Spotlight on South Dakota featuring Mount Rushmore & The Badlands
Spotlights
Discover the spirit of the American West and come to know the legends of the past. Discover the stories of the Lakota and Sioux through a Native American chronicler and a visit to a Oglala Lakota Living History Village. See Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest mountain sculpture still in progress. Visit iconic Mt. Rushmore. Journey through the natural beauty of Badlands National Park and stop to browse at Wall Drug. Explore historic Deadwood, the former home of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Choose how you delve into the local history, with a tour of the Adams Museum in Deadwood or at the exhibit Tatanka: Story of the Bison. Travel the backcountry of Custer State Park on a Jeep safari. Marvel at Devils Tower, the country’s first National Monument. Rapid City is your gateway into wild landscapes and historical landmarks.
- History
- National Parks and Preserves
- Unpack Once
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ID: 8313089
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Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore is a sculpture carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore near Keystone, South Dakota. Mt. Rushmore features 60-foot sculptures of the heads of four U.S. Presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. The faces were sculpted between 1934 and 1939. Mt. Rushmore attracts more than 2 million people annually.
Oglala Lakota Living History Village
Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park is a national park in southwestern South Dakota that protects 242,756 acres of chiseled spires, deep canyons and prairie grassland in the state. The name comes from the difficult travels over the rough terrain said to be ‘bad land.’ The geologic deposits here contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Today, bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs and black footed ferrets live here.
Wall Drug
The Wall Drug Store is a tourist attraction located in the city of Wall, South Dakota. It is a shopping mall consisting of a drug store, gift shop, restaurants and other stores. Unlike a traditional shopping mall, all the stores at Wall Drug operate under a single entity rather than individually run stores. The mall takes in over $10 million a year and brings in over 2 million visitors annually.
Deadwood
Deadwood is a city in South Dakota that is named after the dead trees found in its valley. Deadwood became a popular destination during the Black Hills Gold rush in the mid to late 1870s when prospectors discovered gold. The town's population quickly swelled as folks came seeking their fortune. Today, Deadwood maintians its historic roots, and instead of gold, folks come to get a taste of life in the Wild West.
Choice on Tour: Adams Museum or Story of the Bison Interpretive Center
While in Deadwood, you have the choice of two activities. Travel back in time on a guided tour of the Adams Museum, dedicated to preserving Deadwood's history. Or, hear the story of the 60 million bison that once roamed the great plains of North America and what happened to them at Tatanka: Story of the Bison, an interpretive center, founded by Kevin Costner. An impressive bronze sculpture featuring 14 bison pursued by 3 Native American riders is the centerpiece of this site.Adams Museum in DeadwoodActivity Level: 1Guided tour for 35 to 45 minutes. First floor is handicapped accessible.Story of the Bison Interpretive CenterActivity Level: 1This is a 1 hour presentation.
High Plains Heritage Center
At the High Plains Heritage Center, join your fellow travelers for an unforgettable dinner and Western show.
Off-Road Jeep Safari at Custer State Park
Crazy Horse Memorial
Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest mountain sculpture now in progress, is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The nine-story-high face of Crazy Horse, a visionary leader committed to preserving the traditions and values of the Lakota way of life, was completed in 1998 when work shifted to the 22-story-high massive horse’s head. The work was begun in 1948 by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski at the request of Native Americans. Korczak determined that the memorial would be more than just a sculpture…it would be a humanitarian project telling present and future generations the story of Native American peoples by collecting and preserving outstanding examples of Indian culture and heritage. Visitors to the memorial can view the progress of the sculpture as well as tour an Indian museum, cultural center, the sculptor’s studio and orientation center. Although Korczak died in 1982, his wife, Ruth, and their family continue the project working with the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation.
Devils Tower National Monument
See the Devils Tower, and explore the trails that surround this jaw-dropping geological formation.
Hyatt Place
525 St. Joseph St, Rapid City, SD, United States
We consider everyone who travels with us to be our personal guest.
Every moment matters to us because we know it matters to you. This may be because at heart we are a family owned company that has been in business for over 100 years. It may be because our team are passionate about sharing their own love of travel and uncovering mysteries.
Choosing Collette comes with benefits that take your guided travel experience to another level. Our inclusive tours provide you more value for your money and more of what makes travel special.
The Benefits of Collette Guided Travel
- Value of Guided Travel
- Easy & Convenient Booking
- Expert Tour Managers
- Private Airport Transfers
- Carefully Selected Accommodations
- All the Iconic Must-Sees
- Immersive Cultural Experiences
- Authentic Culinary Experiences
Every Moment of Your Trip Matters
As travelers, we understand that your trip starts at your doorstep and every moment counts. That’s why we offer private chauffeur service to and from the airport. It’s why we developed an industry-leading travel protection plan. And it’s why we offer unrivaled 24-7 support to our travelers out on the road.
