Faces of South Dakota 27

Day 1

Welcome Aboard! Today we depart on a journey inspired by the adventurous spirit of the pioneering explorers Lewis and Clark, traveling west to discover the untamed frontier of the "Mount Rushmore State," South Dakota. Unlike those early explorers, however, we will enjoy the comforts of modern travel aboard our deluxe motor coach and relax in first-class accommodations along the way. This evening, we arrive in Oregon, Ohio, for an overnight stay at the Hampton Inn. Dinner is included with a variety of dining options conveniently located within easy walking distance of the hotel, including both popular fast-food restaurants and full-service dining establishments.

Day 2

After breakfast we depart for "The Hawkeye State," Iowa. Along the way, your onboard Gunther Tours Manager will help pass the time with games, movies, and periods of quiet relaxation as you enjoy the ever-changing scenery along the highway. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel in West Des Moines, Iowa for the evening, where a Manager's Reception awaits. Enjoy complimentary hot food and cold beverages, including beer, wine, and mixed drinks - the perfect ending to a pleasant day of travel.

Day 3

After breakfast we visit Living History Farms, a short ride from our hotel. This nationally recognized outdoor museum brings history to life across more than 22 interactive sites, including a turn-of-the-century farm, a Native American village, and a small town complete with a one-room schoolhouse. Later, sit back, relax, and take in the scenic countryside as we travel across western Iowa en route to our overnight accommodations in Sioux Falls, South Dakota enjoying a box lunch along the way. Upon arrival, we check into the Country Inn & Suites for the evening. Tonight, enjoy a leisurely dinner on your own at the nearby Falls Landing Restaurant, conveniently located adjacent to our hotel.

Day 4

After breakfast we depart for Mitchell, South Dakota and visit the iconic Corn Palace. The rich history of this region dates back over one thousand years, beginning with semi-nomadic Native American tribes who first cultivated corn in the area. The story continues through the era of the Homestead Act of 1862 and the westward expansion of the railroad, which helped shape the development of this unique attraction. More than just a tourist site, the Corn Palace features intricate indoor and outdoor murals crafted entirely from corn and other grains and stands today as a vibrant community center and a tribute to South Dakota's rich agricultural heritage. We continue to Chamberlain, South Dakota to visit the Lewis and Clark Keelboat Center. Step aboard a full-scale replica of a 55-foot keelboat used by the Lewis and Clark Expedition as they navigated the Missouri River. From the stern, take in breathtaking views while interpretive exhibits bring the Corps of Discovery's journey through present-day South Dakota to life. Next, we travel to the town of Wall, South Dakota, home of the famous Wall Drug. Originally opened as a small pharmacy during the Great Depression, Wall Drug has grown into one of America's most beloved roadside attractions. Enjoy an included lunch at the Wall Drug Café before browsing its unique shops and attractions. This afternoon, we continue to Keystone, South Dakota for a four-night stay at the K Bar S Lodge, a boutique-style property nestled among the scenic beauty of the Black Hills National Forest and the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve. The lodge offers views of Mount Rushmore. Surrounded by towering pines, granite outcroppings, and abundant wildlife, the lodge offers a peaceful, secluded atmosphere while remaining conveniently close to Keystone's attractions. This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge.

Day 5

After breakfast we set out for an exciting day of sightseeing in the Black Hills - do not forget your camera! Our first stop is Bear Country U.S.A., home to the largest privately owned collection of black bears in the world. From the comfort of our deluxe motor coach, watch these playful "clowns of nature" as they frolic in pools, climb trees, and amble across the road. In Babyland, delight in seeing black bear cubs and young wolf pups romping through their grassy enclosures. Next, we visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial, famously known in the Black Hills as the Shrine of Democracy. Marvel at the colossal carved faces of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the Studio of Gutzon Borglum, the monument's sculptor, and browse the gift shop for souvenirs. Later, return to the hotel to relax and freshen up before heading out for an unforgettable evening at the Fort Hays Chuckwagon Supper & Cowboy Music Variety Show. Savor a hearty chuckwagon meal while enjoying one of the most entertaining shows in the Black Hills. Experience the Old West like never before - a family-friendly, authentic western adventure that captures the pioneering spirit of the frontier!

