Happy Trails Tours
P.O. Box 55, Virginia, MN 55792
218.744.4159 ~800.635.7779
www.happytrailtours.com - [email protected]
P.O. Box 55, Virginia, MN 55792
218.744.4159 ~800.635.7779
www.happytrailtours.com - [email protected]
the Oregon Trail with Yellowstone National Park Badlands National Park & Mount Rushmore
Nebraska, Wyoming & South Dakota
September 9-19, 2026
Join us as we walk in the footsteps of the early pioneers along the Oregon Trail in Nebraska and Wyoming. We’ll take a wagon train ride and see the original wagon ruts from over a hundred years ago. You will also spend some time in Cody learning about Buffalo Bill and tour Yellowstone National Park. We have also included an overnight in Rapid City, SD with a visit to Mount Rushmore at night and a drive through the Badlands National Park. We invite you to come with us on this Historic American Pioneer Journey. We’d love you to join us and we’ll save you a seat.
- Deluxe Motorcoach Transportation with Boarding in Northeast, Central & Southern Minnesota
- 10 Nights Lodging: Des Moines, IA; North Platte & Gering, NE; Casper & Cody, WY; Rapid City & Sioux Falls, SD
- 23 Meals - Ten Breakfasts, Four Lunches, and Nine Dinners, including a Chuckwagon and a Dutch Oven Cookout
- "Oregon Trail" Attractions to Include: Scotts Bluff National Monument, Five Rocks Amphitheater Show, Chimney Rock Historical Site, Legacy of the Plains Museum, Fort Laramie National Historic Site, Photo Stop at Oregon Trails Ruts State Historic Site, Independence Rock, National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, and a Covered Wagon Trek on the Oregon Trail!
- Lincoln County Historical Museum and the Buffalo Bill State Recreation Area in Gering, Nebraska
- Trolley Tour of Historic Cody and Buffalo Bill Center of the West
- Dan Miller's Cowboy Music Revue and a Show at the Cody Cattle Company!
- A Day in Yellowstone National Park to include Old Faithful and a Picnic Lunch
- Mount Rushmore at Night with the film “Freedom: America’s Lasting Legacy”
- Badlands National Park and Wall Drug and Spectacular Mountain Scenery!
- Fully Guided, Taxes, Meal Gratuities, and Baggage Handling!
Deposits and Final Payment Due Date: $300 per person deposit is due per reservation. No reservation is secure without a deposit paid.
Deposit is fully refundable if cancellation is made in writing no later than July 9, 2026. Final balance is due July 9, 2026.
Cancellations: Money returned with cancellations between June 9th – July 9th is contingent upon what Happy Trails Tours can retrieve back from hotels, charters, theaters, restaurants, etc. No refunds with cancellations made after July 9, 2026.
Final Documents: Final documents, with specifics on boarding time & location will 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. We highly recommend travel protection insurance. Call us for further information.
Deposit is fully refundable if cancellation is made in writing no later than July 9, 2026. Final balance is due July 9, 2026.
Cancellations: Money returned with cancellations between June 9th – July 9th is contingent upon what Happy Trails Tours can retrieve back from hotels, charters, theaters, restaurants, etc. No refunds with cancellations made after July 9, 2026.
Final Documents: Final documents, with specifics on boarding time & location will 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. We highly recommend travel protection insurance. Call us for further information.
Day 1: Wednesday, Sept 9th Travel Day to Des Moines, Iowa
Board the beautiful Minnesota Coaches Motor Coach at locations throughout Minnesota with exact specifics yet to be announced. We'll begin early morning boarding in Grand Rapids, Iron Range Cities (Hibbing, Eveleth and Virginia) then south to the Duluth and Hinckley area. We will also provide boarding in the Central Minnesota areas (Baxter, Little Falls, Rice, Sartell & Burnsville). Other stops may be added once we see where everyone is from and how many people are registering.
12:00 pm- We will arrive to the Burnsville Mall, where we’ll blend our Central Minnesota folks on to the main motorcoach.
We will also use this stop for a lunch break. Our mid-afternoon comfort stop will be at the Iowa Welcome Center at the Barn.
5:45 pm- Estimated arrival to Des Moines – Drury Inn on Mills Civic Parkway.
Complimentary Kick Back light dinner & cocktails included tonight. The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure. There are other places to eat within walking distance if you feel in the mood for something different.
Board the beautiful Minnesota Coaches Motor Coach at locations throughout Minnesota with exact specifics yet to be announced. We'll begin early morning boarding in Grand Rapids, Iron Range Cities (Hibbing, Eveleth and Virginia) then south to the Duluth and Hinckley area. We will also provide boarding in the Central Minnesota areas (Baxter, Little Falls, Rice, Sartell & Burnsville). Other stops may be added once we see where everyone is from and how many people are registering.
12:00 pm- We will arrive to the Burnsville Mall, where we’ll blend our Central Minnesota folks on to the main motorcoach.
We will also use this stop for a lunch break. Our mid-afternoon comfort stop will be at the Iowa Welcome Center at the Barn.
5:45 pm- Estimated arrival to Des Moines – Drury Inn on Mills Civic Parkway.
Complimentary Kick Back light dinner & cocktails included tonight. The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure. There are other places to eat within walking distance if you feel in the mood for something different.
Day 2: Thursday, Sept 10th Golden Spike Tower Overlooking Bailey’s Yard – North Platte, Nebraska
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6:00 – 7:30 am- Enjoy a full hotel breakfast at the hotel.
Check out of the hotel and begin a full day of travel to North Platte, NE. 7:30 am – Depart for North Platte (about 400 miles). Set your seats back and enjoy the company of fellow travelers as you get acquainted with the Happy Trails family. We are traveling along I-80 west all the way to North Platte. We’ll make a comfort stop in the Lincoln area with lunch break, paying on your own, in Kearney. From there, we are only another 99 miles from North Platte, our 2nd night on the road. 5:00 pm- Estimated arrival to North Platte, Tru by Hilton on Halligan Drive. Tonight, we will take you on a private tour and dinner included at Golden Spike Tower. The |
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Golden Spike Tower is an observation tower that overlooks the world’s largest classification railroad, Bailey Yard. Now here’s all the trains you could ever imagine in ONE place!!! Very cool. We will explore the heart of the Union Pacific Railroad and provide a birds-eye view of Bailey’s Yard. We will take a ride up the elevator to the 7th floor to an open-air observation deck (or the 8th floor which is enclosed). A special sun-set dinner is also provided this evening.
Day 3: Friday, Sept 11th Buffalo Bill Cody State Rec Area, Lincoln Historical Museum & Scotts Bluff Oregon Trail
6:30-8:30 am- Begin this exciting day with a hot breakfast served at the hotel.
8:00 am -Check out of our lovely hotel, tour the area before traveling to Gering, Nebraska after lunch.
We’ll begin our day with a visit to the Buffalo Bill State Recreation Area. We’ll tour the house and show-barn once owned by Buffalo
Bill Cody! Next, we’ll visit the Lincoln County Historical Museum for the Canteen Experience. During WWII, a troop train of
Nebraska National Guardsmen was scheduled to stop in North Platte around Christmas 1941. All the citizens got together to welcome
the train with Christmas gifts and goodies, but when the train stopped, they weren’t from the Nebraska National Guard, they were from
the Kansas National Guard. One woman stepped forward and gave her gifts to the troops, leading to everyone following suit. Shortly
after, Rae Wilson wrote into the Telegraph and asked the people of North Platte to make ‘raising morale’ North Platte’s war industry,
leading to the start of the WWII Canteen that ran from December 1941-April 1946, which served every single troop train that stopped in
North Platte. No troop was ever charged during their time in North Platte. All food and supplies were supplied from rations and
donations. Over that 4.5 years, more than 6 MILLION service men and women were served. During the Canteen Experience, the
Curator of the museum will tell the story of the WWII Canteen to your group while they indulge in a Canteen themed meal, included.
1:00 pm-Depart North Platte for Gering, NE (173 miles – gain 1 hour).
