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South Dakota/North Dakota

Best of the Dakotas

Program No. 2281560MEADV-0219

Watch for bison along winding roads in the Black Hills and take in moonscape views in the Badlands as you explore the history and heritage of the Dakotas from the Ice Age to today.

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Program

At a Glance

Duration

10 days

Program Begins

Rapid City, South Dakota

Program Concludes

Rapid City, South Dakota

Meals

22 ( 8B, 7L, 7D )

Activity Level

The 60-foot faces of four U.S. presidents gaze out over the Black Hills. Recognized worldwide, Mount Rushmore stands as a symbol of American democracy. Experience this national icon and more as you explore the best of North and South Dakota, from the winding roads of the Black Hills to the other-worldly moonscapes of the Badlands. Visit national and state parks, memorials, monuments and museums as you discover the history and heritage of the Dakotas, from the Ice Age to the American Indian Wars. Learn about the influence of people like Lewis and Clark, Theodore Roosevelt, Sacagawea and Crazy Horse, and take in the splendor of the wide-open spaces of the western frontier.

Best of all, you'll...

Visit world-renowned parks, memorials and monuments like Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Devil’s Tower.
Learn about the history, culture and people of the Dakotas as you visit both states’ capitals, and find out more about the native and presidential history of the Badlands.
Appreciate the massive metal art sculptures along the Enchanted Highway, and attend the "Greatest Show in the West," the Medora Musical, featuring real horses, cowboys, song and dance.

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General Notes

Select dates are designated for small groups and are limited to 24 participants or less. If not specified as a small group date, departures will have up to 38 participants.

Paul Reed

Paul Reed has always had a heart for the Old West, which began as a toddler camping in the National Parks with his father. Serving in the military, his passion for aviation and travel was realized, and he has traveled extensively throughout the years, soaking in as much history and adventure as possible and discovering new places through food, local culture, and adventure. Paul enjoys sharing the beauty of the American West, its people and culture, and the place he calls home.

Please Note:

This expert may not be available for every date of the program

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Marilyn J Hovland

Marilyn Hovland is a native of North Dakota and a long-time resident of Rapid City, South Dakota. She has planned and directed Road Scholar programs since 1999. Her BS and MS degrees are from Black Hills State University in Business/Tourism and Hospitality. Her other experiences include Senior project coordinator for South Dakota/Wyoming cancer research project with Harvard University; radiological technologist, and storyteller. Marilyn enjoys traveling, performing with her “Well Done Players” group, and cheering on her grandkids in their many sports and activities.

Theresa Reed

Theresa Reed, born in North Dakota and raised in South Dakota, has always had a love of the American West and its people. Through her previous career in the airline industry, her passion for travel was ignited by exploring and experiencing other cultures through the local history, food, and people. Whether traveling as a career or in her free time, she is delighted to share local insight, stories, and the vast beauty of the area while fostering the true spirit of the American West.

David Ermish

David Ermish is a native of South Dakota and the Black Hills. He grew up in Spearfish and currently lives on the doorstep of the South Dakota Badlands in Wall. David has been a history teacher for nearly two decades and is a traveler himself, having coordinated travels with students and colleagues in China, Japan, and the Middle East, and multiple trips to European nations and regions. He has also been a football, track, soccer, and basketball coach. He is married with two adult children.

Activity Level

On Your Feet

Walking up to two plus miles a day on mostly flat terrain, some climbing stairs and in and out of the motor coach numerous times a day.

Suggested Reading List

View Full List (6 Books)

You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?

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Call 800-454-5768

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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.
Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.