The Black Hills and Badlands Plus Deadwood, SD
September 7-12, 2024
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$1399 Per Person Double $1249 Per Person Triple
$1149 Quad Occupancy $1829 Single Occupancy The Black Hills, located in the western region of South Dakota, offers granite spires, pine covered peaks and unique rock outcroppings. Named “Paha Sapa” by the Native Americans, the Black Hills are full of scenery, adventure and rich history. With one of the largest concentrations of national parks, monuments, and caves in the Midwest, you’re sure to discover the places that capture the spirit of America on your Happy Trails Tour to the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota. Adding to the tone of this Old West tour, we will be staying three |
nights at the beautiful Holiday Inn Express Gold Dust & Casino right on Deadwood’s main street. Grab your cowboy hat & your boots! Pack your bag and join us as we visit one of America's most beloved places - The Black Hills.
This Tour Includes:
Deposits and Final Payment Due Date: $200 per person deposit is due with each reservation. The deposit becomes non-refundable with cancelations after June 1, 2022. Final balance is due: July 1, 2024.
Cancellations: Money returned with cancellations between June 1 and July 1, 2024, is contingent upon what Happy Trails Tours can retrieve back from hotels, charters, theaters, restaurants, etc. No refunds with cancellations made after July 1, 2024.
Final Documents: Final documents, with specifics on boarding time & location are expected to arrive approximately 3 to 4 weeks prior to departure.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is available to help defray monies lost due to illness, family emergencies, acts of war, etc. at an additional charge. It can offer peace of mind and financial security. Call our office for further information.
- Round Trip Motor Coach Transportation: Convenient Boarding in Northeast, Central and southwest, MN provided by Minnesota Coaches out Duluth, MN
- Five Nights Lodging: One in Sioux Falls, SD; Three Nights in Deadwood; One Night in Watertown, SD
- Attractions: Three Nights at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Deadwood - Gold Dust Casino
- Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore Memorial, and the Nightly Lighting Ceremony.
- Fort Hays Dances with Wolves Film Set and Chuckwagon Dinner Show.
- Tour of Historic Deadwood & Mount Moriah Cemetery. (Boot Hill Cemetery Tour)
- Wall Drug and a Drive through Badlands National Park
- Seven Meals PLUS: 5 Breakfasts, Two Dinners (Buffet Dinner at the Silverado Grand Buffet & Chuckwagon at Fort Hays)
- Luggage Handling, Taxes and Most Tips … Fully Guided
Deposits and Final Payment Due Date: $200 per person deposit is due with each reservation. The deposit becomes non-refundable with cancelations after June 1, 2022. Final balance is due: July 1, 2024.
Cancellations: Money returned with cancellations between June 1 and July 1, 2024, is contingent upon what Happy Trails Tours can retrieve back from hotels, charters, theaters, restaurants, etc. No refunds with cancellations made after July 1, 2024.
Final Documents: Final documents, with specifics on boarding time & location are expected to arrive approximately 3 to 4 weeks prior to departure.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is available to help defray monies lost due to illness, family emergencies, acts of war, etc. at an additional charge. It can offer peace of mind and financial security. Call our office for further information.
Day 1: Saturday, Sept 7th 365 miles Travel Day to Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Board the beautiful Minnesota Coaches Motor Coach at locations throughout Minnesota with exact specifics yet to be announced. We'll begin with boarding in Grand Rapids, Iron Range Cities and south to the Duluth and Hinckley area and St Cloud area. Other stops may be added once we see where everyone is from. We wind our way southwest along Hwy 23 - stopping in St Cloud for lunch (also a boarding site).
We'll continue to Sioux Falls with an estimated arrival around 6:00 pm. Just set your seats back and relax as we travel along. You’ll find the day will go by quickly as you enjoy the company of fellow travelers aboard. We’ll stop every 2 ½ to 3 hours for breaks. All meals, on own today.
Tonight’s accommodation will be the Hampton Inn & Suites - Sioux Falls. The hotel has an elevator, indoor pool and hot tub, and includes a hot breakfast in the morning. Outback Steakhouse shares the parking lot for a convenient dinner location.
