South Dakota | Black Hills & Mount Rushmore | Adult Only

Begin your vacation by exploring Bear Butte State Park and summit the mountain trail yielding sweeping panoramic views for miles and miles. Experience the Old West and learn why Bear Butte is considered one of the most sacred lands by the Plains Indians. After a short tour of the visitor’s center, we head over to the famous biker town of Sturgis for lunch at a local spot. Load up in the van to travel a short distance away to the town of Spearfish for a bike ride through a neat canyon This evening, we arrive at Deadwood, our home for the night. We’ll walk the same sidewalks as the likes of Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, Wyatt Earp and Buffalo Bill, to name just a few. Tonight we enjoy dinner in downtown Deadwood, a short walk from our hotel.

About the Mineral Palace

Located in the heart of historic Deadwood, the Mineral Palace Hotel & Gaming complex includes a grand and gracious 75-unit hotel, the biggest casino in Deadwood and a first-class restaurant called the Gem Steakhouse and Saloon that offers the largest variety of superb steaks in the Black Hills. Whether you’re partaking in Deadwood’s Legendary gaming halls, exploring the stunning backcountry of the Black Hills or enjoying a romantic rendezvous, the tastefully appointed guest rooms offer welcome and luxurious comforts.

After a hearty breakfast we head up to the old gold town of Rochford to begin our first leg of the Mickelson Trail. The trail follows the historic Deadwood to Edgemont Burlington northern rail line, which serviced gold country for nearly a century. We ride the trail “backwards” as we make our way back towards Deadwood. Enjoy lunch and some downtime before we head out on the Original Deadwood Trolley tour late afternoon. This fast and furious tour will get you up-to-speed on Deadwood’s fascinating history, and you’ll also visit Mount Moriah Cemetery where Wild Bill and Calamity Jane were laid to rest. Dinner is on your own tonight in Deadwood.

Today, eat a big breakfast because we have a big and exciting day ahead of us! We’ll first transfer by van to Rochford where our continuing ride up and down the Mickelson Trail begins. Pass by the Mystic Trailhead as you make your way on to Hill City, the second oldest town in the Black Hills. Near here, we’ll do lunch and perhaps even a bit of swimming. We’ll check into our accommodation for the next three nights, Sylvan Lake Lodge, before we depart for a scenic tour of the Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road. Explore Mount Rushmore, America’s Shrine of Democracy before dinner at a local restaurant.

About the Sylvan Lake Lodge

Rich in history and natural beauty, Sylvan Lake Lodge holds the designation of Custer State Park’s “crown jewel”.

This property features beautifully renovated lodge rooms and cabins, a lounge, a restaurant and an outdoor veranda which offers breathtaking views. The location of Sylvan Lake Lodge can’t be beat, thanks to the design inspired by architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

When the original lakeshore resort burned down in 1935, Wright suggested the current location amidst a forest of pine and spruce trees. The recently renovated Sylvan Lake Dining Room features the best in steaks, seafood, and chef’s specialties.

Another amazing day awaits you! Heading back to Hill City this morning, we’ll resume our Mickelson Trail bike ride, pedaling up towards Crazy Horse. Still in progress, the Memorial is destined to be some 10 times the size of Mt Rushmore. This is more than just carvings in stone; it is a compound that will eventually pay tribute to the American Indians and the great Indian Chief, Crazy Horse, housing the Indian Museum of North America, Indian University of North America and a host of other properties. After your tour, pedal back down to the town of Custer where a picnic lunch awaits. This afternoon, we’ll begin our ride where we left off to pedal to the tiny town of Pringle. After some downtime at the hotel, we’ll drive the Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park on the lookout for bison, antelope and wild burros on our way to dinner at the State Game Lodge.

Today we will continue our journey south on the Mickelson Trail, completing the final section of our 110 mile journey. This easygoing section of trail passes through rolling foothills, expansive private ranches, and “as-far-as-the-eye-can-see” prairies. Lunch is at the City Park in Edgemont, the official end of the trail, where we will celebrate our last day of biking with a toast! After lunch, we load up the bikes and shuttle a short distance to Wind Cave, where a tour of the world’s first cave designated as a national park will be undertaken. At tonight’s dinner, toast to a great week spent exploring the Black Hills!

For your final morning, you have the option to sleep in and enjoy the lodge or head out on one last group hike before we load up, say goodbye to the Black Hills and head back to Rapid City for our farewells.

We hope you’ll join us again soon!

** Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather, wildlife, and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.