Country Travel Discoveries 2022
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1409126
DAY 4—DEVILS TOWER/ CATTLE RANCH/CENTER OF THE NATION We start our day at Devils Tower, America's first National Monument. This astounding geographic feature towers over 1,000 feet above the Belle Fourche River, creating one of the most striking naturally formed landscapes in the country. Here we will enjoy the views from the park visitor center and even take a short hike on one of the trails. From there, we head to Diamond 7 Bar Ranch located off the beaten path. We will meet with owner Beth Reilly and hear her stories of growing up on the ranch and how ranch life keeps you on your toes every day. We cap off our day at the literal heart of the nation, Belle Fourche, and the Center of the Nation monument which marks the geographical center of the United States. We return to Spearfish for the night. B, L DAY 5—DEADWOOD/BLACK HILLS/CHUCK WAGON SUPPER This morning we begin our day where the Wild West still lives. Local historians Mike, Lisa, and Luke Kitzmiller bring the legends of infamous Deadwood to life. We will also head up to Mt. Moriah Cemetery where Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and more notorious figures are buried. After a scenic drive through the spectacular Black Hills National Forest, we arrive for a tasting and lunch at Prairie Berry Winery. As a fifth-generation winemaker, Sandi Vojta will discuss how they make tasty wines from the state's "prairie berries." The day wraps up at Custer State Park with an old-fashioned hayride. Relax and take in the scenery on a 45-minute wildlife tour to a mountain meadow canyon for our chuckwagon feast. B, L, D *Jul 10 and Aug 21 Departures: DAY 6—JEEP SAFARI/CRAZY HORSE/MT RUSHMORE EVENING LIGHTING SHOW This morning you may spot buffalo, prong-horn antelope, donkeys, prairie dogs and more on our wildlife Jeep Safari through Custer State Park. Along the way, guides will share historical and educational facts about the park and wildlife. In the afternoon, we visit the Crazy Horse Memorial. The on-site Indian Museum of North America and the Native American Educational & Cultural Center also provide interesting area insights. And, of course, our visit to South Dakota wouldn't be complete without time at one the nation's most famous landmarks, Mount Rushmore National Memorial. This evening we'll also attend the 'must experience' patriotic evening lighting show conducted by the National Park Service. B, L DAY 6—BUFFALO ROUNDUP/MOUNT RUSHMORE EVENING LIGHTING SHOW* This morning, saddle up and feel the earth tremble as we experience Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup. Take in the sights as herdsman on horseback roundup 1,300 American Buffalo into the corrals for sorting, branding, testing and treatments. And, of course, our visit to South Dakota wouldn't be complete without time at one the nation's most famous landmarks, Mount Rushmore National Memorial. This evening we'll also attend the 'must experience' patriotic evening lighting show conducted by the National Park Service. *Crazy Horse Memorial will be visited on Day 5 instead of Prairie Berry Winery. B, L DAY 7—ALPACA RANCH/AIR FORCE BASE/FAREWELL Today begins with a breakfast you'll never forget at Caputa Alpaca. Here we'll dine on a hearty meal while Glenn and Deb Lepp discuss the ins-and-outs of raising dozens of these cuddly creatures. Finally, we venture onto Ellsworth Air Force Base* for a special VIP tour. We'll have the rare opportunity to actually go inside a Minuteman II missile silo. Afterwards, we return back to Rapid City and look back fondly at our travels through the "Land of Infinite Variety", South Dakota. B x Discoveries Experience ____________________ 7 Days · 12 Meals Jul 10-16, 2022 Aug 21-27, 2022 Sep 25-Oct 1, 2022* *Buffalo Roundup Departure *Buffalo Roundup Departure Price Per Person: Double $1,797; Single $2,215 Pre/Post Hotel: $168/night Depart/Return: Rapid City, SD Highlights & Inclusions ____________________ • Visit working cattle and alpaca ranchers, beekeepers, and vegetable farmer • Attend a patriotic evening lighting show at Mount Rushmore • See four units of the National Park Service: Minuteman Missile, Badlands, Devils Tower, and Mount Rushmore • Visit the geographic center of the United States • Experience both a chuckwagon supper and morning Jeep Safari in legendary Custer State Park • 'Unpack and stay' for two nights at each hotel on this tour • Free airport shuttle or hotel parking • Bag handling (1 per person) at hotels • Fees/tips for included attractions and meals • Welcome reception, 24-hour emergency call service, free bottled water on coach Quality Accommodations ____________________ Nights 1-2: Best Western Ramkota Hotel, Rapid City Nights 3-4: Best Western Black Hills Lodge, Spearfish Nights 5-6: Holiday Inn Express, Custer *Travelers are required to show an enhanced driver's license or passport to visit Ellsworth Air Force Base. CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/SDA Crazy Horse Memorial This impressive memorial in the Black Hills of South Dakota is the world's largest mountain carving in progress. The Black Hills are among the earth's oldest geological formations, containing many minerals including Iron, Garnet, Feldspar, Quartz and Beryl, among others. The Crazy Horse Memorial came into being when Henry Standing Bear, an Oglala Lakota Chief, invited sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski to carve a memorial honoring all North American Indians. View the massive Crazy Horse Memorial, depicting an Oglala Lakota Warrior 855-744-TRIP (8747) | 43 US — WEST | MT. RUSHMORE, BLACK HILLS & BADLANDS