3:30 pm- Arrive Gering and check into the Cobblestone Hotel on M. St.
8:00 am -Check out of our lovely hotel, tour the area before traveling to Gering, Nebraska after lunch.
We’ll begin our day with a visit to the Buffalo Bill State Recreation Area. We’ll tour the house and show-barn once owned by Buffalo
Bill Cody! Next, we’ll visit the Lincoln County Historical Museum for the Canteen Experience. During WWII, a troop train of
Nebraska National Guardsmen was scheduled to stop in North Platte around Christmas 1941. All the citizens got together to welcome
the train with Christmas gifts and goodies, but when the train stopped, they weren’t from the Nebraska National Guard, they were from
the Kansas National Guard. One woman stepped forward and gave her gifts to the troops, leading to everyone following suit. Shortly
after, Rae Wilson wrote into the Telegraph and asked the people of North Platte to make ‘raising morale’ North Platte’s war industry,
leading to the start of the WWII Canteen that ran from December 1941-April 1946, which served every single troop train that stopped in
North Platte. No troop was ever charged during their time in North Platte. All food and supplies were supplied from rations and
donations. Over that 4.5 years, more than 6 MILLION service men and women were served. During the Canteen Experience, the
Curator of the museum will tell the story of the WWII Canteen to your group while they indulge in a Canteen themed meal, included.
1:00 pm-Depart North Platte for Gering, NE (173 miles – gain 1 hour).
3:30 pm- Arrive Gering and check into the Cobblestone Hotel on M. St.
NOTE: This tour is completely casual and relaxed. This is a level 2-3 in walking but always at your own pace and comfort level. Let us know in advance of any special needs you may have. The motorcoach is chartered by Minnesota Coaches. There are several steps to climb when entering the motorcoach. It has a restroom on board and Wi-Fi to include outlets for charging.
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After we get checked in, we’ll reboard the coach and make our way to the Scotts Bluff National Monument on the historic Oregon Trail that pioneers once traveled by covered wagon more than 100 years ago. The sandstone landmark stands over 4,600 ft. above sea level; see original wagon ruts, hear pioneer tales from costumed interpreters, taste “hard tac” (a staple on the trail), drive up the 1.6 mile path to the Bluff’s Summit for guided trail hike, photos, and breathtaking views. |
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Named for the five sandstone rock formations (Eagle, Sentinel, Crown,
Dome, and Saddle Rocks) that surround the venue, Five Rocks Amphitheater is the setting for a Chuck Wagon dinner under the covered pavilion area. The dinner bell rings calling your group to an authentic chuck wagon cookout featuring Nebraska beef and all the trimmings. Enjoy the after-dinner entertainment on stage at the Amphitheater. |
Day 4: Sat, Sept 12th Travel to Casper, WY- Chimney Rock, Legacy of the Plains, Fort Laramie, Register Cliffs & More
6:30-8:30 am- Begin this exciting day with a hot breakfast served at the hotel.
8:30 am -Check out of our lovely hotel.
Begin another great day experiencing landmarks, wagon ruts, original sod houses and more.
9:00 am- We’ll begin by traveling a short distance to Bayard to Chimney Rock Historical Site.
Visible to wagon trails from several days away, Chimney Rock’s 120-foot spire was unlike anything Oregon Trail Pioneers had ever seen. This landmark’s story is told at the Abbott Visitors Center at the Chimney Rock National Historic Site with extensive displays, historians and films. Wagon ruts and remains of original sod houses are visible at the Chimney Rock Pony Express Station.
10:30 am- Return to Gering as we arrive to the Legacy of the Plains Museum with lunch included on the farm.
America’s roots run deep at Legacy of the Plains. On the Oregon Trail, the Museum and campus features impressive collections of pioneer and early community artifacts, blacksmith shop, sod house, antique tractors and implements on an 80-acre working farm. Come live the timeless stories of the Nebraska prairie. Enjoy a “Farm to Table” lunch served indoor/outdoor on the working farm.
1:15 pm- Depart Gering for Fort Laramie, WY (59 miles away).
