Your Black Hills adventure begins as you arrive in Rapid City, South Dakota, the gateway to the Black Hills region. Meet your professional Southwest Adventure Tours tour director at the airport, then transfer north to Spearfish, a charming town nestled in the northern Black Hills.

After hotel check-in, enjoy a relaxed evening to unwind from your travels. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner, a perfect introduction to the group and the incredible Black Hills experience ahead.

Please arrive in Rapid City by 3pm.

Lodging: Hampton Inn Spearfish

Meals: D

Depart Spearfish, South Dakota early this morning and cross the border into Wyoming for a full day of hands-on discovery at the Vore Buffalo Jump, one of the most important Late-Prehistoric Plains Indian archaeological sites in North America.

Upon arrival, Dr. Pelton provides an introductory lecture and guided tour of the site, offering valuable context on the history, cultural significance, and ongoing research. You’ll then receive one-on-one instruction in professional excavation protocols before beginning work in the dig area. Excavation runs from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The excavation takes place within a protected, enclosed structure, allowing work to continue in a controlled environment. Access to the site involves a short, paved walk down into the sinkhole. While the path is steep, it is handicap accessible. During the summer season, the site is open to the public, and guests may observe as you work alongside the professionals.

This is a true field experience. Participants should expect to kneel, sit, and crouch for extended periods, and getting dirty is part of the process. A boxed lunch is included to keep you energized throughout the day.

While physically demanding, the work is exceptionally rewarding. Only about 10% of the Vore Buffalo Jump has been excavated, leaving extraordinary potential for future discoveries in archaeology, tribal ethnohistory, zoology, geology, and paleoclimatology. Research from this site has already contributed to dozens of published scientific papers.

After a fascinating day at the excavation site, return to Spearfish with the evening free to relax or explore the town on your own.

Lodging: Hampton Inn Spearfish

Meals: B, L

Depart Spearfish, South Dakota early this morning and return to The Vore Buffalo Jump in Wyoming for another immersive day of hands-on archaeological excavation. Building on the previous day’s training, continue working alongside professional archaeologists as you further develop your field skills and contribute to ongoing research at this extraordinary site.

With a deeper understanding of excavation techniques, you’ll spend the day carefully uncovering and documenting materials within the protected dig area. A boxed lunch is included, allowing you to remain on site and maximize your time in the field.

After a full and rewarding day of excavation, return to Spearfish with the evening free to relax, dine, or explore the town at your own pace.

Lodging: Hampton Inn Spearfish

Meals: B, L

This morning, return to Wyoming to visit Devil’s Tower National Monument, one of the most sacred and recognizable landmarks in the Black Hills region. Enjoy time touring the monument and taking a scenic walk around the base of this towering monolith, long regarded as both a sentinel over the plains and a powerful place for prayer and vision quests. Devil’s Tower holds deep spiritual significance for the Lakota and Cheyenne tribes, adding meaningful cultural context to your visit.

Next, return to South Dakota and arrive in the legendary Old West town of Deadwood, where you’ll have free time to explore historic Main Street, browse shops, and enjoy lunch on your own.

In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive through the Black Hills en route to Custer State Park. At the historic State Game Lodge, board open-air jeeps for an unforgettable Buffalo Jeep Safari. Travel through rolling prairie and pine-covered hills as you observe bison roaming freely in their natural habitat, offering a powerful connection to the region’s deep history and the ancient hunting practices experienced earlier at the Vore Buffalo Jump.

This evening, check into your hotel in the charming town of Custer and gather for a group dinner at a local restaurant, reflecting on a day filled with culture, wildlife, and iconic Black Hills scenery.

Lodging: Comfort Inn & Suites

Meals: B, D

Begin the day at Wind Cave National Park, one of the oldest national parks in the United States and a site of deep spiritual importance. According to Lakota oral tradition, Wind Cave is the place where their people and the bison first emerged from the earth, making it one of the most sacred sites in the Black Hills. Enjoy a guided tour of the remarkable cave system, followed by time above ground where wildlife such as bison, elk, pronghorn, and prairie dogs are often seen.

Next, travel south to The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, South Dakota, an active paleontological excavation and museum preserving the remains of Ice Age mammoths. While research and excavation continue on site, enjoy a special guided tour that offers rare insight into ongoing scientific discoveries. Lunch will be on your own in Hot Springs.

In the afternoon, return north for touring of the Crazy Horse Memorial, a colossal mountain carving honoring the legendary Lakota leader Crazy Horse. Beyond the sculpture itself, the memorial is dedicated to preserving and educating visitors about Native American history and culture. Explore the Indian Museum of North America, which offers exceptional exhibits, artifacts, and educational resources.

Continue to Keystone for overnight accommodations. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, then take a short drive to Mount Rushmore National Memorial for the moving Evening Lighting Ceremony. The program includes a historical film, patriotic music, and a special veterans recognition, culminating in the dramatic illumination of the monument for a powerful and unforgettable experience.

Lodging: K Bar S Lodge

Meals: B, D

This morning, return to Mount Rushmore National Memorial for a daytime visit, widely considered the best time for viewing and photographing the iconic presidential carving. See the monument in full daylight, offering clear views and a different perspective from the evening program experienced the night before.

Following your visit, transfer to the Rapid City Airport for your mid-day to afternoon flight home, concluding an unforgettable journey through the history, culture, and landscapes of the Black Hills.

Meals: B