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South Dakota/North Dakota

Best of the Dakotas

Program No. 22815RJ
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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At a Glance

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.
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.

What You'll Learn

  • 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.

General Notes

Select dates are designated for small groups and are limited to 24 participants or less.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
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.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Marilyn Hovland
Marilyn J Hovland View biography
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.
Profile Image of Theresa Reed
Theresa Reed View biography
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 as a flight attendant, 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.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
MEALS
22 Meals
8 Breakfasts
7 Lunches
7 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
Jul 11, 2024 - Jul 20, 2024
  • Jul 11, 2024 - Jul 20, 2024
  • Jul 11, 2024 - Jul 20, 2024
  • Aug 15, 2024 - Aug 24, 2024
  • Aug 29, 2024 - Sep 07, 2024
  • May 30, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025
  • Jun 19, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025
  • Jul 17, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025
  • Aug 14, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025
  • Aug 21, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025
4 nights
Location: Rapid City
Newly renovated rooms with atrium in main lobby. Located next to the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. Hotel shuttle will transport to within five miles of hotel.
1 night
Location: Pierre
Located close to the Missouri River and walking paths along the river. Within walking distance (one to ten blocks) to a variety of dining options ranging from fast food to sit down service, grocery store and postoffice.
2 nights
Location: Bismarck
Indoor heated pool and hot tub.
2 nights
Location: Medora
Located in the heart of downtown Medora the charming Rough Riders Hotel was originally constructed in 1884 in anticipation of an economic boom when French nobleman the Marquis de Mores built his meat packing plant, a stagecoach line, and several other businesses in the area. Originally called the Metropolitan, the name was changed in 1903 to honor Roosevelt's Rough Riders and their service in the Spanish-American War. That same year, Roosevelt returned to his beloved badlands as the first United States President to ever visit Medora. History of the Rough Riders Throughout the years the hotel has been operated by several families as a bar and restaurant, in addition to the sleeping rooms in the upper level. Since 1986 the Rough Riders Hotel has been owned and operated by the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, the non-profit organization Harold Schafer founded when he sold the Gold Seal Company. Though well maintained since the 1960s reconstruction, the hotel was once again in need of significant repairs. In the fall of 2008 a major renovation began at the Rough Riders Hotel, which included an expansion project and complete updates to the original eight hotel rooms, the addition of the 68 new guest rooms in the Tower, a full conference center facility, outdoor courtyard for meetings and events and the popular "Theodore's Dining Room and TR's Tavern" addition to the main level of the building.
4 nights
Location: Rapid City
Newly renovated rooms with atrium in main lobby. Located next to the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. Hotel shuttle will transport to within five miles of hotel.
1 night
Location: Pierre
Located close to the Missouri River and walking paths along the river. Within walking distance (one to ten blocks) to a variety of dining options ranging from fast food to sit down service, grocery store and postoffice.
2 nights
Location: Bismarck
Indoor heated pool and hot tub.
2 nights
Location: Medora
Located in the heart of downtown Medora the charming Rough Riders Hotel was originally constructed in 1884 in anticipation of an economic boom when French nobleman the Marquis de Mores built his meat packing plant, a stagecoach line, and several other businesses in the area. Originally called the Metropolitan, the name was changed in 1903 to honor Roosevelt's Rough Riders and their service in the Spanish-American War. That same year, Roosevelt returned to his beloved badlands as the first United States President to ever visit Medora. History of the Rough Riders Throughout the years the hotel has been operated by several families as a bar and restaurant, in addition to the sleeping rooms in the upper level. Since 1986 the Rough Riders Hotel has been owned and operated by the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, the non-profit organization Harold Schafer founded when he sold the Gold Seal Company. Though well maintained since the 1960s reconstruction, the hotel was once again in need of significant repairs. In the fall of 2008 a major renovation began at the Rough Riders Hotel, which included an expansion project and complete updates to the original eight hotel rooms, the addition of the 68 new guest rooms in the Tower, a full conference center facility, outdoor courtyard for meetings and events and the popular "Theodore's Dining Room and TR's Tavern" addition to the main level of the building.
4 nights
Location: Rapid City
Newly renovated rooms with atrium in main lobby. Located next to the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. Hotel shuttle will transport to within five miles of hotel.
1 night
Location: Pierre