2:30 pm- Arrive to Fort Laramie National Historic Site.
Start your tour at the visitor center, located in the restored 1884 Commissary Storehouse where you can view an 18-minute
orientation film, tour the museum, and browse the award winning bookstore. Listen to bugle calls while going through 12
restored buildings from 1849 to the late 1880’s period. You can also walk around the grounds and see staff members and
volunteers in period dress bring history alive.
4:00 pm- We will depart Fort Laramie for Guernsey, WY (16 miles away).
Along our way, we’ll make a photo stop at Oregon Trails Ruts State Historic Site. At this site, where the trail was forced away from the river and crossed a ridge of soft sandstone, the track is worn to a depth of five feet, creating some of the most spectacular ruts remaining along the entire length of the Oregon Trail. The geography of the area dictated that practically every wagon that went west crossed the ridge in exactly the same place, with impressive results. You can stand right in the ruts all those wagons created!
5:00 pm- Another photo-op stop is included in our itinerary at Register Cliff.
Following a day's journey from Fort Laramie, emigrants spent the night at Register Cliff, which rises one hundred feet above the North Platte River valley. The soft, chalky limestone rock made it easy for emigrants to inscribe their names into the cliff before continuing on their journey. The earliest signatures date to the late 1820s when trappers and fur traders passed through the area. Most of the names visible today were carved during the 1840s and 1850s, when the Oregon Trail was at its height. Today, visitors can walk along the cliff base to view the signatures up close. The cliff is defaced with modern graffiti, but the historical inscriptions at the east end (left end as you face the cliff) are protected by a tall wire fence. The historic site also contains a pioneer cemetery with several graves.
6:30-8:30 am- Begin this exciting day with a hot breakfast served at the hotel.
8:30 am -Check out of our lovely hotel.
Begin another great day experiencing landmarks, wagon ruts, original sod houses and more.
9:00 am- We’ll begin by traveling a short distance to Bayard to Chimney Rock Historical Site.
Visible to wagon trails from several days away, Chimney Rock’s 120-foot spire was unlike anything Oregon Trail Pioneers had ever seen. This landmark’s story is told at the Abbott Visitors Center at the Chimney Rock National Historic Site with extensive displays, historians and films. Wagon ruts and remains of original sod houses are visible at the Chimney Rock Pony Express Station.
10:30 am- Return to Gering as we arrive to the Legacy of the Plains Museum with lunch included on the farm.
America’s roots run deep at Legacy of the Plains. On the Oregon Trail, the Museum and campus features impressive collections of pioneer and early community artifacts, blacksmith shop, sod house, antique tractors and implements on an 80-acre working farm. Come live the timeless stories of the Nebraska prairie. Enjoy a “Farm to Table” lunch served indoor/outdoor on the working farm.
1:15 pm- Depart Gering for Fort Laramie, WY (59 miles away).
2:30 pm- Arrive to Fort Laramie National Historic Site.
Start your tour at the visitor center, located in the restored 1884 Commissary Storehouse where you can view an 18-minute
orientation film, tour the museum, and browse the award winning bookstore. Listen to bugle calls while going through 12
restored buildings from 1849 to the late 1880’s period. You can also walk around the grounds and see staff members and
volunteers in period dress bring history alive.
4:00 pm- We will depart Fort Laramie for Guernsey, WY (16 miles away).
Along our way, we’ll make a photo stop at Oregon Trails Ruts State Historic Site. At this site, where the trail was forced away from the river and crossed a ridge of soft sandstone, the track is worn to a depth of five feet, creating some of the most spectacular ruts remaining along the entire length of the Oregon Trail. The geography of the area dictated that practically every wagon that went west crossed the ridge in exactly the same place, with impressive results. You can stand right in the ruts all those wagons created!
5:00 pm- Another photo-op stop is included in our itinerary at Register Cliff.
