjoyed the trip very much. Our days were full but not TOO full. Our instructor Donna made the trip really fun with her subject knowledge and good sense of humor and fun. You CAN do it! The kids were so good and very cute and funny. We will do another Road Scholar trip.
— Review left June 19, 2022
James – Class of 2022 | Martinsville, IN
The Mt Rushmore Road Scholar program was much more than the monument to 4 Presidents. Insight into the history and family commitments to both Rushmore & Crazy Horse was a revelation. The political/cultural insights are rich. The geological/paleontology perspectives are humbling. The opportunities for rich intergenerational learning are wonderful. The kids loved it.
— Review left June 17, 2022
Judith – Class of 2012 | Millsboro, DE
Another excellent Road Scholar Intergenerational program, this time with grandsons age 10 and 11. Donna is a gem as a leader. Her knowledge and ability to share it made this trip a joy. The accommodations at KBar are first rate. There is so much to see in the Black Hills and this trip made us want to return. The wildlife sightings were exceptional and thrilled our grandsons. We would highly recommend this trip to anyone wanting to see the Black Hills highlights.
— Review left August 1, 2021
Margaret – Class of 2015 | Gainesville, GA
This program has it all: a fantastic, knowledgeable leader in Donna Fisher; beautiful scenery in the mountainous Black Hills; inspiring sites in Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial; wild animal sightings; a paleontology dig; and lots of fun in the alpine slide and Evans Plunge indoor pool. My grandchild learned about Native American and pioneer history as well as geology. It was a great program for young and old alike !
— Review left July 18, 2021
Jo Anne – Class of 2001 | Auburn, CA
Such a great program with so much to see, to do and learn about. One of our highlights was seeing between 300 - 500 bison together in a large area of Custer State Park.
— Review left August 1, 2019
C. – Class of 2003 | Meadville, PA
Great program for the 11 thru 14 age group. Do highly recommend this program. We had a wonderful time with the kids and grandparents.
— Review left July 14, 2019
Barb – Class of 2011 | Marshfield, WI
Entertaining and insightful experience!
— Review left July 5, 2019
Carol – Class of 2014 | Reynoldsburg, OH
Fun, informative, active, and multicultural. Relaxing site, great food, and good service this program has lots of hands-on learning activities for all. Well worth the time, energy and cost for all.
— Review left June 28, 2019
Mary Beth – Class of 2019 | Longview, TX
Wonderful trip! Everything about this trip was a wonderful memory for my grandchild and myself.
— Review left June 24, 2019





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