Yellowstone National Park

Our journey begins by traveling west across the great plains of South Dakota with a noon meal included at Al’s Oasis. Badlands National Park, with its rugged beauty and striking geological deposits, creates wonderful photo opportunities at several of the colorful and scenic overlooks. The 244,000 acres of prairie landscape are home to bison, big horn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets. Wall Drug, one of the world’s most well known tourist attractions, got its start from the promise of free ice water! We’ll stop for a break to shop and enjoy an included evening dinner there before we continue to Rapid City, SD, our final destination for today, where we will check into our hotel. (L) (D)

The Black Hills are popular for their breathtaking scenery, adventure, and rich history. We’ll enjoy a picturesque drive this morning with views of majestic granite spires, pine-covered forests, and interesting rock outcroppings. After an included lunch, we’ll take an afternoon drive through the Bighorn National Forest. The Bighorn Mountains extend from the great basin of Wyoming into South Central Montana. This outdoor paradise includes a variety of views including evergreen forests, rugged alpine peaks, dramatic canyons, and cascading waterfalls. Arriving in Cody, WY, we will check into our hotel. You will have free time in downtown Cody for shopping and an evening meal on your own. Tonight, we’ll join the crowd at the Cody Night Rodeo, which began back in 1938. It is the longest-running and only nightly rodeo in the world. Cody, WY, is known as the “Rodeo Capital of the World,” where we can catch a glimpse of this iconic Western tradition. “Yee Haw!” (B) (L)

We start our day with a scenic morning drive to Yellowstone National Park. We cross the Fishing Bridge and travel the South Loop Road along the shores of Yellowstone Lake, over the Continental Divide (twice) to Old Faithful Lodge to view Old Faithful erupt with a mighty gush of steam and water. Old Faithful is best known for its predictability and beautiful plume. After eating lunch on your own at Old Faithful Lodge, we continue north to Midway and Lower Geyser Basins to view more thermal activity. After a full day of amazing sites, we turn west and travel to our accommodations in downtown West Yellowstone for a free evening to shop and dine. (B)

More adventures await us in Yellowstone National Park! This morning, we’ll explore the Upper Loop of the park. Our first visit will be to the “Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.” The Yellowstone River was carved down more than 1,000 ft. to create this stunning canyon. Water, wind, and earthquakes continue to sculpt the canyon which details the park’s complex geological history. A short walk to the Upper and Lower Falls at Artist Point will bring you to a viewpoint that is worth every step. At Canyon Village, you’ll have an opportunity to shop for a souvenir, mail a postcard, and eat lunch. After lunch, we visit the Norris Geyser Basin, the hottest, oldest, and most dynamic of Yellowstone’s thermal areas. Boardwalks wind through the area to safely view the hydrothermal features. You’ll be busy snapping pictures of the paint pots, mud volcanoes, and geysers. Continuing our upper loop tour, Mammoth Hot Springs is a stunning complex of hot springs with vibrant travertine terraces. At the springs, you will have plenty of time to see the Opal Terrace, Liberty Rock, and the Hot Springs. Tonight, we will stay in Livingston, MT. A boxed meal is included for your evening dinner. (B) (D)

This travel day brings us through the wild and open prairies of Montana. The striking and graceful Pronghorn Antelope are abundant here, known for being one of the fastest animals in the world. By late afternoon we arrive in Medora, ND. This little frontier town is a popular tourist attraction in this region. We’ll explore the Cowboy Hall of Fame where the history of the American West comes to life. Explore the exhibits on Native Americans & Ranch and Rodeo Cultures. Later, we check into the Badlands Motel to freshen up. Tonight’s dinner and attraction includes the Pitchfork Steak Fondue, where steaks are skewered on pitchforks and cooked just the way you like them. Taking our seats at the Medora Musical, the Burning Hills Singers and Dancers will entertain us during the two-hour musical dedicated to Teddy Roosevelt. (B) (L) (D)

This tour of adventure and exploration of the Badlands, Wyoming, Yellowstone, Montana, and Medora helps us appreciate and understand the Old West even more. With rest and meal stops en route, we’ll arrive back in Kerkhoven by early evening. Rustad Tours hopes that you’ll bring home fond memories of wonderful sights and experiences that will last a long time. (B) (L)