Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands, & Yellowstone

Arrive at Chicago Union Station, and board the California Zephyr. Settle into your onboard accommodations in preparation for your overnight rail journey. If you are traveling from the West Coast, you will meet the Tour Manager at the hotel in Provo on Day 2. Overnight train.

Keep your camera handy today as the Zephyr climbs across the Colorado Rockies, through the Moffat Tunnel, and along the Byers, Glenwood and Ruby Canyons. Make time to visit the glass-walled Sightseer Lounge car for panoramic views of the passing scenery, as well as for an educational Trails and Rails presentation conducted by volunteer park rangers as you travel between Denver and Grand Junction. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Overnight Provo, UT.

After breakfast, board the coach for a scenic journey through the beautiful Star Valley to Jackson, Wyoming. Once we arrive, the afternoon is yours to stroll the wooden plank sidewalks and enjoy stunning views of the Grand Teton mountain range. Browse the shops and galleries of the Town Plaza, enjoy a bite to eat at one of the many local favorites, get a picture of yourself in front of the elk antler arches, or sit on one of the saddle bar seats at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. Overnight Jackson, WY. 

• Breakfast

Enjoy a scenic float trip along the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park this morning. Keep an eye out for elk and other wildlife indigenous to the area. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore Jackson on your own. Overnight Jackson, WY. 

• Breakfast

Discover the hidden treasures of Grand Teton National Park this morning. Highlights include a stop at the new Moose Visitor Center, the breathtaking Jenny Lake Overlook, Jackson Lake Lodge, and more. Later, we travel by coach to America's first National Park, Yellowstone, with a photo stop at Lewis Falls as we enter the park. As you travel to your park lodge, keep an eye peeled for herds of buffalo and impressive rock formations. The evening is at your leisure. Overnight Yellowstone, WY. 

• Breakfast

Yellowstone National Park has the world's most extensive region of geothermal activity, with thousands of hot springs and fumaroles dotting the landscape. Today's sightseeing tour showcases some of the park's most renowned sights, including Hayden Valley, the spectacular Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and Artist Point. Walk around Fountain Paint Pots and, finally, stop at the famous Old Faithful Inn and Geyser Basin. There is time to explore the Old Faithful area and see the most famous geyser erupt before returning to our lodging. Overnight Yellowstone, WY.

We set out for today's adventure. Our first stop is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. This complex contains five museums under one roof: the Buffalo Bill Museum, the Remington Firearms Museum, the Whitney Museum of Western Art, the Plains Indian Museum, and the new Draper Natural History Museum. After lunch, it is off to the ranch, where ranch activities and a delicious dinner await. Overnight Clearmont, WY. 

*May departures instead spend the day exploring Little Bighorn Battlefield, where the Native Americans fought against Lt. Custer and his troops to preserve their way of life on June 25 and 26, 1876. We stay overnight in Sheridan, WY, surrounded by views of the Big Horn Mountains.

• Dinner

Set in the foothills of the Big Horn Mountain Range, the Ranch at UCross is the ideal place to get in touch with nature. There are abundant hiking trails on the property and opportunities for fishing and horseback riding, among other activities. Your morning is at leisure to soak in the wonders of natural Wyoming as you please or relax alongside the heated outdoor pool. This afternoon, we depart the ranch by motorcoach, driving through protected grasslands and the picturesque Black Hills of South Dakota en route to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The four presidents carved on the rock face represent the first 150 years of America's history in an inspiring way. Overnight Rapid City, SD.

*May departures have their morning at leisure in Sheridan, WY.

• Breakfast

This morning we head to Hill City, where we board the vintage cars of the 1880 Train for a ride through the Black Hills to Keystone. From here, we make our way to the Crazy Horse Memorial. Explore the museum and learn about the construction of this remarkable memorial. From here, we move on to Custer State Park, where we board the Safari Jeep for a fun-filled afternoon of adventure. Your final experience of the day finds you back at Mount Rushmore for the evening lighting ceremony. See this incredible monument in a different light as you enjoy this patriotic celebration. Overnight Rapid City, SD. 

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we travel through spectacular scenery on our way to the Badlands National Park. This Park features 244,000 acres of protected prairie and is home to bison, bighorn sheep, and the endangered black-footed ferret. A guided tour through the park provides the best opportunities for wildlife viewing and in-depth information about the land and history of the park. Next, visit Wall Drug, "America's Favorite Roadside Attraction," for lunch on your own. Discover a variety of Western souvenirs and classic pieces of Americana in this Old West Emporium. The final stop for the day is Bear Country USA. This wildlife park features the world's largest private viewing habitat of the American Black Bear. Enjoy a drive through this unique park and then stroll through the Wildlife Center, home to small animals and baby bears. This evening, enjoy a delicious chuckwagon dinner with cowboy entertainment. Overnight Rapid City, SD. 

• Breakfast, Dinner

Your tour concludes this morning. A group transfer to the Rapid City Airport accommodates flights departing after 11:00 a.m.