Yellowstone

Day 1

Off we go to see America's first national park and the grand-daddy of them all…Yellowstone! Our route first takes us through the fields and farms of Minnesota where we will pause for our first overnight in Alexandria, MN.

Day 2

Leaving the upper Midwest behind, we cross into North Dakota where Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders were well-known. We're heading for the town of Medora with our usual stretch and meal breaks. Once arriving, check into the Badlands Hotel with time to freshen up for tonight's events. First experience The Pitchfork Fondue. Every evening chefs load steaks onto pitchforks and fondue them western-style for your enjoyment. Savor your steak and all the fixin's as you overlook the picturesque Badlands from atop a bluff at the Tjaden Terrace. Set in the outdoor splendor of the Badlands and the star filled sky, the high energy, western-style Medora Musical is dedicated to the legacy of America's 26th President Theodore Roosevelt.

Day 3

This morning we tour Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It memorializes his immense contributions to securing the beauty of the area through conservation. Entering the park is through Medora which is home to Teddy Roosevelt's first ranching cabin called the Maltese Cross Ranch. The rugged Badlands provide the scenic backdrop to this park and the loop drive provides an opportunity for viewing buffalo, deer, elk, bighorn sheep, wild horses and even prairie dog towns. We motor through the Badlands which are part of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, viewing unique landscapes plus the tragic Custer Battle Monument. Tonight finds us in Sheridan, WY for our next hotel stay. Enjoy an included dinner at a local favorite this evening.

Day 4

We continue motoring our way westward with our usual breaks and picture stops along the way. Get a little more information with a stop at the Cody, WY Visitor Center before stopping for an included lunch in the delightful and historic Irma Hotel. Indulge in the romance of an era when Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show try-outs were held on the lot west of this hotel, when buffalo ran amok in downtown Cody, and when European nobility headquartered at The Irma while on hunting treks throughout the wild lands. Leaving Cody, we arrive at our hotel (TBA) adjacent to Yellowstone National Park early evening.

Day 5

Get acquainted with Yellowstone National Park, a wonderland of natural beauty and geological oddities with a local expert guide. See one-of-a-kind sights like Canyon Village, the Norris Basin Geyser and the centerpiece, Old Faithful. There will be time to explore the area and witness an eruption of the world's most famous geyser. After a full day of drinking in Mother Nature's beauty, we continue to another amazing destination, Jackson Hole, WY. Enjoy a two-night stay here and a relaxing evening.

Day 6

After breakfast, we travel a short distance to enjoy this picturesque area of the Tetons on board a Scenic Float Trip down the Snake River. You'll be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who will not only navigate the waters, but offer education on the history, geology, and local lore of Jackson Hole. Return to your hotel for a relaxing afternoon and exploration of your own. Tonight join the fun for dinner and show at the always great Jackon Hole Playhouse.

Day 7

We depart Jackson Hole enroute to the only public off-range pastures in the United States located on an Indian Reservation. Wild Mustangs embody the mystique of the European conquistadors, Native Americans, settlers, and miners. Visit Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary to see these magnificent animals in their free-roaming environment on a working cattle ranch. Lunch included at Trailhead Restaurant. Travel continue to the town of Buffalo, WY and our overnight.

Day 8

Motoring continues eastward crossing seemingly desolate countryside. Deadwood, SD is on the horizon and we arrive later this morning. Named by early settlers because of the dead trees found near the city, it became a boom town and remains so today with tourists visiting from all over the country. Step inside the Days of 76 Museum, to learn how the likes of Wild Bill Cody and Calamity Jane once walked the streets and the likes of muleskinners, miners and madams made their home. Thirty to sixty million bison once roamed the nearby plains. To learn much more we visit Tatanka. Inspired by actor Kevin Costner's time with the Lakota People while filming the movie "Dances with Wolves," the Ta'Tanka story focuses on the symbiotic relationship between the Lakota Nation and the majestic North American Plains Bison. Later, check into your centrally located Deadwood hotel to relax and to explore the area at leisure

Day 9

Next stop is for lunch and shopping at Wall Drug. Historically known for its free ice water to weary travelers, today, over 2 million visitors a year stop at this popular roadside
attraction for a meal, shopping, a 5 cent coffee, and ice water - which is still free! Our travel continues to Sioux Falls, SD for our final over- night stay.

Day 10

The final leg of our journey is here. We have miles to make across South Dakota but are soon back in familiar territory. We hope you enjoyed your western adventure with us!

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner