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Overview

Badlands and Beyond
Rapid City, SD, USA
Jul 15 - 21, 2026
Tom's Christian Tours image
Tom's Christian Tours
$3,000

About your trip

Badlands & Beyond: A Journey Through the Heartland
Join us for an unforgettable 7-day, 6-night adventure through the scenic wonders and hidden treasures of South Dakota, Nebraska, and beyond! This exciting tour features some of the Midwest’s most iconic attractions, including the famous Corn Palace, the legendary Wall Drug, the awe-inspiring Mount Rushmore, and the dramatic landscapes of the Badlands.

Our journey continues into Nebraska, where we’ll explore historic Chimney Rock, the fascinating Kearney Archway Monument, the vibrant capital city of Lincoln, and the stunning beauty of Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha. And just when you think the fun is winding down, we’ve planned a surprise stop in Iowa to add one more memory to your adventure!

With deluxe motorcoach transportation, comfortable accommodations, and 12+ delicious meals included, this tour offers the perfect mix of sightseeing, history, nature, and relaxation. Don’t miss this chance to experience the heart of America with friends, fun, and faith!

Cancelation Policy

December 31, 2025 - No Cancelation Fee

January 1-March 31, 2026 - $500.00 Cancellation Fee + nonrecoverable  

After April 1, 2026 - Only recoverable expenses


TravelSafe Vacation Insurance. If you are interested in purchasing insurance, please call 1-888-885-7233. Be sure to mention code TOMWI01 if you purchase insurance.  

What's included

Transportation

Deluxe Motor Coach

Lodging

Premier Lodging

Meals

12+ included meals

Attractions

all tickets and admission to included attractions

What's not included

Meals

Meals listed as on your own or not included in the itinerary

Tips

Driver ($3-$4 per person per day) and Tour Director ($5-$6 per person per day)

Day One (D)

Day One (D) image

Green Bay ➝ Milwaukee ➝ La Crosse ➝ Spam Museum ➝ Western Minnesota

Our journey begins with warm greetings and comfortable seating aboard our Deluxe Motorcoach as we pick up travelers in Green Bay and make our way south to additional pick-ups in Milwaukee. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful Wisconsin scenery as we head west.

By midday, we'll arrive in La Crosse, where you'll have time to enjoy lunch on your own in this charming river town. 

This afternoon brings a fun and quirky stop at the world-famous Spam Museum in Austin, Minnesota. You’ll be surprised how much there is to learn (and laugh about) as you explore the history and impact of this iconic canned meat.

We’ll wrap up our day with a peaceful evening in Western Minnesota, where we’ll check in to our hotel and settle in for a good night’s rest. It’s just the beginning of an incredible journey through the heartland!

Day Two (B,D)

Day Two (B,D) image

Western Minnesota ➝ Corn Palace ➝ Wall Drug ➝ Badlands ➝ Rapid City

We’ll start the day with an included breakfast before continuing our westward adventure. Our first stop is the quirky and colorful Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota—a true Midwest icon! You’ll have time to explore this one-of-a-kind attraction and browse the gift shops filled with local flavor.

Next, we travel toward the edge of the Badlands, stopping for lunch on your own along the way. Stretch your legs, grab a bite, and maybe try a South Dakota specialty!

This afternoon, we’ll pull into the legendary Wall Drug, where kitschy charm meets Wild West history. Browse the massive general store, enjoy a 5¢ coffee, or snap a photo with a jackalope—it’s all part of the fun!

From there, we’ll embark on a scenic driving tour through Badlands National Park, where otherworldly landscapes, rugged rock formations, and wide-open skies await. Keep your camera ready—you never know when a bighorn sheep or prairie dog might make an appearance!

We’ll finish the day in Rapid City, where we’ll gather for an included group dinner and reflect on the amazing sights we’ve seen. Then it’s off to the hotel for a restful night before more adventures tomorrow!

Day Three (B,D)

Day Three (B,D) image

Mt. Rushmore ➝ Crazy Horse ➝ Custer State Park ➝ Fort Hayes

After an included breakfast, we’re off for a full day of exploration in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota—and we’ll be joined by a knowledgeable local guide who will share stories, history, and insights throughout the day.

Our first stop is the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial, where the faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln are carved into the granite cliffs. You’ll have time to walk the Presidential Trail, visit the museum, and take in the powerful symbolism of this American landmark.

Next, we travel to the inspiring Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest mountain carving in progress. Learn about the legacy of Lakota warrior Crazy Horse and the fascinating story behind this massive and ongoing tribute to Native American heritage.

This afternoon, we’ll journey through the scenic roads of Custer State Park, home to rolling hills, towering granite spires, and abundant wildlife. Keep an eye out for buffalo, wild burros, and other native animals as we wind through this breathtaking landscape.