Following a day's journey from Fort Laramie, emigrants spent the night at Register Cliff, which rises one hundred feet above the North Platte River valley. The soft, chalky limestone rock made it easy for emigrants to inscribe their names into the cliff before continuing on their journey. The earliest signatures date to the late 1820s when trappers and fur traders passed through the area. Most of the names visible today were carved during the 1840s and 1850s, when the Oregon Trail was at its height. Today, visitors can walk along the cliff base to view the signatures up close. The cliff is defaced with modern graffiti, but the historical inscriptions at the east end (left end as you face the cliff) are protected by a tall wire fence. The historic site also contains a pioneer cemetery with several graves.
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5:30 pm- Depart Guernsey for Casper, WY (111 miles)
7:30 pm- Arrive to Casper. Check-in: to the Hilton Garden Inn on Poplar St. 8:00 pm- Dinner, included, at the FireRock Steakhouse. Menu to be announced. |
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Day 5: Sun. Sept 13th Travel to Cody, WY ~ Independence Rock, Nat’l Historic Trails Center & Covered Wagon Trek
6:30-9:00 am- Start this exciting day with a hot breakfast served at the hotel.
9:00 am -We will board the coach and drive 32 miles to the town of Alcova to begin our touring on the Oregon Trail Adventure.
9:30 am – Not far from Casper is our first stop…. Independence Rock.
Independence Rock, also known as the Register of the Desert for the more than 5,000 names that are a part of our pioneering history. One of the earliest signatures carved into the large granite rock is 1824 by M. K. Hugh. The Rock received its name after an Independence Day celebration with William Sublette and 80 pioneers. The name stuck and became a landmark and goal of the more than 550,000 westward travelers. The Rock’s highest point sits 136 feet above the surrounding terrain. In the distance can be seen what is known as the Devil’s Gate where the river has carved a 330 foot deep cut through the rock.
10:30 am- 2 pm - We will return to Casper so that we can enjoy a bit of free time with lunch, paying on our own.
Our next stop is to the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center.
Begin your journey through the Trails Center with our 18-minute multi-media program in the theater. The program, entitled “Footsteps to the West,” combines light, sound, and images to re-create the lives of the pioneers as they traveled west. Many of the stories in this presentation were taken from the journals and diaries of pioneers. The program is narrated by Wilford Brimley. After the multi-media program, you’ll have plenty of time to explore all the exhibits throughout the Center, including an interactive wagon ride, pushing a hand cart, and much more!
4:00 pm- Experience a Historic Covered Wagon Trek on the actual trails of the Oregon Trail!
After the wagon ride, we’ll experience a Dutch oven cookout for dinner. Hope you are hungry!
Day 6: Mon, Sept 14thTravel to Cody, WY – Next THREE Nights – Cody Cattle Company & Hot Springs State Park
6:30-9:00 am- Start this exciting day with a hot breakfast served at the hotel.
9:00 am -Check out of our lovely hotel and travel to Cody Wyoming with a stop in Thermopolis, WY along our way.
Wyoming Hot Springs State Park ….Over colorful terraces along the Big Horn River at Thermopolis flows water from mineral hot
6:30-9:00 am- Start this exciting day with a hot breakfast served at the hotel.
9:00 am -We will board the coach and drive 32 miles to the town of Alcova to begin our touring on the Oregon Trail Adventure.
9:30 am – Not far from Casper is our first stop…. Independence Rock.
Independence Rock, also known as the Register of the Desert for the more than 5,000 names that are a part of our pioneering history. One of the earliest signatures carved into the large granite rock is 1824 by M. K. Hugh. The Rock received its name after an Independence Day celebration with William Sublette and 80 pioneers. The name stuck and became a landmark and goal of the more than 550,000 westward travelers. The Rock’s highest point sits 136 feet above the surrounding terrain. In the distance can be seen what is known as the Devil’s Gate where the river has carved a 330 foot deep cut through the rock.
10:30 am- 2 pm - We will return to Casper so that we can enjoy a bit of free time with lunch, paying on our own.
Our next stop is to the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center.