Located close to the Missouri River and walking paths along the river. Within walking distance (one to ten blocks) to a variety of dining options ranging from fast food to sit down service, grocery store and postoffice.
2 nights
Location: Bismarck
Indoor heated pool and hot tub.
2 nights
Location: Medora
Located in the heart of downtown Medora the charming Rough Riders Hotel was originally constructed in 1884 in anticipation of an economic boom when French nobleman the Marquis de Mores built his meat packing plant, a stagecoach line, and several other businesses in the area. Originally called the Metropolitan, the name was changed in 1903 to honor Roosevelt's Rough Riders and their service in the Spanish-American War. That same year, Roosevelt returned to his beloved badlands as the first United States President to ever visit Medora. History of the Rough Riders Throughout the years the hotel has been operated by several families as a bar and restaurant, in addition to the sleeping rooms in the upper level. Since 1986 the Rough Riders Hotel has been owned and operated by the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, the non-profit organization Harold Schafer founded when he sold the Gold Seal Company. Though well maintained since the 1960s reconstruction, the hotel was once again in need of significant repairs. In the fall of 2008 a major renovation began at the Rough Riders Hotel, which included an expansion project and complete updates to the original eight hotel rooms, the addition of the 68 new guest rooms in the Tower, a full conference center facility, outdoor courtyard for meetings and events and the popular "Theodore's Dining Room and TR's Tavern" addition to the main level of the building.
4 nights
Location: Rapid City
Newly renovated rooms with atrium in main lobby. Located next to the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. Hotel shuttle will transport to within five miles of hotel.
1 night
Location: Pierre
Located close to the Missouri River and walking paths along the river. Within walking distance (one to ten blocks) to a variety of dining options ranging from fast food to sit down service, grocery store and postoffice.
2 nights
Location: Bismarck
Indoor heated pool and hot tub.
2 nights
Location: Medora
Located in the heart of downtown Medora the charming Rough Riders Hotel was originally constructed in 1884 in anticipation of an economic boom when French nobleman the Marquis de Mores built his meat packing plant, a stagecoach line, and several other businesses in the area. Originally called the Metropolitan, the name was changed in 1903 to honor Roosevelt's Rough Riders and their service in the Spanish-American War. That same year, Roosevelt returned to his beloved badlands as the first United States President to ever visit Medora. History of the Rough Riders Throughout the years the hotel has been operated by several families as a bar and restaurant, in addition to the sleeping rooms in the upper level. Since 1986 the Rough Riders Hotel has been owned and operated by the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, the non-profit organization Harold Schafer founded when he sold the Gold Seal Company. Though well maintained since the 1960s reconstruction, the hotel was once again in need of significant repairs. In the fall of 2008 a major renovation began at the Rough Riders Hotel, which included an expansion project and complete updates to the original eight hotel rooms, the addition of the 68 new guest rooms in the Tower, a full conference center facility, outdoor courtyard for meetings and events and the popular "Theodore's Dining Room and TR's Tavern" addition to the main level of the building.
4 nights
Location: Rapid City
Newly renovated rooms with atrium in main lobby. Located next to the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. Hotel shuttle will transport to within five miles of hotel.
1 night
Location: Pierre
Located close to the Missouri River and walking paths along the river. Within walking distance (one to ten blocks) to a variety of dining options ranging from fast food to sit down service, grocery store and postoffice.
2 nights
Location: Bismarck
Indoor heated pool and hot tub.
2 nights
Location: Medora
Located in the heart of downtown Medora the charming Rough Riders Hotel was originally constructed in 1884 in anticipation of an economic boom when French nobleman the Marquis de Mores built his meat packing plant, a stagecoach line, and several other businesses in the area. Originally called the Metropolitan, the name was changed in 1903 to honor Roosevelt's Rough Riders and their service in the Spanish-American War. That same year, Roosevelt returned to his beloved badlands as the first United States President to ever visit Medora. History of the Rough Riders Throughout the years the hotel has been operated by several families as a bar and restaurant, in addition to the sleeping rooms in the upper level. Since 1986 the Rough Riders Hotel has been owned and operated by the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, the non-profit organization Harold Schafer founded when he sold the Gold Seal Company. Though well maintained since the 1960s reconstruction, the hotel was once again in need of significant repairs. In the fall of 2008 a major renovation began at the Rough Riders Hotel, which included an expansion project and complete updates to the original eight hotel rooms, the addition of the 68 new guest rooms in the Tower, a full conference center facility, outdoor courtyard for meetings and events and the popular "Theodore's Dining Room and TR's Tavern" addition to the main level of the building.
4 nights
Location: Rapid City
Newly renovated rooms with atrium in main lobby. Located next to the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. Hotel shuttle will transport to within five miles of hotel.
