Home
Holiday Types- Fly Drive Holidays
- Culture, Heritage & National Parks of North & South Dakota
Culture, Heritage & National Parks of North & South Dakota
From £2,423 pp
-
13 nights
-
Economy flights
-
Available May - October
Experience the not-so-known states of North and South Dakota and be amazed at its Native American culture, stunning national parks, famous memorials and its historic and character filled towns and cities. Visit the incredible sights of Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial and the famous Native American statue Dignity, before heading into North Dakota to visit historic Bismarck-Mandan, the thriving city of Fargo and the pristine wilderness of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
What's Included?
- International flights from the UK based on economy class
- Accommodation for 13 nights
- 14 days compact car hire with fully inclusive insurance, unlimited mileage and taxes
Special Offers
Take advantage of the following offers on this holiday
Save up to £500 per booking
Book by 31st January and take advantage of our exclusive savings
• Save £500 on bookings over £10,000
• Save £350 on bookings between £7,500 - £9,999
• Save £300 on bookings between £5,000 - £7,499
• Save £250 on bookings between £2,500 - £4,999
HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON
- Day(s)
- Hour(s)
- Minute(s)
- Second(s)
10GB of FREE data
Stay connected with up to 10GB of FREE data
Stream, surf, and share more with up to 10GB data on us. Book by 31st January 2025.
HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON
- Day(s)
- Hour(s)
- Minute(s)
- Second(s)
Start
Finish
Stops
Point of interest
Your day-to-day plan
Day 1-2
Arrive in Minneapolis
Arrive in Minneapolis and make your way by taxi to your hotel where you will spend the next two nights. Twinned with the neighbouring state capital St Paul, both cities sit at either side of the Mississippi River. Boasting a wonderful arts scene, visit the Walker Art Center and for fans of the artist Prince, visit Paisley Park, his former home and studio. In the evening, catch some live music at First Avenue, the nightclub that featured in his film; Purple Rain.
Day 3-4
Minneapolis to Sioux Falls, 239 miles
Cross the border into South Dakota and head to Sioux Falls, a city full of character, with a great craft brewery and food scene. One of the city’s highlights is pretty Falls Park, a 128-acre park along the Big Sioux River with its own beautiful triple waterfall. With multiple museums you will be spoilt for choice on art, history, and culture in Sioux Falls. Follow the Sculpture walk through downtown with over 80 sculptures on display. If time permits stop in the small town of De Smet enroute to Sioux Falls, to follow in the footsteps of Laura Ingalls Wilder and the television series Little House on the Prairie. Visit the Ingalls Homestead and discover what life was like in 1862.
Day 5
Sioux Falls to Pierre, 227 miles
Hit the road heading west to the town of Pierre stopping at South Dakota’s most iconic roadside attractions. In Mitchell admire the world’s only Corn Palace – uniquely designed murals, all made from naturally coloured corn, grains, and native grasses. The Dignity of Earth and Sky sculpture casts a peaceful gaze across the waters of the Missouri River near Chamberlain. Standing 50 feet tall, the statue was designed to honour the cultures of the Lakota and Dakota people. Continue to Pierre (pronounced ‘peer’) South Dakota’s state capital. Visit the State Capitol Building, the Cultural Heritage Center, or head outdoors to Fort Pierre, the Oahe Dam or La Framboise Island.
Day 6-7
Pierre to Rapid City, 198 miles
Head west to Badlands National Park - a maze of buttes, canyons and gullies formed by millions of years of erosion. Witness the layers of coloured rock change in the warmth of the sunlight throughout the day. Don’t miss a quick stop at the infamous Wall Drug for quirky shopping and amazing doughnuts! Continue to Rapid City, well located to visit Crazy Horse Memorial an enormous granite carving in production, honouring the Native American warrior, which will stand at four times the size of Mount Rushmore once completed. Drive the scenic Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road and see unique rock formations in Custer State Park. One of the most universally known attractions in the US is the jaw-dropping Mount Rushmore National Memorial - a 60ft high mountain carving of U.S. Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
Day 8-9
Rapid City to Medora, 259 miles
Drive west stopping in historic Deadwood, a popular hangout of wild west legends including Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, then head into North Dakota and the cute cowboy town of Medora. Medora is the gateway to the south entrance of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, named after the famous president who was responsible for creating America’s National Park Service. Spend the day exploring the park’s pristine wilderness, keeping an eye out for bison, wild horses, and elk along the way. During the summer months don’t miss the toe tappin’ Medora Musical set against the magnificent North Dakota Badlands and the Pitchfork Fondue dinner.
Day 10-11
Medora to Bismarck-Mandan, 133 miles
Head east to Bismarck, detouring at exit 72 to experience the Enchanted Highway, a 32-mile stretch lined with large metal sculptures. Spend two nights in the twin cities of Bismarck and Mandan which are divided by the Missouri River. Visit the North Dakota Heritage Centre and State Museum working your way through the four galleries which tell the fascinating story of North Dakota through thousands of artefacts and specimens, high-tech displays, and interactive exhibits. Then cross the river into Mandan to visit the Native American Earth Lodges or walk in the footsteps of General Custer at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park.
Day 12-13
Bismarck-Mandan to Fargo, 196 miles
Drive west to the city of Fargo, located on the Minnesota-North Dakota border, stopping in Jamestown to see the world’s largest buffalo, a 60-tonne statue standing at 26 feet tall. Fargo is a thriving university town home to a bustling downtown and several attractions including the iconic Fargo Theatre, the Fargo Air Museum and the world-famous wood chipper from the movie named after the city. Fargo is also proud of its Nordic heritage which is preserved at the Hjemkomst Center. If you like a tipple, then don’t miss the local microbreweries.
Day 14
Homeward Bound
Drive back to Minneapolis airport and drop off your hire car and board your homebound flight.
Related Itineraries
Please note selected national parks in the USA require reservations for vehicles in order to enter the parks. Reservations are required in advance. This is in addition to purchasing a national park entrance ticket. Early booking is recommended.
Further information on the parks, where vehicle reservations are required and how to book can be found on:
USA National Parks
This holiday requires an ESTA for entry to the United States, for full details and to apply please see below:
