Rapid City, South Dakota
June 17-22, 2026
Rapid City, South Dakota, is a vibrant gateway to the Black Hills, offering a mix of natural beauty, history, and family-friendly attractions. Explore nearby Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and Badlands National Park. In town, enjoy Dinosaur Park, The Journey Museum, and art at the Dahl Arts Center. Visit Bear Country USA or Reptile Gardens for wildlife encounters. Downtown features unique shops, local dining, and public art, including the City of Presidents statues. With easy access to outdoor adventure and cultural experiences, Rapid City blends small-town charm with big opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Host Hotel
Best Western Plus Ramkota Hotel
2111 N LaCrosse Street, Rapid City, South Dakota 57701
$139.00 per night + tax (kings/two beds)
$165.00 upgrade to a Executive Suite
Complimentary Airport Shuttle
complimentary parking
Breakfast is not included but they do offer a buffet breakfast
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any special requests the guest will have to call the front desk at 605-343-8550 and reference June 13-25, 2026 -173rd Airborne Association-IND
Click register to sign up
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
(Pre arrival evening event optional)
Chuckwagon Supper & Cowboy Music Show $95.00/pp
An unforgettable evening of frontier flavor, family fun, and live music in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Dinner bell rings at 6:30 PM sharp. Guests are seated family-style, picnic tables stretching across the room, as cowboy cooks serve up steaming plates of authentic chuckwagon fare. There’s no waitstaff — this is a real Western dinner, served the way it was on the trail.
Evening Timeline:
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Leave hotel 4:30 PM (bus pick up at hotel)
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Arrival: 5:00 PM
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Theater doors open for seating 6:15 PM
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Supper Served: 6:30 PM
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Music Show Begins: 7:15 PM – 8:15 PM
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Leave 8:30 PM
Menu Highlights:
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Chuckwagon potatoes
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BBQ beef or Baked chicken
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Western baked beans
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Buttermilk Biscuits with Honey
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Chunky apple sauce
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Old-fashioned spice cake
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Cowboy coffee
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Tenderfoot lemonade
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Veggie Patty available upon request only
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Deadwood: Devils Tower, Spearfish Canyon and Sturgis
$95.00/pp **Boxed Lunch included
8am leave hotel – return by 3pm
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Wyoming – National reserve in Crook County, Wyoming
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National Monument - Devils Tower
Height: Rises 867 feet from its base to the summit and stands 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River.
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Geology: The tower is an igneous intrusion, likely formed from magma that cooled and hardened underground, later exposed by erosion.
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Cultural Significance: Sacred to many Northern Plains Indigenous tribes, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Kiowa, who refer to it with names like Bear Lodge or Bear’s Tipi.
Spearfish Canyon - Located about an hour from Rapid City, Spearfish Canyon is a breathtaking area for scenic drives, hiking, and waterfall viewing. Iss a breathtaking gorge carved by Spearfish Creek through the Black Hills in Lawrence County. This National Scenic Byway (US 14A) runs roughly 19–22 miles from Spearfish to Cheyenne Crossing/Lead with towering limestone cliffs, lush forests, and vibrant fall colors
https://visitspearfish.com/things-to-do/spearfish-canyon
Sturgis - Saloon No. 10 (Old‑West bar & museum): Grab a ice cold beer while you visit.
This iconic saloon, located just ~20 miles from Sturgis in Deadwood, is famous for its ties to Wild Bill Hickok and a dramatic reenactment of his 1876 shooting
our own 173d Vietnam Veteran: Niles Harris managers the Saloon No 10.
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Experience: Live shoot‑out re‑enactments, old‑west décor, a museum‑bar combo with sawdust‑covered floors, thousands of artifacts, whiskey bar (170+ whiskey selections), gaming (poker, blackjack, slots).