Begin your journey through the Trails Center with our 18-minute multi-media program in the theater. The program, entitled “Footsteps to the West,” combines light, sound, and images to re-create the lives of the pioneers as they traveled west. Many of the stories in this presentation were taken from the journals and diaries of pioneers. The program is narrated by Wilford Brimley. After the multi-media program, you’ll have plenty of time to explore all the exhibits throughout the Center, including an interactive wagon ride, pushing a hand cart, and much more!
4:00 pm- Experience a Historic Covered Wagon Trek on the actual trails of the Oregon Trail!
After the wagon ride, we’ll experience a Dutch oven cookout for dinner. Hope you are hungry!
Day 6: Mon, Sept 14thTravel to Cody, WY – Next THREE Nights – Cody Cattle Company & Hot Springs State Park
6:30-9:00 am- Start this exciting day with a hot breakfast served at the hotel.
9:00 am -Check out of our lovely hotel and travel to Cody Wyoming with a stop in Thermopolis, WY along our way.
Wyoming Hot Springs State Park ….Over colorful terraces along the Big Horn River at Thermopolis flows water from mineral hot
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springs. More than 1.8 million gallons flow over the terrace every 24 hours at a constant temperature of 128 degrees Fahrenheit. The Hot Springs State Park bison herd is the central herd for the Wyoming State Parks. During the late fall and winter months, the park bison are fed a daily supplement ensuring good health. The feeding usually occurs at 8:30 a.m., giving the off-season visitor the unique opportunity to view the "Monarch of the Plains," up close (from the coach window). The suspension foot bridge across the Bighorn River is commonly called "The Swinging Bridge." The bridge offers a unique vantage point to view the Bighorn River and mineral terrace. Hot Springs State Park has long been known for its beautiful summer flower gardens. Make a point to bring your camera with you and capture the exciting splash of color all summer long. We have included a picnic boxed lunch while visiting the park.
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1:30 pm- We continue on our journey to Cody, our home for the next three nights.
3:00 pm- Estimated arrival to the Cody Hotel on W. Yellowstone Avenue. 5:30 pm- Enjoy a delicious dinner and show at the Cody Cattle Company. Return to the hotel in the early evening after a great evening of food and fun! |
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Who was Buffalo Bill Cody?
By 1895, William F “Buffalo Bill” Cody had worked on wagon trains, been a celebrated Pony Express rider, military scout, buffalo hunter showman and entrepreneur. He had established his Scouts Rest Ranch, written an autobiography, started numerous business enterprises and, due to the worldwide success of his Wild West Shows, had acquired fame and fortune. Cody was nearing 50 years of age when he came to this part of the country. His charisma and successful exploits would make him the most well-known man in the world by the year of 1900.
By 1895, William F “Buffalo Bill” Cody had worked on wagon trains, been a celebrated Pony Express rider, military scout, buffalo hunter showman and entrepreneur. He had established his Scouts Rest Ranch, written an autobiography, started numerous business enterprises and, due to the worldwide success of his Wild West Shows, had acquired fame and fortune. Cody was nearing 50 years of age when he came to this part of the country. His charisma and successful exploits would make him the most well-known man in the world by the year of 1900.
Day 7: Tue, Sept 15th Touring Cody by Trolley, Buffalo Bill Center of the West and the Dan Miller Cowboy Review
7:00-8:00 am- Another hot breakfast is served at the hotel.
8:30 am -We are about to embark on a fun trolley tour of Cody next door to Historic Irma Hotel.
After our trolley tour, we will enter the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Here you will experience the authentic story of the American West to include history, myth, art and Native American culture, firearms and natural history. Our afternoon will be left for you to explore and stroll as per our own agenda until mid-afternoon. Lunch is on your own today in Cody.
7:00-8:00 am- Another hot breakfast is served at the hotel.
8:30 am -We are about to embark on a fun trolley tour of Cody next door to Historic Irma Hotel.
After our trolley tour, we will enter the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Here you will experience the authentic story of the American West to include history, myth, art and Native American culture, firearms and natural history. Our afternoon will be left for you to explore and stroll as per our own agenda until mid-afternoon. Lunch is on your own today in Cody.
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3:30 pm- The Dan Miller Cowboy Music Review, a Branson style music show.