We know that the more peace of mind you have, the more you can relax and enjoy the journey. And that’s why we’re with you, every step of the way.
Travel Protection Plan
We get it. Life happens and plans change. With our unrivaled Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel you trip for any reason, right up until the day before your departure and get a full refund, less the cost of the plan. This is something we’ve done for decades, because the trust of our travelers matters the most. So go ahead and book that dream trip with confidence — no blackout windows or hidden restrictions.
Private Chauffeur Service
When you buy air with Collette, secure door-to-door chauffeur service to and from the airport, plus hotel transfers, and all internal transfers during your trip. This means a private sedan comes straight to your door, loads your bags, and whisks you off to the airport and back home again when you return. It’s the perfect stress-free way to start and end your trip.
Expert Tour Managers
Each Collette tour is guided by a regionally-based expert. This means that from the moment you touch down until the moment you leave, you’ll be in the hands of a trusted Tour Manager with insider knowledge about the culture, language, and history of your destination — so you can get the most in-depth experience without any of the stress.
Guaranteed to Go
We have thousands of guaranteed departure dates across our 170+ tours. Book your tour with peace of mind, knowing that it will leave as planned and your departure date won’t change.
Sedan Service
Getting to and from the airport can be the most stressful and difficult part of any trip. Start and end your adventure in hassle-free luxury with our private sedan that comes straight to your door, loads your bags and whisks you off to the airport and back home again when you return. Now that’s how to start and end a trip the right way.
Social Responsibility: It's a way of life
It’s at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make. We believe that travel should be a force for good and by uniting with our employees, partners and travelers, we can make a positive impact in our local and global communities.
Our Mission
Social Responsibility at Collette means working together to take care of the places we live, work and travel. We focus on four key areas – Community, People, Travel and Planet – taking a holistic approach by striving to do good in every area of our business.
Community
Our nonprofit, the Collette Foundation, supports worldwide communities in need through hunger and education initiatives. Each year, employees volunteer more than 4,500 hours of their time to efforts in their own communities and across the world.
Travel
We strive to create an experience our guests not only enjoy, but also feel good about. We work to sustain and preserve communities, cultures, and traditions through tourism, and positively impact the places we come to know as travelers.
People
We couldn’t deliver the amazing travel experiences that we do without our incredible team. We offer our employees a variety of tools to be happy, healthy, and successful including learning and growth opportunities.
Planet
Our world is filled with awe-inspiring natural wonders. That’s why we are actively making responsible decisions to reduce our carbon footprint and care for our planet, the place we all call home.
Focus on family. We’ll handle the rest.
There are countless benefits to family travel. Experiencing new things together. Taking time to enjoy each other’s company without life’s typical distractions. Connecting with loved ones who don’t live near us.
No matter why you decide to travel together, or where you choose to go, spending quality time with family should be the only thing that matters. That’s why families book Collette tours – to let experts take care of all the details.
Why Book Your Multigenerational Family Trip with Collette?
Making Memories Together
Unique experiences are made richer with family by your side. And the journey lives on through memories retold. "Do you remember that game drive with Grandma? We came so close to the elephants!"
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
Planning a trip is hard work. Organizing the Blarney Stone visit? Finding a ride to the river cruise in Costa Rica? That stuff takes away from your time to focus on each other. Let us handle the logistics.
Learning From Each Other
Traveling with family is the best game of trivia. From architectural features to history, the facts your family members have tucked away may surprise you. (And your Tour Manager can fill in any gaps!)
Exploring Your Ancestry
Cultural heritage forms our family traditions and beliefs. Tracing your family's roots is powerful. There's no better way to discover these countries than with your family. Go together, with an expert by your side.
Private Touring for Families
Whether you're booking a large family trip or the best family reunion ever, you can book a private tour with 10 or more travelers. Go on. Invite everyone and their mother.
Playing New Roles
We think of people in their day-to-day roles. Parent. Sibling. Child. When you travel on tour and responsibilities shift, you let loose and get to know each other as adventurers, too.
Collette Knows Family Travel
We have been family-owned and operated since we opened our doors in 1918. Our team loves traveling with family! We truly value the magic of exploring the world together.
Less is More on a Low-Season Tour
Explore popular destinations with more flexibility and fewer crowds. Whether you're searching for tranquility or a deeper connection with the locals, off season travel is one of the best ways to experience a destination.
6 Reasons to Love the Low Season
More Affordable
Off-season travel offers significant cost savings on flights, accommodations, and day-to-day activities.
Better Service
Smaller crowds mean more personalized service and shorter wait times at restaurants, museums, and attractions.
More Peace
Peak season can be crowded and overwhelming, while the low season offers opportunities for quieter, more serene travel experiences.
