Day 1 – Home to Oacoma, SD
Our journey to Under the Big Sky starts today! We will make our way to Oacoma and check into the Cedar Shore Resort, located on the banks of the Missouri River. Dinner is served at the resort, giving us the opportunity to get to know one another.
Included Meals: Dinner
Hotel: Cedar Shore Resort
Day 2 – Oacoma to Keystone, SD
Today we’ll get our first grand taste of the National Parks of the Great Plains & Peaks! Departing after breakfast, we’ll first experience a scenic driving tour through the unique Badlands National Park. Enjoy photo stops along the way as well as a visit to the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. Next, we can’t travel this route without stopping at famous Wall Drug for lunch on your own – enjoy! Then we continue on to Wind Cave National Park for a guided cave tour. We’ll experience a wonderful sample of Wind Cave as our guide shows us small amounts of all the beautiful cave formations, like cave popcorn, flowstone, and boxwork – the cave’s signature feature. Our accommodations tonight are at the K Bar S Lodge, nestled at the foot of the verdant Black Hills. Dinner is served at the Lodge.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: K Bar S Lodge
Day 3 – Keystone to Clearmont, WY
Enjoy breakfast in our scenic surroundings before we depart. First, we’ll travel through the unknown, forgotten but scenic Bear Lodge Mountains to imposing Devils Tower. Rising 865 feet above the surrounding prairie, it can be seen up to 50 miles away on a clear day. Recognized as one of America’s most identifiable natural landmarks, the Tower was designated as the country’s first National Monument by President Teddy Roosevelt in 1906. As we continue westward, take in the grand sky and landscapes around us. Special accommodations awaits us: The Ranch at Ucross, one of America’s most unique and superb “dude ranches,” is western hospitality at its very best! We have included a group activity at the Ranch this evening – welcome to ranch life! Tonight, just relax and enjoy the setting, a wonderful ranch dinner, our comfortable accommodations, and this true authentic western experience!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: The Ranch at Ucross
Day 4 – Clearmont to Cody, WY
Enjoy a hearty ranch breakfast before we depart. As we journey west today, note the “big sky” and awesome wide open landscape – you may see more antelope than trees! We’ll travel through the Bighorn National Forest with an included lunch stop along the way. Then we’ll stop at Heart Mountain, a National Historic Landmark where more than 14,000 Japanese Americans were confined during World War II; a fascinating part of our history that most know little about. Enjoy a self-guided tour of their Interpretive Center. Just a few more miles down the road we’ll find Cody, founded in 1895 by none other than Buffalo Bill Cody! We’ll step aboard a narrated trolley for a fun and historical introduction to this town full of rustic western flavor. Tonight the American cowboy spirit and the Wild West come to life at the Cody Nite Rodeo! This action-packed event showcases the skill, bravery, and athleticism of both professional and amateur riders, as they compete in a variety of exciting rodeo events, including bull riding, barrel racing, and team roping. Giddy up cowboy!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Buffalo Bill Cabin Village
Day 5 – Cody to Jackson Hole, WY
Breakfast is served at the hotel, then it’s time to explore Yellowstone National Park! Coming in through the East Entrance, we’ll take in the beautiful landscapes as we drive through the park to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and the picturesque Lower Falls viewing area at Artist Point. The 300 ft Lower Falls from Artist Point is one of the most recognizable pictures in all of Yellowstone. We’ll stop in Canyon Village where you will have an opportunity to have lunch on your own and pick up a park souvenir or two. Next we’ll continue on to Tower Fall, a breathtaking 132 foot falls. We will then ascend to Mammoth Hot Springs, a large complex of hot springs on a hill of travertine that was created over many years. As we wind our way south through the park, enjoy the passing landscapes. Up next, we’ll experience the best views of the Grand Tetons, the National Elk Refuge, and the town of Jackson on a comfortable gondola ride to the summit of Snow King Mountain! Ascending nearly 1,600 feet, we’ll marvel at the 360-degree vista. Tonight, we’ll settle in for two nights at The Lodge at Jackson Hole, located in the heart of Mountain Country!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: The Lodge at Jackson Hole (2 Nights)
Day 6 – Jackson Hole
