Native Discovery - 2008 Tours

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Native Discovery Lakota History Tours Southern Route
Visit the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations
July 6 – 11, 2008
Single Occupancy: $1365/person
Double Occupancy: $1120/person

Beginning in Rapid City, SD on day two - the Native Discovery tour travels east and stops at Wall Drug, in Wall. Next, tour participants will enjoy a guided tour of Badlands National Park and lunch at Cedar Pass Lodge, in the Park. The tour will continue to Oglala Lakota College near Kyle and learn about the history of Wounded Knee and the College. Dinner, presentations, and an evening of storytelling concludes the day at the Lakota Prairie Ranch Resort, near Kyle.

After breakfast on day three, the tour will continue through the Pine Ridge Reservation, making a stop at the Wounded Knee Massacre Site & Cemetery. Interpreters will share stories and the history of events that have taken place in this area – in 1890 and 1973. Near the site, guests will have an opportunity to visit art vendors and learn about and purchase locally made arts and crafts. The tour will continue to the Red Cloud Indian School for a tour of the campus and a visit to the Art Show at The Heritage Center. From here, the tour will travel to the Rosebud Reservation for overnight accommodations at the Rosebud Casino and Hotel. Enjoy a meal and evening program before turning in.

Day 4 visits on the Rosebud Reservation include St. Francis Mission and the Buechel Memorial Lakota Museum located near the community of Antelope, a presentation and lunch at Sinte Gleska University and a tour of the buffalo ranch. Soldier Woman Gallery will be the final stop on the Rosebud Reservation. Meet local artists, view various works or purchase a piece of art for yourself. The day ends with a return trip to Rapid City.

On day five, the tour will visit popular sights in the Black Hills, including Prairie Edge Galleries, Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial. The day will conclude with a farewell dinner and program in the evening

Visit the Cheyenne River Reservation
July 23 – 28, 2008
Single Occupancy: $1315/person
Double Occupancy: $1070/person

Beginning in Rapid City, SD on day two - the Native Discovery tour travels to Bear Butte State Park near Sturgis. After a tour, presentation and lunch, the tour continues to Faith where guests will check in to their motel. An evening on the prairie complete with nature hikes, wagon rides, storytelling, bird watching, and a meal under the stars wraps up the day. Adventurous guests have the opportunity to spend the evening in a tipi at Jackson Springs Tipi B&B, if they wish, or return to the Prairie Vista Inn in Faith.

Day three includes a visit to a wild horse ranch, the International Society for the Protection of Mustangs and Burros, near Lantry. Learn all about the characteristics of the different breeds that live here while you gaze at these majestic animals in a natural setting. Take pictures and meet some of the friendly members of the herd. From there, the tour travels to Eagle Butte to the HVJ Lakota Cultural Center where guests will see beautiful murals and have an opportunity to purchase locally made, authentic Lakota art at the gift shop. Next on the agenda, a stop at The Main (Cheyenne River Youth Project) for a tour, a special presentation and an art market featuring local artists.

Day four consists of wild western adventure as the tour continues to Timber Lake, SD. A visit to a local elk and buffalo ranch will allow guests to view the animals and take in breathtaking scenery of the Cheyenne River Reservation. Watch cowboys and cowgirls in action at the annual Days of 1910 rodeo in Timber Lake. The tour will continue back to Rapid City with a stop in Faith to meet Sue, the Tyrannosaurus Rex who was found in this area. View a replica of the dinosaur on display at the Field Museum in Chicago, and learn about the many paleontological finds from this area. The tour will end in Rapid City that evening.

On day five, the tour will visit popular sights in the Black Hills, including Prairie Edge Galleries, Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial. The day will conclude with a farewell dinner and program in the evening.