On arrival collect your car and stay two nights in Sioux Falls

Located in eastern South Dakota, Sioux Falls radiates an edgy urban vibe but celebrates its rich history and the fertile land of the surrounding area. Whether you are looking to explore outdoor treasures, try local food and craft beer, discover history, public art and live music, you can find it all in Sioux Falls. "The Falls" of the Big Sioux River, have been a focus of life in the region throughout history. Surrounding the falls is beautiful Falls Park, a 50-hectare green space in the heart of the city. The pink quartzite rock, or Sioux Quartzite, seen at Falls Park is native to the area and was used to construct roads and many of Sioux Falls’ first buildings. Its rustic, rosy hue is easily recognizable when viewing the city’s skyline. 

Fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House on the Prairie might want to take a side trip to De Smet to visit the Ingalls Homestead, Laura’s childhood home and the inspiration for the world renowned book. 

Stay one night in Pierre

Travel via Mitchell and the World’s Only Corn Palace – some 500,000 tourists visit this small town each year to see the uniquely designed corn murals. Dating back to 1892, the Corn Palace was originally built as a way to prove to the world that South Dakota had a healthy agricultural climate.

Pierre is the State Capital of South Dakota and offers a range of cultural and historical attractions as well as the great food and entertainment you would expect from such a city. Visit the Museum of the South Dakota State Historical Society at the Cultural Heritage Center for a fascinating insight into the state’s history beginning with the story of Native American tribes that inhabited South Dakota before statehood and following the state’s history through the 21st century. You can also tour the beautiful State Capitol building or if outdoor pursuits are more your thing head to one of the parks or nature areas. 

Stay three nights in Rapid City

Your first stop today should be Badlands National Park. The rugged beauty of the Badlands draws visitors from around the world. Drive the Badland’s Loop and keep an eye out across the expanse of mixed-grass prairie for bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets. There are also a number of hiking trails and walks, as well as ranger programmes and activities. After the park head to nearby Wall and stop at Wall Drug, now a destination in its own right, after its early beginnings this drug store now offers dining, activities, souvenirs and tourist information, as well as photo opportunities. 

Rapid City is your base for exploring the Black Hills of South Dakota. The city itself boasts a vibrant downtown area with shops, restaurants, boutiques and galleries, a historic district, museums and attractions, so you will find plenty to do. 

The Black Hills are home to the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial - 60-foot-high mountain carving of U.S. Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Close by you can visit Crazy Horse Memorial – the massive granite carving honouring the Native American warrior will stand 563 feet high and 641 feet long when complete. Visit Custer State Park is the second largest state park in the nation and home to 1,500 bison and granite outcroppings. Drive the 18 mile Wildlife Loop Road. 

You could also head to the western Black Hills and drive the incredible Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway. Then head to the Old West town of Deadwood where the legends of Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity Jane live on. Visit the Days of 76 Museum or try your luck at one of the town’s numerous gaming parlours.

Stay two nights in Medora

A must for any visitor to North Dakota, this authentic Old West cow-town was founded in 1883 by the Marquis de Mores and named for his wife. Medora offers a musical extravaganza, trail rides, mountain biking, hiking, museums, gift shops and restaurants.

Medora is your base for visiting the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, named for the 26th President, memorialising his contribution to conservation. North Dakota Badlands provide the scenic backdrop to this park. The loop drive provides a view of buffalo, deer, elk, bighorn sheep, wild horses, mule deer and prairie dog towns. Trail ride, mountain bike or hike through the Badlands on the marked trails or the Maah Daah Hey Trail - 144 miles of non-motorised trail through some of the most scenic areas of the state. Get a uniquely western view of the rugged North Dakota Badlands on a horse trail ride, suitable for both novice and seasoned riders. 

Take a side trip and drive the Enchanted Highway – a 30-mile drive lined with giant metal sculptures, including the awe-inspiring Geese in Flight, as well as Tin Family, Fisherman's Dream, Teddy Rides Again, Pheasants on the Prairie and more.

Stay two nights in Watford City

Watford City is the gateway to the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It's an area steeped in history, culture and scenic beauty, and today it is bustling with new things to see and do. Take the 14 Mile Scenic Drive into the North Unit's to Oxbow Overlook at the road's end. Nearby, as is the unique Fairview Lift Bridge and Cartwright Tunnel which stretches 1,320 feet across the Yellowstone River and has been turned into a walkway. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Stay one night in Minot

Crow Flies High Butte and State Recreation Area is a scenic overlook just west of New Town with views of Four Bears Bridge and Lake Sakakawea. During periods of low water, glimpses can be seen of the town of Sanish, now covered by Lake Sakakawea.

Today’s highlight will be the International Peace Garden, at Dunseith – a symbol of peace between Canada and the United States which straddles the border between the two nations. It is a spectacular floral gardens with more than 150,000 annuals planted each year and encompassing 2,300 acres of nature’s beauty, two pristine freshwater lakes, scenic hiking and driving trails, wildflowers, waterfalls, and a large variety of North American birds and animals. 

Near Minot, you can try and spot the Sprague’s Pipit, a rare North American bird at the Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge, and take the 22 mile driving loop at J Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge, covering marshes, wooded river bottoms and sandhills. 

Stay two nights in the Bismarck/Mandan area

Head south today to the state capital, Bismarck. Try outdoor adventures on the Missouri River, either paddling under your own steam or aboard the Lewis and Clark paddle-wheeler riverboat, hiking trails, bike rentals, horse-riding and golf courses. Paddle south on the Missouri River from Fort Lincoln to Kimball Bottom through peaceful scenery, and the shaded cottonwood forested riverbanks. This is a great place to spot bald eagles and there are sandbars where you can stop for a break. 

In nearby McKenzie you can saddle up at Black Leg Ranch and step back in time to a land where cowboys still roam the open range. Ride down 1800s wagon trails while driving cattle on land once hunted by Native Americans. 

Stay one night in Fargo

Head east today stopping at Jamestown, where you will find the National Buffalo Museum and Buffalo Herd, and Frontier Village with the World’s Largest Buffalo. The Museum is dedicated to the history of the American Bison, houses artefacts, many original art works and has an observation point for the live buffalo herd. Frontier Villages is an authentic pioneer town next to the National Buffalo Museum and is also home to 'The World’s Largest Buffalo', a 60-ton concrete buffalo statue.

Downtown Fargo is home to the iconic Fargo Theatre along with dozens of trendy eateries, coffee shops, brew pubs, quirky boutiques and great nightlife. The Fargo Theatre is a vintage movie palace built in 1926 to showcase major silent films and vaudeville acts, and today serves as an art house theatre showing independent and foreign films as well as hosting concerts. 

Visit the Plains Art Museum, the largest art museum between Minneapolis and Seattle, featuring regional artists, a permanent collection and special exhibits, and then get outdoors on a 45-minute pontoon ride on the Red River where captain will tell about the history, geography and wildlife that live in and along the river.

Sports enthusiasts will love Scheels All Sports, with over 85 speciality shops under one roof, making it the ultimate destination for athletes, fans and outdoor lovers. The focal point of the Fargo store is the ‘Scheels Wheel’, the 45-foot, 12-car 1953 park-style Ferris wheel.