We’ll cap off our day with an included dinner and toe-tappin’ entertainment at the Fort Hays Chuckwagon Supper and Show. Enjoy a hearty cowboy-style meal and a lively Western music performance that’s sure to have you smiling and clapping along.

After a full day of memorable sights and sounds, we’ll return to our hotel for a good night’s rest.

Day 4 (B,D)

Day 4 (B,D) image

Rapid City ➝ Gold Mine Tour ➝ Chimney Rock ➝ North Platte, NE

We’ll begin our day with a little sparkle—heading to a local gold mine tour, where you’ll learn about the rich mining history of the Black Hills and see how prospectors once sought their fortunes deep in the hillsides. It’s a fun and fascinating peek into South Dakota’s gold rush past!

Then we say goodbye to the Black Hills and head south into Nebraska, where the wide-open plains and prairie history await. Along the way, we’ll stop for lunch on your own—and if you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to try a famous Runza, Nebraska’s beloved stuffed sandwich!

This afternoon, we’ll visit the iconic Chimney Rock and Museum, a towering natural landmark that once guided pioneers along the Oregon Trail. The visitor center and museum provide insight into the challenges and triumphs of those early settlers and the importance of this historic site.

As evening rolls in, we’ll enjoy a laid-back included dinner featuring local pizza favorites, then check in to our hotel in North Platte for a relaxing night. Another great day of adventure, history, and heartland hospitality!

Day 5 (B,D)

Day 5 (B,D) image

North Platte ➝ Kearney Archway ➝ Lincoln, NE

We’ll start the day with an included breakfast at the hotel before hitting the road for another day of discovery. Our first stop is the impressive Kearney Archway Museum, a unique structure that spans Interstate 80 and tells the incredible story of westward expansion. From pioneers and Pony Express riders to modern-day travelers, you’ll walk through history in a truly immersive experience.

Afterward, we’ll enjoy lunch on your own in Kearney—with plenty of options for every taste—before continuing east to Nebraska’s capital city, Lincoln.

Once in Lincoln, a friendly and knowledgeable local guide will take us on a downtown tour, showcasing key sights, history, and highlights of this vibrant city. Then it’s time to settle in and enjoy some downtime as we check into the brand-new Drury Inn in the heart of downtown. You’ll have a few hours to relax, explore the Haymarket District, or maybe sneak in a little shopping before the evening fun begins.

Tonight, we’ll head to the beautiful James Arthur Vineyards for a special Murder Mystery Dinner! Enjoy a delicious meal, fine wine, and a hilarious, interactive show where you just might find yourself part of the cast. It’s the perfect way to cap off a memorable day in Nebraska.

Day 6 (B,L,D)

Day 6 (B,L,D) image

Lincoln ➝ Omaha ➝ Des Moines Area ➝ Iowa City

We’ll begin the day with another included breakfast before setting out to explore Nebraska’s stunning seat of government. A guided tour of the Nebraska State Capitol will showcase the building’s striking architecture, fascinating artwork, and towering 400-foot domed tower—the second tallest in the nation!

Next, we travel to Omaha, where we’ll enjoy an included lunch before taking in the natural beauty of the Lauritzen Gardens. These spectacular botanical gardens offer peaceful paths, vibrant floral displays, and even a model railroad garden—an oasis of tranquility right in the city.

This afternoon, we’ll make a rest stop in the Des Moines area, giving you a chance to stretch your legs and grab a snack before continuing on.

We’ll finish the day by checking into our hotel in Iowa City, where a warm welcome and a relaxing included dinner at the hotel await. It’s the perfect way to unwind and reflect on the incredible experiences of the week before our journey home tomorrow.

Day 7 (B)

Day 7 (B) image

Iowa City ➝ Dyersville ➝ Home

After our final included breakfast, we’ll begin the last leg of our journey with a stop that’s sure to tug at your heartstrings—The Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa. Step onto the legendary field where dreams came true in the beloved film, explore the Field of Dreams farmhouse, and if you're lucky, you might even have a catch with a Ghost Player!

You’ll have time to enjoy lunch on your own right at the field, soaking in the peaceful Iowa countryside and reliving one of Hollywood’s most magical movie moments.

With hearts full and cameras loaded, we’ll then begin our journey home, starting with drop-offs in Milwaukee and continuing north to Green Bay.

Location

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1. Rapid City, SD, USA

Rapid City, SD, USA

About your organizer

Tom’s Christian Tours exists to provide quality travel experiences in a Christian atmosphere. Tours include devotions, singing, and opportunities for fellowship with old and new friends. Tom’s Christian Tours continues to travel forward as the company will move into the hands of Tom and Becca Monroe in July 2025. (The new owners are Scott and Tammy’s son and daughter-in-law.) Many new travel opportunities are now available with Tom’s Christian Tours.

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