Buffalo Roundup

Enjoy the Wild West!

1st Day: Today, we travel west across the Great Smoky Mountains and into Tennessee. We'll be overnighting in Kentucky, just over the state line.

2nd Day: We depart this morning, heading for St. Louis, MO, for a truly monumental stop before continuing west to Columbia. Our main focus will be the spectacular Gateway Arch, the iconic 630-foot-tall stainless steel structure that symbolizes America's pioneering spirit. We'll take the unique tram ride to the very top for breathtaking, panoramic views of the city, the beautiful riverfront, and the mighty Mississippi River. Following the ride, we’ll explore the innovative Museum at the Gateway Arch. This interactive museum chronicles the history of the Native Americans, explorers, and pioneers who shaped the American West, providing a fascinating and deep dive into this pivotal moment in history. After this essential stop in St. Louis, we continue our journey westward to Columbia, MO, where we check in for the night. (B)

3rd Day: Today is a significant travel day as we journey north through the heart of the Midwest, departing Missouri and traveling across the plains of Kansas, Iowa, and finally into South Dakota. We are heading for Sioux Falls, the vibrant city named after its greatest natural wonder: the Falls of the Big Sioux River. Upon arrival, you will be struck by the sheer volume of water rushing over the distinctive pink and red quartzite rocks in Falls Park. We will take time to admire the powerful scenery of the cascades and the historic ruins. We will have dinner at the Falls Overlook Cafe, before checking into our hotel for the night. (B, D)

4th Day: Today is going to be a most interesting one with such highlights as the Corn Palace and the South Dakota Badlands with the colorful hills and canyons. The World’s Only Corn Palace is located in Mitchell, and is redecorated annually with corn, grain and grass to showcase a new theme.  The Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway (SD 240) passes through some of the most amazing buttes, cliffs and multi-colored spires of Badlands National Park. Next, we’ll stop at the world-famous Wall Drug, in Wall, South Dakota. Wall Drug is a wonderland of free attractions, western art and photo collections. It has a fantastic restaurant and 18 unique retail outlets, and you can get a 5-cent coffee. Once we have explored all they have to offer, we will depart for Deadwood, SD with the rest of the evening free. (B, D)

5th Day: This morning we’ll have time in fascinating Downtown Deadwood, a National Historic Landmark District famous for its genuine Gold Rush history, legendary outlaws, and unique blend of preserved Victorian architecture and modern, small-stakes gambling. The entire district is meticulously preserved, making you feel like you've stepped back to 1876. After enjoying some free time in Deadwood, we'll travel to Rapid City, SD, and check into our hotel, where we'll be based for the next three nights. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Custer State Park for the Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour with an expert guide. The tour takes us off the main Wildlife Loop Road onto private interior roads for closer views of the park's free-roaming buffalo herd, bison and other wildlife. Following the tour, we’ll enjoy the Chuckwagon dinner show at Fort Hays Dances with Wolves film set. The supper bell rings loud to call all cowboys and cowgirls to bring their appetites. We serve up the best chuckwagon menu in the West, and it’s sure to make your mouth water. It’s all served on handmade tin plates with drinks poured into tin cups. The Rockin' Wranglers take the stage to entertain you with the Black Hills’ most popular music variety show. (B, D)

6th Day: This morning, we begin our day at the awe-inspiring Crazy Horse National Memorial. Dedicated to the Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse, this colossal mountain carving in the Black Hills, still in progress, will be the largest sculpture in the world upon completion, measuring 641 feet long and 563 feet high. We'll learn about the immense effort and vision behind the project in the Home Studio Museum of sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski. Our final stop on the tour is at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. There is plenty of time to see all the park has to offer, including the Lincoln Borglum Museum and the sculptors’ studio. The evening will be free to enjoy with dinner on your own. (B)

7th Day: Today is a truly extraordinary day. We head out early for Custer State Park to experience the famous annual Buffalo Roundup. Cowboys and cowgirls on horseback will drive the park's massive herd of over 1,300 bison into the corrals. Following the main event, the afternoon will include a box lunch and time to explore the arts, crafts, and other vendors at the Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival. (B, BL)

8th Day: This morning, we depart Rapid City, to begin our journey toward home. We will stop to view the Cathedral of St. Joseph en route to Fairmont, MN. Tonight, have time on your own to rest and relax. (B)

9th Day: We continue our eastward journey into Illinois and the "Second City,” arriving in downtown Chicago this afternoon. (B)

10th day: We begin our final morning in Chicago with a visit to the 360 Chicago Observation Deck, widely considered the city's ultimate vantage point. The 17,000-square-foot observation deck provides stunning, unobstructed views from approximately 1,000 feet above the Magnificent Mile. It offers panoramic, 360-degree views of the Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan, and up to three neighboring states (Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan) on a clear day. We then make our way to Louisville, KY, our home for the night. (B)

11th Day:  After breakfast, we board the coach for a historic tour of the Kentucky Derby Museum, where you will be immersed in the world of Thoroughbred racing. This tour will give you a glimpse into the Winners Circle, where champions are celebrated. We will depart for home following the tour. Arriving back at approximately 7:30 PM. (B)

Special Notice: $100.00 deposit is required to reserve your space. Balance due 60 days prior to departure. Cancellation within 60 days of departure will result in payment forfeiture. Trip Cancellation Insurance is advised.