Day 2: Sunday, Sept 8th 385 miles Badlands National Park, Wall Drug
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a full day’s travel to Deadwood.
We’ll leave about 7:30 am. A mid-morning stop will be made in Chamberlain, SD at the Lewis & Clark rest area, Late morning brings us to the Badlands National Park, where we'll enter the 244,000-acre park, famous for its deep gorges and sharp lunar-like spires. Keep your eyes open for prairie dogs, big horn sheep & buffalo. Once we drive around Hwy 240 "Badlands Loop", we'll come to Wall, home to the Internationally famous Wall Drug Store. This is where we'll get our lunch today and maybe even a few souvenirs, and of course their famous 25 cent cup of coffee.
Board the beautiful Minnesota Coaches Motor Coach at locations throughout Minnesota with exact specifics yet to be announced. We'll begin with boarding in Grand Rapids, Iron Range Cities and south to the Duluth and Hinckley area and St Cloud area. Other stops may be added once we see where everyone is from. We wind our way southwest along Hwy 23 - stopping in St Cloud for lunch (also a boarding site).
We'll continue to Sioux Falls with an estimated arrival around 6:00 pm. Just set your seats back and relax as we travel along. You’ll find the day will go by quickly as you enjoy the company of fellow travelers aboard. We’ll stop every 2 ½ to 3 hours for breaks. All meals, on own today.
Tonight’s accommodation will be the Hampton Inn & Suites - Sioux Falls. The hotel has an elevator, indoor pool and hot tub, and includes a hot breakfast in the morning. Outback Steakhouse shares the parking lot for a convenient dinner location.
Day 2: Sunday, Sept 8th 385 miles Badlands National Park, Wall Drug
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a full day’s travel to Deadwood.
We’ll leave about 7:30 am. A mid-morning stop will be made in Chamberlain, SD at the Lewis & Clark rest area, Late morning brings us to the Badlands National Park, where we'll enter the 244,000-acre park, famous for its deep gorges and sharp lunar-like spires. Keep your eyes open for prairie dogs, big horn sheep & buffalo. Once we drive around Hwy 240 "Badlands Loop", we'll come to Wall, home to the Internationally famous Wall Drug Store. This is where we'll get our lunch today and maybe even a few souvenirs, and of course their famous 25 cent cup of coffee.
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5:00 pm- Estimated arrival to our hotel –Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Gold Dust & Casino. Ideally located in the prime tourist area of Deadwood City Center, this property promises a relaxing and wonderful visit. The hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay. You will enjoy free Wi-Fi in all rooms plus microwave, fridge, & coffee, 24-hour front desk, Wi-Fi in public areas. The hotel offers various recreational opportunities including a small casino, indoor pool, hot tub, & fitness center. The hotel does have an elevator, cocktail lounge, and across the street, Maverick’s, a wonderful restaurant. Deadwood will be our home for the next three nights. Enjoy. NOTE: We have booked a mixture of Double Queen & King rooms. We will do our best to accommodate requests.
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Dinner is included this evening so you will enjoy a delicious Prime Rib dinner at the Silverado Grand Buffet. But the evening doesn’t end after dinner. We have planned a special evening activity just for you. It will involve a bit of walking, a little excitement, and some history. (This activity is not a long distance or strenuous) We will end the day at our hotel about 8:30 – 8:45PM for a good night’s rest!
Breakfast & Prime Rib Buffet Dinner at the Silverado Grand Buffet is included today.
Breakfast & Prime Rib Buffet Dinner at the Silverado Grand Buffet is included today.
Day 3: Monday, Sept 9th Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore
Begin this exciting day with a hot breakfast served at the hotel. Today, you will want to dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes. Be sure to bring along a jacket and even gloves would be helpful.
Begin this exciting day with a hot breakfast served at the hotel. Today, you will want to dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes. Be sure to bring along a jacket and even gloves would be helpful.
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Our first WOW of the day will be a visit to the Crazy Horse Memorial. Board the coach and we’ll travel to Crazy Horse, SD, home to the 5th granite face that has emerged in the Black Hills. This is the face of Lakota leader "Crazy Horse". The visitor's center also houses the beautiful Indian Museum of North America. Upon reaching the grounds, we will be met by a Step-on guide who will bring us to the bottom of the mountain for a close look at the Crazy Horse carving. We will be only 1000 feet from this amazing structure. Once we return to the museum, we will have time to enjoy the beautiful displays and have lunch (on our own). There is both a snack shop and sit-down restaurant available.
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The second WOW of the day will be a scenic drive through Custer State Park. As we embark upon the Iron Mountain Road, we will enjoy the beauty of God’s creation as we wind our way through the Wildlife Loop where it's not uncommon to see buffalo, deer, antelope, big horn sheep and more. The last time we visited in 2022, we were thrilled to see the feral horses and prairie dog towns throughout.
To end an already fabulous day, our final WOW will be a visit to Mount Rushmore. You will be able to enjoy its splendor in the daylight but come evening, prepare yourself for the Evening Lighting Ceremony. We will Join a park ranger in the park's outdoor amphitheater for an inspirational 45-minute program focusing on the presidents, patriotism, and the nation's history. If you are a Veteran, you may be invited to participate in the Retiring of the Flag ceremony. As a heads-up, it cools off quite a bit when the sun goes down. |
Currently, we plan for you to have dinner at the park, again on your own. You will be notified of changes in your final documents.
10:00 pm- Estimated return to the hotel for a well-deserved night’s rest. Breakfast is included today.
10:00 pm- Estimated return to the hotel for a well-deserved night’s rest. Breakfast is included today.
Day 4: Tuesday, Sept 10th Deadwood City Tour with Mount Moriah Cemetery,
Fort Hays Chuckwagon and Country Show
Today will begin with a leisurely morning. Breakfast at the hotel is served from 6 to 10AM.
You will have all morning to explore downtown Deadwood and its quaint shops. The casinos open mighty early if you feel like a bit of gambling. We will begin our next journey at 1PM. Be sure to grab yourself some lunch before we go. (on your own)
After lunch, you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Deadwood where you will discover the Gold Rush of 1874 that changed the area forever. All from the seat of a double decker open air bus.
Fort Hays Chuckwagon and Country Show
Today will begin with a leisurely morning. Breakfast at the hotel is served from 6 to 10AM.
You will have all morning to explore downtown Deadwood and its quaint shops. The casinos open mighty early if you feel like a bit of gambling. We will begin our next journey at 1PM. Be sure to grab yourself some lunch before we go. (on your own)
After lunch, you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Deadwood where you will discover the Gold Rush of 1874 that changed the area forever. All from the seat of a double decker open air bus.
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Almost overnight Deadwood grew into one of the area’s largest towns full of miners looking to strike it rich. The legends that surround this small boomtown are known worldwide for being some of the roughest and toughest outlaws around. See firsthand, where legendary names like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane walked and were laid to rest. Your tour will include the Historic Streets of Deadwood up to Mt. Moriah, Deadwood’s famous Boot Hill, to visit the graves of Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and other gold rush characters.