This morning we have a special adventure for you – a float trip down the Snake River! We will watch for wildlife around every turn and rising to our west will be stunning vistas of the Teton Mountain Range. This will be a float trip you will remember for years and years. When our “soft” float is completed we will have a picnic lunch on the banks of the Snake River. Then we’ll board our coach for more sightseeing in Grand Teton National Park. Stops to enjoy the magnificent Teton Mountain Range will have us snapping countless pictures! Our exploring will include Cathedral Group, Jenny Lake, and the Craig Thomas Visitor Center. Plus, a stop at the little Chapel of the Transfiguration is sure to be inspirational! Tonight you are free to enjoy the Lodge’s indoor/outdoor heated pool and outdoor hot tub as you soak under the sweeping Wyoming skies.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 – Jackson Hole to West Yellowstone, MT
Another great day is ahead of us, so after breakfast we board the motorcoach for a drive along the foot of the Tetons. We’ll make a stop at Oxbow Bend to take in the stunning mountains views against the Snake River. Then we’ll continue north for another visit to Yellowstone National Park, entering through the South Entrance. Making numerous stops, we’ll have ample opportunity to soak in the magic of this special place. Sightings of elk, moose and bison are very possible in the morning mist. We’ll cross the continental divide three times as we make our way along the beautiful park roads to Old Faithful Geyser basin. Here we’ll wait for this iconic geyser to spew forth its beauty as it’s been doing for hundreds of years. Then we’ll continue our scenic drive along the Firehole River as we travel towards West Yellowstone to our hotel. Tonight we’ll enjoy a highly entertaining evening at the crowd-friendly Playmill Theatre.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: ClubHouse Inn
Day 8 – West Yellowstone to Kalispell, MT
After breakfast, we travel northwest through gorgeous country. A unique stop is planned in Missoula at the famous Smokejumper’s Base and Visitors Center. We are privileged to receive a guided tour of this famous firefighting operation where we experience a working smokejumper facility, jump gear, parachutes, cargo and aircraft. Then we continue north for a scenic drive by Flathead Lake, stretching before us like an inland ocean. 30 miles long and 16 miles wide, these crystal-clear waters are bordered on the east by the Mission Mountains and on the west by the Salish Mountains.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Hampton Inn (2 Nights)
Day 9 – Kalispell (Glacier National Park)
Welcome to Glacier National Park! We’ll board vintage red buses to explore the best of Glacier’s unique landscapes. The journey starts in the great cedar and hemlock forests that lie within the Lake McDonald Valley. We’ll traverse the famed Going-to-the-Sun Road to the high alpine region of the park, over Logan Pass, and stand on top of the Continental Divide. Discover incredible mountain ranges, glaciers, waterfalls, and wildflowers along the way as the red buses glide along the glacially carved Garden Wall. We’ll make a stop at the Apgar Visitor Center. Our adventure isn’t over yet! Hungry Horse Dam is on the way and beckons our company. We will marvel at this engineering wonder. If you like huckleberry, our next shopping stop will be perfect! Our day ends with time to explore the downtown charm of Whitefish.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch
Day 10 – Kalispell to Helena, MT
This morning we’ll travel along the Swan River on tree lined backroads with the Swan Range on one side and the Mission Mountains rising on the other. We have to make a special stop at the Mission Mountains Mercantile to stock up on goodies! As we rise over McDonald Pass, the view before us is amazing! We’ll then arrive in historic Helena, Montana’s beautiful capital city. Just north of town is the “Gates of the Mountains” where the Missouri River slices thru the Big Belt Mountains on its journey east. More picture taking is a must as we enjoy a late afternoon cruise at Gates of the Mountains. Dinner this evening will be included.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Best Western Premier Great Northern
Day 11 – Helena to Medora, ND
Breakfast is served and then eastwards we go. We’ll visit Pompeys Pillar National Monument, a sandstone pillar that stands 150 feet above the Yellowstone River. Being only 51 acres, the pillar is one of the smallest National Monuments in the U.S. We’ll continue to travel under the Big Sky as we journey east to Medora for the next two nights. We’ll enjoy dinner together this evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Hotel 1883 (2 Nights)
Day 12 – Medora