We’ll get our cowboy music fix at Dan Miller’s Cowboy Review this afternoon. Authentic cowboy music at their brand new venue, located right next to Irma’s Hotel. Drawing from his Nashville days, Dan and his Empty Saddles Band plays musical styles ranging from cowboy and Americana to bluegrass and gospel. You are sure to love his show! 4:30 pm- We will return to the hotel to freshen up and relax just a short while before going out to dinner. 6:00 pm- Dinner is included tonight at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. |
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Day 8: Wed, Sept 16th Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful and Dinner at Irma Hotel
6:30-7:30 am- Another hot breakfast is included.
7:30 am -Wheels are rolling as we make our way to Yellowstone National Park.
We are about 1 ½ hours from Yellowstone and will enter the park at the East Entrance. Yellowstone National Park is a nearly 3,500
square-mile wilderness recreation area atop a volcanic hot spot. Yellowstone features dramatic canyons, alpine rivers, lush forests, hot springs and gushing geysers, including its most famous, Old Faithful. It’s also home to hundreds of animal species, including bears, wolves, bison, elk, and antelope. We’ll spend about 7 hours here today and will also include a picnic boxed lunch.
4:30 pm- We’ll leave the park and return to Cody, where we have a nice dinner this evening, included, at Irma Hotel.
6:30-7:30 am- Another hot breakfast is included.
7:30 am -Wheels are rolling as we make our way to Yellowstone National Park.
We are about 1 ½ hours from Yellowstone and will enter the park at the East Entrance. Yellowstone National Park is a nearly 3,500
square-mile wilderness recreation area atop a volcanic hot spot. Yellowstone features dramatic canyons, alpine rivers, lush forests, hot springs and gushing geysers, including its most famous, Old Faithful. It’s also home to hundreds of animal species, including bears, wolves, bison, elk, and antelope. We’ll spend about 7 hours here today and will also include a picnic boxed lunch.
4:30 pm- We’ll leave the park and return to Cody, where we have a nice dinner this evening, included, at Irma Hotel.
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Day 9: Thu. Sept 17th Travel to Rapid City, South Dakota – Big Horn National Forest and Mount Rushmore
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6:30-8:00 am-Another hot breakfast is included before checking out.
8:00 am -Check out and travel to Rapid City, SD. Today we will route ourselves along the Southern end of the Big Horn National Forest via east on 14 to Greybull then along 16/20 to Gillette. The scenery is spectacular! Time permitting we may be able to pull over for a photo stop of the Black Tooth Mountain’s Cloud Peak. Have your cameras ready! Comfort stops and lunch will be made and announced on board that day. 4:00 pm- Arrive to Hotel Alex Johnson downtown Rapid City. Welcome to the historic Hotel Alex Johnson, located in downtown Rapid City in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Since opening its doors on July 1, 1928, the hotel has played host to several presidents, countless celebrities, and a few spirits of its own. The handcrafted décor will leave you feeling that every step you take is a step back in time, while the amenities and services immerse you with modern comfort and luxury. |
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5:30 pm-Dinner tonight, included. More information will be announced.
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. Please dress accordingly. We will return to the hotel around 10 pm.
Day 10: Fri. Sept 18th Travel to Sioux Falls, South Dakota~Wall Drug,
Badlands NP and Lewis & Clark’s Monument, “Dignity”
6:00-7:00 am-Breakfast is included before checking out.
7:00 am -Check out of our hotel and travel to Sioux Falls, SD. (346 Miles) – First Stop…. Badlands National Park.
We have a wonderful travel day planned with fun stops along the way. We’ll make our first stop to the Badlands National Park, less than an hour away. The Badlands draws visitors from around the world. It offers striking geologic deposits containing one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Ancient horses and rhinos once roamed here. The park’s 244,000 acres protect an expanse of mixed- grass prairie bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets live today.
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10:15 am-Depart the park….Next stop is Wall Drug where you will have an early lunch, paying on your own.
