FAMILY | 6 days - 5 nights | from $2,498 /adult $1,998 / child

Trip Summary: The legendary Great Plains and Black Hills of South Dakota are the perfect backdrop for your 6-day family adventure. Follow an abandoned railroad along the Mickelson Trail, traversing countless bridges and rock tunnels. Hike the base of , walk around the Native American cultural center at Memorial and explore the depths of Wind Cave. At the end of the day, curl up somewhere with a good book and enjoy a delectable meal before calling it a night in the comfort of your comfortable hotel or lodge.

www.austinadventures.com | 800-575-1540 1 THE DAY TO DAY

Day 1: Rapid City / Sturgis / Spearfish / Deadwood

Begin your vacation by exploring 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 • Tour the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame • Load up in the van to travel a short distance away to our home for the next few nights, Deadwood • We’ll walk the same sidewalks as the likes of , , Wyatt Earp and Buffalo Bill, to name just a few • Enjoy a unique tour of Deadwood via trolley later in the afternoon and then check into our hotel • Tonight’s dinner is at the fabulous Jake’s Restaurant, owned by Kevin Costner • Kevin fell in love with the area after filming Dances with Wolves and the restaurant is filled with his movie memorabilia • Overnight Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel (L, D)

Day 2: Mickelson Trail / Hill City / Deadwood

Cycle along the historic Burlington Northern rail line, which serviced gold country for nearly a century • After eating lunch at the park in Hill City, we drive back to Deadwood, taking a short stop (and swim break, weather permitting) at Pactola Lake • This afternoon, enjoy some downtime or walk around the Mount Moriah Cemetery where Wild Bill and Calamity Jane were laid to rest; visit one of Deadwood’s museums, highlighting life in the days of outlaws, gold panning, and Native American skirmishes; or take an “old-time” photo at Woody’s Wild West • We’ll meet up for an early dinner at the Deadwood Social Club • Overnight Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 3: Spearfish / Deadwood

Today, we head over to the nearby town of Spearfish for a bike ride through a neat canyon • Enjoy a delicious guide-prepared lunch at a local park • Take in the beautiful views on a 1.5 hour transfer to Sylvan Lake Lodge, your accommodations for the next three nights • While one of your guides checks you in, the other will give you a tour of the lodge’s beautiful grounds • Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own in the lodge’s restaurant • Overnight Sylvan Lake Lodge (B, L)

www.austinadventures.com | 800-575-1540 2 Day 4: Harney Peak / Keystone / Mount Rushmore

From Sylvan Lake Lodge, we’ll depart on a hike up Harney Peak, the highest mountain east of the Rockies • Even though this description may sound daunting, the hike itself is perfect for families looking to reach the stone fire tower at the top • We’ll eat lunch at the summit as we take in 360 degree views of the Black Hills • After well-earned downtime this afternoon, depart for a scenic tour of the Highway and Iron Mountain Road • Dinner in the historic town of Keystone • Tonight we’ll explore Mount Rushmore as the sun sets! • Overnight Sylvan Lake Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 5: Wind Cave / Sylvan Lake / Wildlife Loop

This morning, we shuttle a short distance to Wind Cave, where we take a tour of the world’s first cave designated as a national park • Indulge in a delicious picnic lunch back at Sylvan Lake • This afternoon, opt for a last bike ride on the nearby Mickelson Trail or choose to take on an afternoon of leisure at Sylvan Lake Lodge • After some downtime at the hotel, we’ll drive the Wildlife Loop in on the lookout for bison, antelope and wild burros on our way to our final night’s dinner at the State Game Lodge • Overnight Sylvan Lake Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 6: / Rapid City

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before loading up the van • On our way to Rapid City, we’ll make a short detour to Crazy Horse • Still in progress, the memorial is destined to be some 10 times the size of Mt. Rushmore • This compound will eventually pay tribute to the American Indians; housing the Indian Museum of North America, Indian University of North America and other properties • After your tour, say goodbye to the Black Hills and head back to Rapid City • (B)

**Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, trail, ocean, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures. www.austinadventures.com | 800-575-1540 3 Hiking: 2 to 7 miles, easy to moderate terrain. Bear Butte – 1,025 feet of elevation gain over 2 miles (out and back). Harney Peak – 1,100 feet elevation gain over 3.5 miles (out and back).