1 night
Location: Pierre
Located close to the Missouri River and walking paths along the river. Within walking distance (one to ten blocks) to a variety of dining options ranging from fast food to sit down service, grocery store and postoffice.
2 nights
Location: Bismarck
Indoor heated pool and hot tub.
2 nights
Location: Medora
Located in the heart of downtown Medora the charming Rough Riders Hotel was originally constructed in 1884 in anticipation of an economic boom when French nobleman the Marquis de Mores built his meat packing plant, a stagecoach line, and several other businesses in the area. Originally called the Metropolitan, the name was changed in 1903 to honor Roosevelt's Rough Riders and their service in the Spanish-American War. That same year, Roosevelt returned to his beloved badlands as the first United States President to ever visit Medora. History of the Rough Riders Throughout the years the hotel has been operated by several families as a bar and restaurant, in addition to the sleeping rooms in the upper level. Since 1986 the Rough Riders Hotel has been owned and operated by the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, the non-profit organization Harold Schafer founded when he sold the Gold Seal Company. Though well maintained since the 1960s reconstruction, the hotel was once again in need of significant repairs. In the fall of 2008 a major renovation began at the Rough Riders Hotel, which included an expansion project and complete updates to the original eight hotel rooms, the addition of the 68 new guest rooms in the Tower, a full conference center facility, outdoor courtyard for meetings and events and the popular "Theodore's Dining Room and TR's Tavern" addition to the main level of the building.
4 nights
Location: Rapid City
Newly renovated rooms with atrium in main lobby. Located next to the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. Hotel shuttle will transport to within five miles of hotel.
1 night
Location: Pierre
Located close to the Missouri River and walking paths along the river. Within walking distance (one to ten blocks) to a variety of dining options ranging from fast food to sit down service, grocery store and postoffice.
2 nights
Location: Bismarck
Indoor heated pool and hot tub.
2 nights
Location: Medora
Located in the heart of downtown Medora the charming Rough Riders Hotel was originally constructed in 1884 in anticipation of an economic boom when French nobleman the Marquis de Mores built his meat packing plant, a stagecoach line, and several other businesses in the area. Originally called the Metropolitan, the name was changed in 1903 to honor Roosevelt's Rough Riders and their service in the Spanish-American War. That same year, Roosevelt returned to his beloved badlands as the first United States President to ever visit Medora. History of the Rough Riders Throughout the years the hotel has been operated by several families as a bar and restaurant, in addition to the sleeping rooms in the upper level. Since 1986 the Rough Riders Hotel has been owned and operated by the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, the non-profit organization Harold Schafer founded when he sold the Gold Seal Company. Though well maintained since the 1960s reconstruction, the hotel was once again in need of significant repairs. In the fall of 2008 a major renovation began at the Rough Riders Hotel, which included an expansion project and complete updates to the original eight hotel rooms, the addition of the 68 new guest rooms in the Tower, a full conference center facility, outdoor courtyard for meetings and events and the popular "Theodore's Dining Room and TR's Tavern" addition to the main level of the building.
4 nights
Location: Rapid City
Newly renovated rooms with atrium in main lobby. Located next to the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. Hotel shuttle will transport to within five miles of hotel.
1 night
Location: Pierre
Located close to the Missouri River and walking paths along the river. Within walking distance (one to ten blocks) to a variety of dining options ranging from fast food to sit down service, grocery store and postoffice.
2 nights
Location: Bismarck
Indoor heated pool and hot tub.
2 nights
Location: Medora
Located in the heart of downtown Medora the charming Rough Riders Hotel was originally constructed in 1884 in anticipation of an economic boom when French nobleman the Marquis de Mores built his meat packing plant, a stagecoach line, and several other businesses in the area. Originally called the Metropolitan, the name was changed in 1903 to honor Roosevelt's Rough Riders and their service in the Spanish-American War. That same year, Roosevelt returned to his beloved badlands as the first United States President to ever visit Medora. History of the Rough Riders Throughout the years the hotel has been operated by several families as a bar and restaurant, in addition to the sleeping rooms in the upper level. Since 1986 the Rough Riders Hotel has been owned and operated by the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, the non-profit organization Harold Schafer founded when he sold the Gold Seal Company. Though well maintained since the 1960s reconstruction, the hotel was once again in need of significant repairs. In the fall of 2008 a major renovation began at the Rough Riders Hotel, which included an expansion project and complete updates to the original eight hotel rooms, the addition of the 68 new guest rooms in the Tower, a full conference center facility, outdoor courtyard for meetings and events and the popular "Theodore's Dining Room and TR's Tavern" addition to the main level of the building.





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