Day 6

After breakfast we depart for an unforgettable tour of Custer State Park, one of the few truly wild places remaining in the country. Spanning 71,000 acres, the park is home to spectacular scenery and a diverse array of wildlife. You may spot nearly 1,500 bison, often called buffalo, roaming the prairies and hills, along with swift pronghorn, elusive elk, sure-footed mountain goats, and curious burros. Following our scenic tour, we will enjoy a delicious lunch before returning to the hotel, where you will have time to unwind, relax, and freshen up. This evening, we head out for dinner and entertainment, followed by a visit to the Crazy Horse Memorial, home to the world's largest mountain sculpture in progress. The Memorial's visitor complex features a 40,000-square-foot Welcome Center, theatres, the Indian Museum of North America, the Native American Educational & Cultural Center, the sculptor's log home studio, indoor and outdoor galleries, a museum gift shop, restaurant and snack bar areas, and an expansive viewing veranda. We conclude our day with dinner at the Crazy Horse Memorial before returning to our hotel for a restful night.

Day 7

After breakfast enjoy a leisurely morning at the hotel before we depart for Deadwood, South Dakota, a town steeped in colorful history and Western legend. Explore its fascinating attractions, entertainment, local shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Historic Deadwood was once home to famous figures such as Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Seth Bullock, who roamed its lively streets. Lunch and dinner are on your own, giving you the freedom to savor a delicious meal in this charming town. After soaking in the sights and sounds, we will return to our hotel in Keystone for a relaxing evening.

Day 8

After breakfast we bid farewell to our host city and depart for Badlands National Park, South Dakota, where we will tour this remarkable landscape. The Lakota named this area "mako sica," meaning "land bad." Characterized by sharp ridges, steep-walled canyons, gullies, pyramids, and knobs, the Badlands have been dramatically shaped by wind and water, creating a strikingly picturesque environment. This natural wonderland features bizarre, colorful spires and pinnacles, massive buttes, and deep gorges. Erosion has revealed layers of sedimentary rock in a spectrum of colors: purple and yellow (shale), tan and gray (sand and gravel), red and orange (iron oxides), and white (volcanic ash). Following our tour, we continue to Country Inn & Suites in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where we will spend the night. Dinner this evening is on your own at the Falls Landing Restaurant, conveniently located adjacent to the hotel.

Day 9

After breakfast settle in and enjoy the movie "Field of Dreams" during our scenic drive across eastern Iowa to The Field of Dreams Movie Site in Dyersville, Iowa. This iconic location was the setting for the 1989 Academy Award nominated film for Best Picture, "Field of Dreams." True to the magic depicted in the movie, visitors from around the world come here to experience the mystical ballfield firsthand. You will have the chance to play catch on the diamond, explore the gift shop, and tour the main floor of the recognizable farmhouse. Following our visit, we continue to Dubuque, Iowa, for our overnight stay. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Day 10

After breakfast sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic drive to Chicago, Illinois, also known as the "Windy City." Upon our arrival, we will visit the historic Navy Pier, located along Chicago's beautiful lakefront. This vibrant destination offers more than 50 acres of park, promenades, gardens, shops, restaurants, and attractions. You will have free time to explore and enjoy the exciting atmosphere of this Lake Michigan landmark, known for hosting a wide variety of family-friendly events and entertainment. Following our visit and lunch on your own, we continue to Oregon, Ohio, where we enjoy a delightful dinner at a local restaurant before checking in for an overnight stay at the Hampton Inn.

Day 11

After breakfast we depart for home, having savored the fellowship of friends both old and new on our Faces of South Dakota tour. Our journey through the western frontier has been filled with adventure and discovery, leaving us with astonishing experiences, cherished memories, stunning photographs, and unique souvenirs to treasure for years to come!

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner, MR=Manager's Reception