Featured Partners
We can help you create an extraordinary experience for your customers - an experience that will make their visit here one they'll remember forever. One way we do that is featuring some trusted partners and providers that we know will provide the highest level of service and the most memorable customer experience. It's not just a business of making reservations. It's a passion for excellence that considers details about group ages and dynamics; an overall theme for the trip; the complete itinerary in this area and your travel coming into this area; live entertainment and professional speakers; superior lodging and meals; all while keeping budgets in mind.
K Bar S Lodge
Located in the shadow of Mt. Rushmore - literally on some days - the K Bar S Lodge is the perfect blend of style and comfort. Secluded on 45 very private
acres surrounded by National Forest and part of the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve, the Lodge is easily accessible and welcomes guests with its distinct character
and charm, plus renowned South Dakota hospitality. Grand soaring wooden beams two and a half stories high frame the magnificent lobby. From there guests can
relax on the deck and see Washington and Jefferson on nearby Mt. Rushmore. The K Bar S Lodge is truly an escape from the daily grind and sure to become a
favorite Black Hills destination.
Mt. Rushmore Black Hills Gold Factory Tours
Whenever groups travel here, they will see the South Dakota State jewelry, Black Hills Gold, in many shops and stores. It won't be long before you'll be asked to explain the meaning of the leaves, grapes and vines done in three colors that make this beautiful jewelry so unique.
The best way to answer that question is by scheduling a visit to the Mt. Rushmore Black Hills Gold and Diamond factory. Here you'll be allowed to go behind the scenes to hear the legend of Henri LeBeau, the Frenchman credited with first making this jewelry in the 1870's.
Your group will be greeted on the coach before everyone goes into the factory. Then in small groups of 10-12 at a time each group is led by a guide so everyone can get up close to watch as skilled craftsmen (and women) carry out the detailed, very delicate work of making each incredible piece. From the design to the finished bright-cutting you'll watch as each step is carefully explained. You'll even learn how diamonds are cast in molten gold to make them part of the designs of some pieces.
Free coffee and cookies are provided while the group is there and special discounts are offered only to tour groups. This is a must see experience that will leave everyone amazed at the number of steps and the incredible hand work that makes each piece unique.
And best of all, just for scheduling a stop at this factory, you'll get a $5 per room discount for each night of your stay at the K Bar S Lodge or the Comfort Inn and Suites which is right across the street from the factory.
Comfort Inn and Suites
Our commitment to providing the finest lodging continues with our recommendation of the Comfort Inn and Suites in Rapid City. This Choice Hotel property was ranked 5th best in the nation in 2006 and #1 of all Choice Hotels (there are more than 1,500 of them) in 2007!
This property is not like any Comfort Inn you've ever seen. From the beautiful high ceiling in the lobby to the huge breakfast room, this is the perfect place for tour groups. You'll have room to spread out and truly enjoy the stay. Nowhere is there a stronger commitment to cleanliness, comfort and service. The rooms feature the most comfortable Serta Diamond Plush Presidential mattresses with upscale decorations, hair dryers, irons and ironing boards, granite shower/tubs and cable Television with free internet. A huge pool, hot tub, and sauna make relaxing not just enjoyable - it's a must! An exercise room overlooking the pool makes keeping in shape a fun diversion during your trip.
A Ruby Tuesday restaurant is on site so you can also have a meal without having to load the coach for dinner.
Black Hills Educational Institute
In today's travel market more and more groups expect to see and do things that are not part of the drive-by tours of yesteryear. We work very closely with a local non-profit organization to gain access to and create programs using University Professors, professional impersonators and performers.
We'll work with you to create a complete theme for your visit and add perhaps a performance by a local Lakota Indian and Fancy Dancer who has traveled the world performing. In addition to dancing and singing native songs he will describe his own experiences as a young man growing up in this area while holding on to his cultural past. We can also schedule a hoop dancer who has competed in dances nationwide and selected among the top three hoop dancers nationally. She will describe the significance of her hoops, the meaning of her dance moves, and even the colors in her clothing. Sometimes she brings along her young daughter who began dancing just a few years ago at age 3 or 4! These are experiences you won't forget.
Another favorite presentation is done by a local photographer who has published photos in National Geographic and dozens of other magazines and books. His presentation includes historic photos taken in the Black Hills during the expedition of General Custer in the summer of 1874 in which he compares those photos to his photos taken from the same places today. This incredible comparison gives a fascinating look into the past as he describes the life of Custer's 7th Calvary soldiers and shows the places as they are today. This really brings to life the history of this nearly virgin territory.
See our existing itineraries to see how these experts can be melded into a visit to make it come alive with facts about the people, places and events that are part of this incredible part of the Great American Road Trip.