Authentic Experiences
Experience destinations like the locals do - with less hustle and more room to appreciate the beauty around you.
More Sustainable
Low season travel reduces the strain on a destination’s resources, meaning less waste and lower pollution levels.
Support Local Economies
Low season tourism brings vital income to local economies during quieter periods, helping to sustain businesses and livelihoods year-round.
Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore is a sculpture carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore near Keystone, South Dakota. Mt. Rushmore features 60-foot sculptures of the heads of four U.S. Presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. The faces were sculpted between 1934 and 1939. Mt. Rushmore attracts more than 2 million people annually.
Oglala Lakota Living History Village
Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park is a national park in southwestern South Dakota that protects 242,756 acres of chiseled spires, deep canyons and prairie grassland in the state. The name comes from the difficult travels over the rough terrain said to be ‘bad land.’ The geologic deposits here contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Today, bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs and black footed ferrets live here.
Wall Drug
The Wall Drug Store is a tourist attraction located in the city of Wall, South Dakota. It is a shopping mall consisting of a drug store, gift shop, restaurants and other stores. Unlike a traditional shopping mall, all the stores at Wall Drug operate under a single entity rather than individually run stores. The mall takes in over $10 million a year and brings in over 2 million visitors annually.
Deadwood
Deadwood is a city in South Dakota that is named after the dead trees found in its valley. Deadwood became a popular destination during the Black Hills Gold rush in the mid to late 1870s when prospectors discovered gold. The town's population quickly swelled as folks came seeking their fortune. Today, Deadwood maintians its historic roots, and instead of gold, folks come to get a taste of life in the Wild West.
Choice on Tour: Adams Museum or Story of the Bison Interpretive Center
While in Deadwood, you have the choice of two activities. Travel back in time on a guided tour of the Adams Museum, dedicated to preserving Deadwood's history. Or, hear the story of the 60 million bison that once roamed the great plains of North America and what happened to them at Tatanka: Story of the Bison, an interpretive center, founded by Kevin Costner. An impressive bronze sculpture featuring 14 bison pursued by 3 Native American riders is the centerpiece of this site.Adams Museum in DeadwoodActivity Level: 1Guided tour for 35 to 45 minutes. First floor is handicapped accessible.Story of the Bison Interpretive CenterActivity Level: 1This is a 1 hour presentation.
High Plains Heritage Center
At the High Plains Heritage Center, join your fellow travelers for an unforgettable dinner and Western show.
Off-Road Jeep Safari at Custer State Park
Crazy Horse Memorial
Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest mountain sculpture now in progress, is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The nine-story-high face of Crazy Horse, a visionary leader committed to preserving the traditions and values of the Lakota way of life, was completed in 1998 when work shifted to the 22-story-high massive horse’s head. The work was begun in 1948 by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski at the request of Native Americans. Korczak determined that the memorial would be more than just a sculpture…it would be a humanitarian project telling present and future generations the story of Native American peoples by collecting and preserving outstanding examples of Indian culture and heritage. Visitors to the memorial can view the progress of the sculpture as well as tour an Indian museum, cultural center, the sculptor’s studio and orientation center. Although Korczak died in 1982, his wife, Ruth, and their family continue the project working with the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation.
Devils Tower National Monument
See the Devils Tower, and explore the trails that surround this jaw-dropping geological formation.
Hyatt Place
525 St. Joseph St, Rapid City, SD, United States
We consider everyone who travels with us to be our personal guest.
Every moment matters to us because we know it matters to you. This may be because at heart we are a family owned company that has been in business for over 100 years. It may be because our team are passionate about sharing their own love of travel and uncovering mysteries.
Choosing Collette comes with benefits that take your guided travel experience to another level. Our inclusive tours provide you more value for your money and more of what makes travel special.
The Benefits of Collette Guided Travel
- Value of Guided Travel
- Easy & Convenient Booking
- Expert Tour Managers
- Private Airport Transfers
- Carefully Selected Accommodations
- All the Iconic Must-Sees
- Immersive Cultural Experiences
- Authentic Culinary Experiences
Every Moment of Your Trip Matters
As travelers, we understand that your trip starts at your doorstep and every moment counts. That’s why we offer private chauffeur service to and from the airport. It’s why we developed an industry-leading travel protection plan. And it’s why we offer unrivaled 24-7 support to our travelers out on the road.
We know that the more peace of mind you have, the more you can relax and enjoy the journey. And that’s why we’re with you, every step of the way.
Travel Protection Plan
We get it. Life happens and plans change. With our unrivaled Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel you trip for any reason, right up until the day before your departure and get a full refund, less the cost of the plan. This is something we’ve done for decades, because the trust of our travelers matters the most. So go ahead and book that dream trip with confidence — no blackout windows or hidden restrictions.