To end our Black Hills adventure, we have a real treat in store for you. This evening, we will head to Rapid City to visit Next: Our evening will include a visit to the Dances with Wolves Film Set. Walk along the boardwalk and experience the movie set and the Wild West! Next...a toe-tapping - hand-clappin' good time at the Fort Hays Chuckwagon and Country Show. Breakfast & Chuckwagon Dinner is included today. |
Day 5: Wednesday, Sept 11th 375 miles Travel to Watertown, South Dakota
Enjoy a full hot breakfast at the hotel. We'll say good-bye to the Black Hills and make our 375-mile journey to Watertown, SD, where we'll spend our 5th night. Stops along the way will allow for comfort stops and lunch
Enjoy a full hot breakfast at the hotel. We'll say good-bye to the Black Hills and make our 375-mile journey to Watertown, SD, where we'll spend our 5th night. Stops along the way will allow for comfort stops and lunch
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You can look forward to a stop at the World’s Only Corn Palace in Mitchel, SD. During the summer months the Corn Palace offers free guided tours led by friendly guides full of "a-maize-ing" facts, like how many nails and staples are used in the decoration process. When you visit during this time, you see the Corn Palace come to life as it is redecorated annually with new corn, grain and grass to showcase a new theme. The tour also features an outstanding video explaining the Corn Palace Story. After the tour you can view displays about the Corn Palace, how the murals are created, souvenirs and entertainment from the past, and how the corn is grown. Did we mention there is a gift shop and Corn-sessions that include hotdogs, hamburgers, corn-on-the-cob, and The World's Only Corn Palace Popcorn Balls! |
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We'll arrive in Watertown about 5:30PM and check into our beautiful accommodations, The Country Inn & Suites-Watertown.
Breakfast is included today.
Breakfast is included today.
Day 6: Thursday, Sept 12th Homeward Bound
An included, full hot breakfast is served at hotel. We will begin our journey homeward with stops along the way~ Our expected arrival hour home is as follows; 2:45 pm St Cloud; 6:00 pm- Hinckley; 7:30 pm – Duluth; 8:00- Eveleth; 8:15 pm- Virginia; 9;45 pm-Hibbing; 10:30 pm to Grand Rapids.
An included, full hot breakfast is served at hotel. We will begin our journey homeward with stops along the way~ Our expected arrival hour home is as follows; 2:45 pm St Cloud; 6:00 pm- Hinckley; 7:30 pm – Duluth; 8:00- Eveleth; 8:15 pm- Virginia; 9;45 pm-Hibbing; 10:30 pm to Grand Rapids.
Things to know before you embark on your Black Hills adventure
Final Documents: Final documents with boarding location, confirmed pick-up and return times are expected to arrive in your mailbox about three weeks prior to departure. Your documents will also include your numbered and color-coded luggage tag for your checked bag and a medical form that we ask you to complete. We do not collect the medical form but ask that you keep them handy in case of an emergency.
Final Documents: Final documents with boarding location, confirmed pick-up and return times are expected to arrive in your mailbox about three weeks prior to departure. Your documents will also include your numbered and color-coded luggage tag for your checked bag and a medical form that we ask you to complete. We do not collect the medical form but ask that you keep them handy in case of an emergency.
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Things to know before you embark on your Black Hills adventure
Final Documents: Final documents with boarding location, confirmed pick-up and return times are expected to arrive in your mailbox about three weeks prior to departure. Your documents will also include your numbered and color-coded luggage tag for your checked bag and a medical form that we ask you to complete. We do not collect the medical form but ask that you keep them handy in case of an emergency. |
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Coach: The charter company is Minnesota Coaches from Duluth, MN. These vehicles are “state of the art” with comfortable seats, restroom, seatbelts, Wi-Fi whenever available, and fabulous drivers! Depending on the size of the group from central Minnesota, we may use a smaller van, mini-coach, or a motor coach to connect with the Iron Range Group.
Special Requests: Kindly let us know of any special needs you may have. We ask that you make your request at the time of booking or as early as possible. We do not rotate seats on the coach. We assign seating and attempt to honor special need requests on a first come first serve basis.While the bus does lower (kneel) to sidwe-walk level for easier access, you must be able to handle a few stairs to enter the bus. Diet: Please let us know if you have any special dietary requests We also ask you o refrain from using perfumes / fragrances due to allergies.
Hotel: We have reserved beautiful hotel accommodations for you. You won’t be disappointed. You will find indoor pools, free Wi-Fi, and elevators. Breakfast is included.
How to pack and what to wear: You can pack one suitcase each (which is handled for you - including tip for the porter). You may also bring on board a carry-on bag. The tour is mostly casual & comfortable however, it is winter. Be prepared for when you might be outdoors for a short time.You may want to pack one dressier outfit. You never know what surprises might be in store for you.