Wall Drug is one of the largest roadside attractions in the world. About 2 million people a year visit this small town of 800 just to enjoy Wall Drugs famous donuts and their 25-cent cup of coffee. Here you will have time to get an early lunch with a bit of time to spare to visit the gift shops. |
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12:00- Depart Wall Drug and continue East along I-90 to Chamberlain, two hours down the road.
This will be our mid-afternoon comfort stop. This unique stop will be one where you’ll want to have your cameras ready. No matter where your travel take you, you’re unlikely to find a rest stop like this one! We promise you will not be disappointed. Unlike most rest stops, Lewis and Clark has not only a clean restroom and area to walk around, but also a hands-on history lesson that commemorates the Lewis & Clark 1803-1806 expedition. From informative murals to special exhibits and even a 55-foot-long replica of the explorer's keelboat, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this FREE museum. Overlooking the Missouri River, “Dignity” is a must-see 50-foot-tall stainless-steel statue that honors South Dakota's indigenous Lakota and Dakota peoples. She is breathtakingly beautiful. We will lose an hour as we continue eastward toward South Dakota – Welcome Central Time Zone.
2:45 pm- Continue our way to Sioux Falls with an estimated arrival of 5:45 pm to the lovely Canopy by Hilton on 4th Place.
We have a nice dinner included, this evening with more information to follow.
This will be our mid-afternoon comfort stop. This unique stop will be one where you’ll want to have your cameras ready. No matter where your travel take you, you’re unlikely to find a rest stop like this one! We promise you will not be disappointed. Unlike most rest stops, Lewis and Clark has not only a clean restroom and area to walk around, but also a hands-on history lesson that commemorates the Lewis & Clark 1803-1806 expedition. From informative murals to special exhibits and even a 55-foot-long replica of the explorer's keelboat, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this FREE museum. Overlooking the Missouri River, “Dignity” is a must-see 50-foot-tall stainless-steel statue that honors South Dakota's indigenous Lakota and Dakota peoples. She is breathtakingly beautiful. We will lose an hour as we continue eastward toward South Dakota – Welcome Central Time Zone.
2:45 pm- Continue our way to Sioux Falls with an estimated arrival of 5:45 pm to the lovely Canopy by Hilton on 4th Place.
We have a nice dinner included, this evening with more information to follow.
Day 10: Fri. Sept 18th Homeward Bound with Many Fond Memories
6:30 – 8:00 pm– Breakfast included prior to checking out of our hotel.
8:00 pm – Wheels Rollings as we travel home. Depending on where you live, we intend to log on quite a few miles today.
On our first leg, we will travel about 255 miles to Burnsville Mall, with a 30-minute comfort stop along the way.
12:00 pm –Arrive at the Burnsville Mall. This will be our lunch venue as well as our shuttle transfer for our friends from Central Minnesota.
1:30 pm–Board motorcoach – Wheels rolling. Travel East Along I-90
Estimated arrivals for Central MN: 3:30 pm – Sartell, 4:15 pm – Little Falls, 4:45 Baxter
Estimated arrivals for Northeast MN: 4:30 pm – Hermantown, 6:00 pm – Eveleth,
5:45 pm - Virginia, 6:15 pm – Hibbing, 7:00pm – Grand Rapids
6:30 – 8:00 pm– Breakfast included prior to checking out of our hotel.
8:00 pm – Wheels Rollings as we travel home. Depending on where you live, we intend to log on quite a few miles today.
On our first leg, we will travel about 255 miles to Burnsville Mall, with a 30-minute comfort stop along the way.
12:00 pm –Arrive at the Burnsville Mall. This will be our lunch venue as well as our shuttle transfer for our friends from Central Minnesota.
1:30 pm–Board motorcoach – Wheels rolling. Travel East Along I-90
Estimated arrivals for Central MN: 3:30 pm – Sartell, 4:15 pm – Little Falls, 4:45 Baxter
Estimated arrivals for Northeast MN: 4:30 pm – Hermantown, 6:00 pm – Eveleth,
5:45 pm - Virginia, 6:15 pm – Hibbing, 7:00pm – Grand Rapids