After breakfast, we’ll set out to explore Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Find out why Teddy Roosevelt loved this region and helped to create a national park to preserve it. The vast North Dakota prairies, rivers, and badlands are home to a wide variety of native wildlife such as herds of bison, elk, bighorn sheep, bald and golden eagles, meadowlarks, burrowing owls, prairie dogs, and several bands of wild horses. During the summer months, herds of Mustangs may be seen grazing on the upland plateaus in the park, where they can enjoy the cooling winds and lush grasses. Today, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one of the few areas in the West where free-roaming horses may be readily observed. There is nothing quite like the site of a stallion silhouetted high on a ridge protecting its herd! Next we’ll explore the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, where interactive exhibits bring to life TR’s life, legacy, and enduring relevance! Learn about our 26th President’s Pillar Principles of citizenship, leadership, and conservation and his values to “Dare Greatly, Think Boldly, Live Passionately, and Care Deeply.” Tonight the nationally acclaimed Pitchfork Steak Fondue will delight us as chefs load steaks onto pitchforks and fondue them western style right before our eyes. Savoring our steaks and all the fixin’s as we overlook the picturesque Badlands from atop a bluff at the Tjaden Terrace. Plus, we are serenaded with western melodies performed live by members of The Coal Diggers from the Medora Musical. Following dinner is the Medora Musical. Enjoy family entertainment while in the outdoor splendor of the North Dakota Badlands in the 2,852 seat Burning Hills Amphitheater. This professionally produced, high energy, western style musical is proudly dedicated to the legacy of America’s 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt, and the time he spent here in North Dakota’s Badlands. Each show pays tribute to American patriotism and the Old West. Audiences are treated to an exciting array of songs performed by the Burning Hills Singers and accompanied by the on-stage band, the Coal Diggers. The Medora Musical also features nationally known variety acts, live horses on stage and a gospel tribute.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13 – Medora to Home
As we make our way home today, our minds and cameras will be full of memories from Under the Big Sky: The National Parks of the Great Plains & Peaks!
Included Meals: Breakfast
Motorcoach Per Person Pricing Information
Motorcoach Travel Protection Per Person
Travel Bucks
Deposit Due
Passport Needed
Tour Pace
Price Includes
23 Meals, Hotels & Activities as stated, Luxury Motorcoach
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- Brady Portenier, Herman, during the third performance of the Cody PRCA rodeo. Photo by Andy Watson. All Photos (C) Watson Rodeo Photos, INC. Any use must have written Permission.
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- JR Vezain, Cross Fire, during the third performance of the Cody PRCA rodeo. Photo by Andy Watson
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- A guard tower at the Heart Mountain Interpretive Learning Center outside of Cody, Wyoming. From 1942 to 1945, nearly 14,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry were imprisoned at the Heart Mountain Relocation Center – one of 10 War Relocation Authority (WRA) concentration camps. Photo by Kevin J. Miyazaki
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- A display representing the interior of an internment camp barrack at The Heart Mountain Interpretive Learning Center outside of Cody, Wyoming. From 1942 to 1945, nearly 14,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry were imprisoned at the Heart Mountain Relocation Center – one of 10 War Relocation Authority (WRA) concentration camps. Photo by Kevin J. Miyazaki
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07/10/2027 07/22/2027
Tour Map
Tour Highlights
* Badlands National Park
* Wind Cave National Park Guided Tour
* Devils Tower National Monument
* 1 Night at The Ranch at Ucross with Activity
* Heart Mountain Interpretive Center
* Cody Trolley Tour
* Cody Nite Rodeo
* Headwaters of the Missouri River
* 2 Days Exploring Yellowstone National Park including Old Faithful, Artist Point, Tower Fall, Mammoth Hot Springs, & more!
* Snow King Mountain Gondola Ride
* Snake River Float Trip
* Grand Teton National Park
* Playmill Theater
* Smokejumper’s Base and Visitors Center
* Glacier National Park via Vintage Red Buses
* Hungry Horse Dam
* Mission Mountain Mercantile
* Gates of the Mountains Missouri River Cruise
* Pompeys Pillar National Monument
* Theodore Roosevelt National Park
* Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
* Medora’s Pitchfork Fondue & Medora Musical
