Trip Highlights

South Dakota: Key Highlights

From the iconic Mount Rushmore and Badlands landscapes to fossil digs and wildlife studies, connect STEM concepts to the real world in an unforgettable adventure of discovery, exploration, and learning.
BLACK HILL SOUTH DAKOTA

Mount Rushmore

Marvel at the iconic mountain carving of four U.S. presidents set against the stunning Black Hills landscape.

Mammoth Dig Site

Mammoth Dig Site

Step back in time and explore a real fossil site, uncovering ancient mammoth remains, and participate in an odontology workshop to learn how scientists identify species by their teeth.

Wind Cave National Park

Wind Cave National Park

Discover one of the world’s longest and most complex caves, and explore its unique geology on a guided tour.

Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park

Drive through the dramatic rock formations, canyons, and unique landscapes rich in geology and fossils, and participate in a National Park Service-led program on fossils.

South Dakota
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South Dakota: Day-by-Day Itinerary

Arrive in Rapid City, SD

Arrive in Rapid City, SD

Stop 1: Arrive in Rapid City, SD

Stop 2: Bear Country USA

Get up close with North American Black Bears at this drive-through wildlife park – don’t miss the baby bears in babyland!

Stop 3: Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore scenic mountains
Marvel at the iconic Mount Rushmore

Marvel at the iconic mountain carving of four U.S. presidents set against the stunning Black Hills landscape.

Stop 4: Mount Rushmore Lighting Ceremony

Mount Rushmore lighting ceremony
Illuminated Mount Rushmore celebration

Experience a spectacular evening with the monument illuminated, honoring history and national pride.

Stop 5: Overnight in Rapid City, SD

Mammoth Dig Site STEM Workshop Minuteman Missile National Historic Site Reptile Gardens

Comprehensive Travel Packages, No Surprises

Transparent pricing and inclusive planning mean accommodations, meals, activities, and safety are all taken care of.

Included:

  • Transportation
  • Lodging
  • Meals
  • Tour Guide
  • Insurance
  • Overnight Security
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Real Reviews

By Real Teachers and Parents

Rated 9.75/10 by educators nationwide — directly from Post Tour Surveys
Nations Classroom Tours

My 15th phenomenal trip with an amazing company and even better people.

Public Middle School Teacher from California / Historic East Coast Tour

This tour for a group of rowdy 8th graders to Washington D.C. was run like a well oiled machine. We saw way more than I expected!

Parent from Kentucky / Washington, DC Tour
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This tour for a group of rowdy 8th graders to Washington D.C. was run like a well oiled machine. We saw way more than I expected and meal times and stops all were fun and without complications.

Parent from Kentucky / Washington, DC Tour
Two students smiling together in front of a fountain.

This was our first year with Nations’. We could not be more pleased or impressed.

Public Middle School Teacher from Illinois / Washington, DC Tour
Tour guide and a student taking a selfie

We are highly satisfied with the level of service and quality of the trip!

Public Middle School Teacher from Texas / Washington, DC and New York City Tour, teacher

My son could not stop talking about his experience in Washington DC. I’m sure he will talk about it for years to come. He said it was one of the best trips he has been on.

Parent from Iowa / Washington, DC Tour, teacher
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My son could not stop talking about his experience in Washington DC. I’m sure he will talk about it for years to come. He said it was one of the best trips he has been on. He had nothing but praise for the guides and bus drivers. The trip was a great way to see so many things in Washington DC.

Parent from Iowa / Washington, DC Tour
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FAQS FOR TEACHERS AND PARENTS

We’re Here to Help You Feel Confident Every Step of the Way

Clear answers, helpful guidance, and the support you need — whether you’re leading a trip or preparing your child for travel with NationsClassroom.
Teachers Information Page

We recommend starting a minimum of 9–12 months in advance for domestic travel and 12-18 months in advance for international travel to secure your preferred dates, hotels, and guides. However, our team can customize itineraries on a faster timeline when needed.

Absolutely. Every trip we design is built around your educational goals.

You book the Parent Night and Help with the Rooming List – we do the rest.

Safety is our top priority. We work only with certified motorcoach companies and name brand hotels in safe areas, our guides tour support have are all background-checked, we have private security on each floor of each hotel at night and our Tour Central is constantly proactively monitoring traffic, weather and world events.

We’re committed to transparent, reasonable pricing with no hidden fees. Parents can pay securely online with our EZPAY program and choose from flexible payment plans or fundraising support options to make travel simple and accessible for every family.

Pre-tour, we provide detailed information on a custom web page, lead parent nights and provide real-time updates via email. On tour – you can always reach a US based human 247 and we proactively communicate with parents via email and phone as needed.