Friendly Adventures


The Black Hills - Discover the Sacred Lands of SD 8/30/2025-9/6/2025 Embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure through the heart of the Black Hills from August 30 to September 6! Immerse yourself in the charm of historic Hill towns, visit iconic landmarks such as Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial, wonder at the mystery of Devils Tower, our first national monument and explore the stunning landscapes of Custer State Park, teeming with wildlife and scenic drives. Experience the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park and enjoy comfortable accommodations and delicious meals along the way. Optional activities like hiking Black Elk Peak or riding the historic 1880s Train add extra adventure. This journey isn’t only about sightseeing—it’s about making lasting connections with fellow travelers. From evening gatherings at our cozy lodges to shared moments of laughter on scenic hikes, you’ll form bonds with like-minded adventurers and create memories that will stay with you forever. A perfect balance of nature, culture, and camaraderie, this trip promises a one-of-a-kind experience. Book your Black Hills getaway today! HighlightsGeneral ItineraryFlight InfoCancellation Policy Coming soon. Saturday, Aug 30, 2025, Arrive at Rapid City. We will stay in Rapid City the first night as people will be arriving throughout the day. We will meet at 6:15 in the lobby to get together in the evening, then adjourn to local restaurant for dinner. Sunday, Aug 31, we’ll assemble at 8:00 am, with baggage, to get into vans and drive to Custer State Park. Stops include the Visitor Center, tour of wildlife loop road, Wind cave, and a stop for Black Hills overlook at Mt. Coolidge Lookout. Check into Cabins at State Game Lodge. Happy Hour at 5:30 pm/dinner (on own) at State Game Lodge. Monday, Sept 01, we’ll assemble in front of Cabins in State Game Lodge 8:30am to go to Mt. Rushmore via Iron Mountain Road. First stop is Mt. Rushmore in the morning and plan to walk the 1 mi. Presidential loop trail to the base of the sculptures. After lunch in keystone, we will have time to ride the 1880’s train. Then we will go to the Crazy Horse Memorial. Bring money for shopping at the shops and displays. Stop in Custer for Dinner. Return to Lodges. Meet at John’s cabin for late Happy Hour. Tuesday, Sept 02, we’ll assemble at 8:00 am to drive to Devils Tower National Monument via Scenic Spearfish Canyon drive w/3 waterfall stops and short hikes. Short stops at Cheyenne Crossing - Starting as a stage stop in 1878 & DC Booth Hatchery. Hike around Devils Tower and stop at Visitor Center and trading posts. On return we will stop in town of Deadwood for Dinner with time to shop, gamble, visit historic sites, museums or if you’re interested, we can check out the Mt. Moriah graveyard where Calamity jane and Wild Bill Hitchcock are buried. Wednesday, Sept 03, 8:00am departure for a nice hike of 7.4 mi rt. 1250’ gain to Black Elk Peak (highest in South Dakota) or take it easy and spend time visiting Sylvan Lake area where you can enjoy a coffee/meal inside the lodge, take a scenic hike around the lake, rent kayaks, enjoy the beach and take a swim in the lake. After we’ll take a mid-day excursion to the quaint small town of Hill City and enjoy the many shops and restaurants. Thursday, Sept 04, we’ll assemble at 9 am in front of cabins to go to Jewel Cave for a tour of the cave. After cave tour, we will return to Custer for lunch. followed by a short hike in the Needles or Sylvan Lake area. Then at 4:00 pm leave for Jeep Safari among Buffalo herd and after we will enjoy a Happy Hour and Ron’s famous gourmand feast for dinner in our cabin. Friday, Sept 05, pack our bags and meet at the vans at 7:30 am to drive to Badlands National Park, Minuteman Missile Historic Site and Wall Drugs. Return in time for dinner in a local restaurant to enjoy our farewell dinner. Saturday, Sept 06, today we check out to go to Rapid City Airport to catch plane home. Hope you enjoyed your vacation. Flight is to be booked on your own! This trip begins/ends in Rapid City, South Dakota Currently flights are around $400/$500 per person RT. Airport shuttle to/from hotels on your own or use the hotel shuttle bus Payment of $400 refundable deposit required within 2 weeks of reservation approval to secure a spot on this trip. Full payment will be required by June 1, 2025. Reservation approval after June 1, 2025 will need to pay full amount to secure a spot After full payment is made you will have 15 days to change your mind without question then no refund unless we can find a suitable replacement. Absolutely, no refunds after July 1, 2025. We strongly encourage that you look into trip insurance (cancel for any reason) before making payment for this trip! Friendly Adventures reserves the right to cancel or alter a trip due to unforeseen weather, unsafe conditions, low registrations or other circumstances. On the rare occasion when Friendly Adventures must cancel a trip, all payments received to date will be refunded, including the non-refundable portion of your deposit. Friendly Adventures is not responsible for expenses incurred in preparation for any canceled trips, including airplane tickets. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRIP CANCELLATION/TRIP INTERRUPTION INSURANCE, WHICH COVERS YOUR COST IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL OR INTERRUPT YOUR TRIP for medical reasons, trip delay, lost baggage, and other unforeseen emergencies. Friendly Adventures will send you information about travel insurance with your registration information, or you may purchase coverage through your own insurance company. In order to avoid disappointment and expense in the event that you must cancel your trip we strongly urge you to purchase some type of insurance coverage.		Make Reservation Land package: $2,000 Departing from Rapid City, SD Trip Includes Daily transportation starting at Rapid City hotel in 15 passenger Vans Daily organized activities 7 days Lodging 7 breakfast, 2 lunch, 2 dinner buffalo safari tour in Custer State Park Tour of Wind Cave NP Tour of Jewel Cave NM entrance fees for all National Park, State Park and other activities included in our itinerary Have a Question? Send an e-mail to the organizers. John Corcoran Main Coordinator Ron Domash Assistant Coordinator 39 Participants