Private Chauffeur Service
When you buy air with Collette, secure door-to-door chauffeur service to and from the airport, plus hotel transfers, and all internal transfers during your trip. This means a private sedan comes straight to your door, loads your bags, and whisks you off to the airport and back home again when you return. It’s the perfect stress-free way to start and end your trip.
Expert Tour Managers
Each Collette tour is guided by a regionally-based expert. This means that from the moment you touch down until the moment you leave, you’ll be in the hands of a trusted Tour Manager with insider knowledge about the culture, language, and history of your destination — so you can get the most in-depth experience without any of the stress.
Guaranteed to Go
We have thousands of guaranteed departure dates across our 170+ tours. Book your tour with peace of mind, knowing that it will leave as planned and your departure date won’t change.
Sedan Service
Getting to and from the airport can be the most stressful and difficult part of any trip. Start and end your adventure in hassle-free luxury with our private sedan that comes straight to your door, loads your bags and whisks you off to the airport and back home again when you return. Now that’s how to start and end a trip the right way.
Social Responsibility: It's a way of life
It’s at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make. We believe that travel should be a force for good and by uniting with our employees, partners and travelers, we can make a positive impact in our local and global communities.
Our Mission
Social Responsibility at Collette means working together to take care of the places we live, work and travel. We focus on four key areas – Community, People, Travel and Planet – taking a holistic approach by striving to do good in every area of our business.
Community
Our nonprofit, the Collette Foundation, supports worldwide communities in need through hunger and education initiatives. Each year, employees volunteer more than 4,500 hours of their time to efforts in their own communities and across the world.
Travel
We strive to create an experience our guests not only enjoy, but also feel good about. We work to sustain and preserve communities, cultures, and traditions through tourism, and positively impact the places we come to know as travelers.
People
We couldn’t deliver the amazing travel experiences that we do without our incredible team. We offer our employees a variety of tools to be happy, healthy, and successful including learning and growth opportunities.
Planet
Our world is filled with awe-inspiring natural wonders. That’s why we are actively making responsible decisions to reduce our carbon footprint and care for our planet, the place we all call home.
Focus on family. We’ll handle the rest.
There are countless benefits to family travel. Experiencing new things together. Taking time to enjoy each other’s company without life’s typical distractions. Connecting with loved ones who don’t live near us.
No matter why you decide to travel together, or where you choose to go, spending quality time with family should be the only thing that matters. That’s why families book Collette tours – to let experts take care of all the details.
Why Book Your Multigenerational Family Trip with Collette?
Making Memories Together
Unique experiences are made richer with family by your side. And the journey lives on through memories retold. "Do you remember that game drive with Grandma? We came so close to the elephants!"
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
Planning a trip is hard work. Organizing the Blarney Stone visit? Finding a ride to the river cruise in Costa Rica? That stuff takes away from your time to focus on each other. Let us handle the logistics.
Learning From Each Other
Traveling with family is the best game of trivia. From architectural features to history, the facts your family members have tucked away may surprise you. (And your Tour Manager can fill in any gaps!)
Exploring Your Ancestry
Cultural heritage forms our family traditions and beliefs. Tracing your family's roots is powerful. There's no better way to discover these countries than with your family. Go together, with an expert by your side.
Private Touring for Families
Whether you're booking a large family trip or the best family reunion ever, you can book a private tour with 10 or more travelers. Go on. Invite everyone and their mother.
Playing New Roles
We think of people in their day-to-day roles. Parent. Sibling. Child. When you travel on tour and responsibilities shift, you let loose and get to know each other as adventurers, too.
Collette Knows Family Travel
We have been family-owned and operated since we opened our doors in 1918. Our team loves traveling with family! We truly value the magic of exploring the world together.
Less is More on a Low-Season Tour
Explore popular destinations with more flexibility and fewer crowds. Whether you're searching for tranquility or a deeper connection with the locals, off season travel is one of the best ways to experience a destination.
6 Reasons to Love the Low Season
More Affordable
Off-season travel offers significant cost savings on flights, accommodations, and day-to-day activities.
Better Service
Smaller crowds mean more personalized service and shorter wait times at restaurants, museums, and attractions.
More Peace
Peak season can be crowded and overwhelming, while the low season offers opportunities for quieter, more serene travel experiences.
Authentic Experiences
Experience destinations like the locals do - with less hustle and more room to appreciate the beauty around you.
More Sustainable
Low season travel reduces the strain on a destination’s resources, meaning less waste and lower pollution levels.
Support Local Economies
Low season tourism brings vital income to local economies during quieter periods, helping to sustain businesses and livelihoods year-round.
About Collette
With Collette, the World is Within Your Reach
True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across all seven continents.
Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.
About Collette
With Collette, the World is Within Your Reach
True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across all seven continents.
Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.
