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WHERE THE DRUM MEETS THE BADLANDS

NORTH DAKOTA'S NATIVE HERITAGE, THEODORE ROOSEVELT & THE AMERICAN WEST

SEPTEMBER 9 – 14, 2027

There are few places in America where history feels as alive as it does in western North Dakota. Here, Native traditions continue to flourish, Theodore Roosevelt's conservation legacy was born, and the breathtaking Badlands remain much as they were over a century ago.

Join Champlain Tours on this unique escorted journey timed to coincide with the internationally renowned United Tribes International Powwow, where hundreds of Native dancers, singers, and drummers gather in one of North America's largest celebrations of Indigenous culture.

Continue west into the spectacular Badlands to discover Medora, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and the remarkable new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.

This thoughtfully crafted itinerary offers an authentic look at America's western heritage through unforgettable landscapes, inspiring stories, and meaningful cultural experiences.

PHOTO GALLERY

INCLUDED:
  • Roundtrip airfare included from the United States

  • Full accompaniment from your Champlain Tours Tour Manager throughout

  • Airport transfers

  • Deluxe motorcoach transportation throughout

  • Five nights first-class accommodations2 nights Bismarck
    3 nights Historic Rough Riders Hotel, Medora

  • (9) Meals — 5 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners, including:Welcome dinner in Bismarck
    Hosted lunch at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
    Signature western dining experiences (Sarsaparilla Social, Pitchfork Steak Fondue)

  • United Tribes International Powwow admission

  • Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library admission

  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park guided tour

  • Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park admission

  • Chateau de Mores admission

  • North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame admission

  • Baggage handling (one suitcase per person)

  • Hotel taxes and service charges

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Experience the spectacular United Tribes International Powwow and its unforgettable Grand Entry

  • Three nights in historic Medora

  • Stay at the iconic Rough Riders Hotel

  • Visit the remarkable new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library

  • Explore Theodore Roosevelt National Park with a knowledgeable local guide

  • Visit Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, including the On-A-Slant Mandan Indian Village

  • Tour the historic Chateau de Mores

  • Discover the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame

  • Signature Pitchfork Steak Fondue overlooking the Badlands*

  • Medora Musical under the stars*

  • Private Theodore Roosevelt historical presentation

  • Evening campfire with s'mores beneath some of America's darkest skies

  • Time to explore charming downtown Medora

  • Outstanding wildlife viewing — bison, wild horses, elk, prairie dogs, and golden eagles

  • Small-group atmosphere with expert local guides

*Subject to seasonal operating schedules.


NOT INCLUDED:
  • Gratuities (Tour Manager, Driver, Guides)

  • Travel insurance

  • Meals not listed

ITINERARY

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 – DAY 1 – WELCOME TO NORTH DAKOTA

Roundtrip airfare brings you to Bismarck, North Dakota, accompanied by your Champlain Tours Tour Manager! Sit back and let us take care of the details.

After checking into your hotel, enjoy time to relax or begin exploring North Dakota's welcoming capital city. If time permits, visit the outstanding North Dakota Heritage Center or stroll the Missouri River waterfront before gathering with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Overnight in Bismarck. (D)


FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 – DAY 2 – THE UNITED TRIBES INTERNATIONAL POWWOW

Today is unlike anything else you'll experience in North America. Spend the day at the United Tribes International Powwow, where Native nations from throughout the United States and Canada gather to celebrate their heritage through colorful regalia, traditional dance, powerful drum circles, and centuries-old customs.

Witness the unforgettable Grand Entry as hundreds of dancers enter the arena together in a spectacular display of culture and pride. Browse Native artisan booths, sample regional foods, and experience traditions that continue to thrive today.

This is not a performance—it is an invitation to experience one of America's most meaningful cultural celebrations.

Overnight in Bismarck. (B)


SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 – DAY 3 – ACROSS THE PLAINS TO MEDORA

Travel west across the wide-open prairie toward the dramatic Badlands.

Along the way visit historic Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, where reconstructed military buildings, Custer's home, and the ancient On-A-Slant Mandan Indian Village tell the story of the Northern Plains before and after westward expansion.

By afternoon the scenery transforms dramatically as colorful Badlands rise from the prairie. Welcome to Medora—one of America's most charming western towns and Theodore Roosevelt's favorite place.

Following a nostalgic Sarsaparilla Social, enjoy a memorable welcome dinner featuring an engaging living history portrayal of Theodore Roosevelt himself.

Begin a three-night stay at the Historic Rough Riders Hotel. (B,D)


SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 – DAY 4 – THEODORE ROOSEVELT'S LEGACY

Today centers on one of America's most inspiring leaders. Begin with a guided visit to the historic Chateau de Mores before visiting the extraordinary new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, one of the newest presidential libraries in the United States.

Rather than simply displaying artifacts, this remarkable facility immerses visitors in Roosevelt's life, leadership, conservation ideals, and the profound influence North Dakota had on shaping his presidency.

Enjoy lunch before taking time to explore Medora's shops, galleries, and western atmosphere.

This evening experience one of Medora's signature traditions with the famous Pitchfork Steak Fondue overlooking the Badlands, followed by the beloved Medora Musical beneath the stars (schedule permitting).

Overnight in Medora. (B,L,D)


MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 – DAY 5 – THEODORE ROOSEVELT NATIONAL PARK

This morning venture into Theodore Roosevelt National Park with a knowledgeable local guide.

Travel scenic roads through colorful canyons, towering buttes, and sweeping prairie while searching for free-roaming bison, wild horses, elk, prairie dogs, and golden eagles. It quickly becomes obvious why Theodore Roosevelt called this place "the romance of my life."

Later, visit the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame to discover the stories of ranchers, Native peoples, rodeo champions, and frontier settlers who shaped the American West.

Following dinner, gather around an evening campfire beneath some of America's darkest skies for s'mores, storytelling, and reflection on an unforgettable journey.

Overnight in Medora. (B,D)


TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 – DAY 6 – FAREWELL TO THE BADLANDS

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and one last opportunity to stroll the streets of historic Medora before departing for Bismarck.

With incredible memories of Native traditions, spectacular Badlands, Roosevelt's remarkable legacy, and the genuine hospitality of North Dakota, board your flight home. (B)

PRICING PER PERSON

QUAD
(group of four)

$3,699

TRIPLE
(group of three)

$3,899

DOUBLE
(group of two)

$3,949

SINGLE
(solo traveler)

$4,999

A 20% deposit is due with reservation. Final balance due by Friday, May 7, 2027.
3% convenience fee for credit cards

RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY

Call Us

STEP

1

BOOK YOUR
TRIP

You will receive a letter of confirmation within one week.

STEP

2

GET YOUR TRIP DETAILS

Receive your travel packet with all your travel details 1-2 weeks prior to departure.

STEP

3

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Contact us at any time. We are always happy to speak with you.

STEP

4

ENJOY YOUR TRIP

Relax and enjoy your stress-free travel!

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