Biking: 20 to 25 miles, easy to moderate terrain on paved roads and Mickelson Trail (packed gravel)

Swimming: There will be several opportunities to swim in lakes this trip; but remember, weather is a factor and cold weather may prevent swimming from taking place.

Discovery: Few attractions stir the emotions of visitors the way Mount Rushmore does. Since its completion in 1941, it has joined the Statue of Liberty and the Stars & Stripes as one of America's most inspiring symbols of democracy. Can you imagine a nose that is 20 feet long? On Mount Rushmore’s presidents’ six-story tall heads, their rather large noses appear quite normal. Discover the enormity of the Crazy Horse Memorial, its past and present controversies, and the mountain carving’s historic significance at the Native American Cultural Center. Visit a herd of the friendly wild begging burros in South Dakota’s first and largest state park, Custer State Park. Descend into the depths of Wind Cave, the first cave designated as a national park and home to approximately 95% of the world’s boxwork formation. Follow the route of the 1890 Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad on the Mickelson Trail, keeping an eye out for wild turkeys along the way. Follow the steps of famous historic figures such as Wild Bill Hickock, Calamity Jane, Jack McCall, and in the Old West historic town of Deadwood. Come see all there is to do in the Mount Rushmore State!

Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They take the time to explain the local history, daily sightseeing, and route options. Each route has been carefully planned to include options to please each traveler’s interests. Austin Adventures guides are available to help you select the distance that’s right for you and to offer advice and assistance as you desire.

Mickelson Trail: Imagine a path where the ghosts of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane still roam; where bicyclists, hikers and horseback riders can explore spruce and ponderosa pine forests; and the very young, the very old and people of all abilities can enjoy.

The George S. Mickelson Trail, in the heart of the beautiful Black Hills, was completed in September of 1998. Its gentle slopes and easy access allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the beauty of the Black Hills. Much of the trail passes through National Forest Land, but there are parts of the trail that pass through privately owned land, where trail use is restricted to the trail only. The trail is 109 miles long and contains more than 100 converted railroad bridges and 4 rock tunnels. The trail surface is primarily crushed limestone and gravel. There are 15 trailheads, all of which offer parking, self-sale trail pass stations, vault toilets, and tables. www.austinadventures.com | 800-575-1540 4 DISTINCTIVE ACCOMMODATIONS

Nights 1 & 2: Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel

Deadwood’s newest boutique hotel is perched on a hill overlooking historic Deadwood. The 98-room luxury hotel is a wonderful addition to a re-development from one of Deadwood’s most unique historic landmarks, the Homestake Mine Slime Plant, now home to Deadwood’s only Event Center. You can look forward to the swimming pool with hot tub after a long day of biking. The new Deadwood Mountain Grand is an unforgettable place to stay on your visit to the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Nights 3 - 5: 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. The awe-inspiring views, comfortable accommodations, exciting activities, and mouthwatering meals will leave you so satisfied you may never want to leave!

www.austinadventures.com | 800-575-1540 5 Arrival and Departure Please plan on arriving at least one day prior to your trip departure. Day one of your itinerary starts at 8:00 a.m. or 8:20 a.m., depending on your hotel. Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Rapid City airport (12:00 p.m.) or your Rapid City hotel (12:30 p.m.).

2016 Dates Trip Price Trip Length Host City 6 days/5 nights Rapid City, SD June 12 - 17 from June 26 - July 1 Airport Code: RAP $2,498 / adult August 21 -26 ($580 single supplement) $1,998 / child

Reservations & Availability 1-800-575-1540 [email protected]

What Our Guests Say

 “The week was filled with wonderful activities that make for great memories. The tour guides were outstanding!” – Connie V., Broomfield, CO

 “We had a fabulous time and were pleased with the attention to details: excellent meals, tours and guides! Both Pam and Kira were excellent and truly helped to make this vacation very memorable!” – Linda and Jon S., Westminster, CO

 “Great lunches! It’s amazing what our guides could prepare in the parks!” – Phil B., Tucson, AZ

 “The Mickelson Trail was so great for biking that we would have enjoyed spending all of our days on that trail!” – Barbara and Mike H., Foster City, CA

www.austinadventures.com | 800-575-1540 6