Staying Healthy: We go above and beyond the call of duty to keep our groups healthy as they travel with us. Not only does your HTT tour manager wipe down the high traffic touch locations throughout the tour, but our driver also cleans the bus each night. There is hand sanitizer on board, and all are encouraged to use it. Currently there are no Covid-19 protocols in place, nor do we anticipate a change. We must all acknowledge that germs and viruses reside everywhere. Out of respect for your fellow travelers, the driver and HTT tour manager, you are asked NOT to board the motorcoach if you are feeling sick. It is your responsibility to contact us immediately should you need to cancel.
Travel Protection Insurance: Travel Protection insurance is highly recommended. It can offer peace of mind and protect your investment from unforeseen events such as becoming ill, trip interruption or other kinds of emergencies. Travel Protection insurance does not cover “fear of travel”. They do offer a variety of products that may be a good fit for you. Such as Cancel for Any Reason, which would reimburse you 50% of your trip cost. Let us know how we can help you with this.
Tips: Happy Trails Tours will cover all tips for the planned meals and activities of the tour. You will be responsible to add a gratuity for any meals or activities for which you are required to pay on your own. Many of our travelers ask about tipping the Tour Manager and Motorcoach Driver. Tipping is voluntary but always appreciated. HTT will leave that up to the individual traveler to make that determination. There are recommendations that you can find online if you are interested.
Changes: We reserve the right to adjust this schedule for the benefit of all traveling. If a change of hotel, restaurant or an attraction occurs, we’ll replace it with one of equal value or better. As always… we’ll inform you of any changes as we learn of them.
Special Requests: Kindly let us know of any special needs you may have. We ask that you make your request at the time of booking or as early as possible. We do not rotate seats on the coach. We assign seating and attempt to honor special need requests on a first come first serve basis.While the bus does lower (kneel) to sidwe-walk level for easier access, you must be able to handle a few stairs to enter the bus. Diet: Please let us know if you have any special dietary requests We also ask you o refrain from using perfumes / fragrances due to allergies.
Hotel: We have reserved beautiful hotel accommodations for you. You won’t be disappointed. You will find indoor pools, free Wi-Fi, and elevators. Breakfast is included.
How to pack and what to wear: You can pack one suitcase each (which is handled for you - including tip for the porter). You may also bring on board a carry-on bag. The tour is mostly casual & comfortable however, it is winter. Be prepared for when you might be outdoors for a short time.You may want to pack one dressier outfit. You never know what surprises might be in store for you.
Staying Healthy: We go above and beyond the call of duty to keep our groups healthy as they travel with us. Not only does your HTT tour manager wipe down the high traffic touch locations throughout the tour, but our driver also cleans the bus each night. There is hand sanitizer on board, and all are encouraged to use it. Currently there are no Covid-19 protocols in place, nor do we anticipate a change. We must all acknowledge that germs and viruses reside everywhere. Out of respect for your fellow travelers, the driver and HTT tour manager, you are asked NOT to board the motorcoach if you are feeling sick. It is your responsibility to contact us immediately should you need to cancel.
Travel Protection Insurance: Travel Protection insurance is highly recommended. It can offer peace of mind and protect your investment from unforeseen events such as becoming ill, trip interruption or other kinds of emergencies. Travel Protection insurance does not cover “fear of travel”. They do offer a variety of products that may be a good fit for you. Such as Cancel for Any Reason, which would reimburse you 50% of your trip cost. Let us know how we can help you with this.
Tips: Happy Trails Tours will cover all tips for the planned meals and activities of the tour. You will be responsible to add a gratuity for any meals or activities for which you are required to pay on your own. Many of our travelers ask about tipping the Tour Manager and Motorcoach Driver. Tipping is voluntary but always appreciated. HTT will leave that up to the individual traveler to make that determination. There are recommendations that you can find online if you are interested.
Changes: We reserve the right to adjust this schedule for the benefit of all traveling. If a change of hotel, restaurant or an attraction occurs, we’ll replace it with one of equal value or better. As always… we’ll inform you of any changes as we learn of them.