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Dining options: Upstairs you’ll find the Deadwood Social Club and “Top of the 10” wine/martini bar; rooftop patio with firepit
Welcome Reception: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
$35.00/pp (at the hotel)
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Meetings
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Board of Directors 8am-10:30 am
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General Sessions Meeting 11am
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Lunch / Dinner on own
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Gold Star Lunch 1pm-3pm
Mount Rushmore National Memorial $60.00/pp
Leave hotel 6pm and return after 10pm
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- Just 30 minutes from Rapid City, this iconic American landmark features the carved faces of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt.
Evening Lighting Ceremony at Mount Rushmore, including its heartfelt tribute to veterans:
Start time: 9 PM - Nightly 45-minute program held in the outdoor amphitheater at Mount Rushmore. The ceremony features a ranger-led talk on the monument's history, a short film ("Freedom: America’s Lasting Legacy"), the illumination of the four presidential faces, patriotic music and anthem, and concludes with a flag ceremony honoring veterans ​
Carvers’ Café (aka “Dakota Kitchen & Memorial Team Ice Cream”)
Location: Just below the viewing terrace, with an indoor dining room offering views toward the sculpture.
Menu offerings: Multiple food stations including burgers, pizza, chicken sandwiches, salads, buffalo dishes, and an ice cream counter serving “Memorial Team Ice Cream”—a whimsical vanilla recipe attributed to Thomas Jefferson
Friday, June 19, 2026
Bus 1 Keystone
$70.00/pp
8:45 AM - 5:00 PM
Keystone, Shopping, restaurants and 1880 train ride.
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Morning coffee (9:45 AM) → 10:15 Departs for a scenic train ride to Hill City
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Hill City lunch on own + museum visit
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Return train 2:30 PM→ leisurely keystone shopping
Bus 2 Custer State Park and Crazy Horse Memorial $60.00/pp
10am-4pm
Drive through Custer State Park
Custer State Park, located in South Dakota’s Black Hills, is a scenic haven of granite peaks, pine forests, and open grasslands. It’s home to a famous herd of free-roaming bison, along with elk, deer, and bighorn sheep. Visitors enjoy wildlife viewing, hiking, camping, and driving the winding Needles Highway and Wildlife Loop Road. The park’s crystal-clear lakes offer kayaking, fishing, and swimming, while Sylvan Lake provides iconic views. Rich in natural beauty and adventure, Custer State Park offers a quintessential American wilderness experience.
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Needles Eye Tunnel
(only one vehicle at a time allowed)
Crazy Horse Memorial
This massive, still-in-progress mountain carving honors the Lakota leader Crazy Horse. It’s close to Mount Rushmore and features a museum of Native American culture.
​​Located at Crazy Memorial
Laughing Water Restaurant – grab some food - Located on-site with sweeping views of the Crazy Horse Mountain carving—casual yet elegant dining in a scenic setting.
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Local Cuisine & Specials
The menu features hearty Native American-inspired comfort foods, including:
Snack Shop
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Located adjacent to Laughing Water Restaurant, it offers quick, casual food options for visitors on the go.
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Typical fare includes pizza (including gluten-free options), burgers, BLTs, buffalo burgers, and grab-and-go snacks like salads and dessert items .
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Badlands National Park $65.00/pp
8am-2pm *Boxed Lunch included
2 hour bus ride and 1 hour rest and look around and 2 hours back to the hotel.
- About an hour east of Rapid City, this park is known for its dramatic landscapes, towering rock formations, and rich fossil beds. It's great for hiking and scenic drives.
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Keystone $70.00/pp
8:45 AM - 5:00 PM
Keystone, Shopping, restaurants and 1880 train ride.
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Morning coffee (9:45 AM) → 10:15 Departs for a scenic train ride to Hill City
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Hill City lunch on own + museum visit
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Return train 2:30 PM→ leisurely keystone shopping
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Back at the hotel: 1pm – 7pm
Lakota POW-WOW 4pm
Vendors Enjoy local vendors 1pm-7pm
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A Bowl of Tatanka Stew: slow‑cooked Black Hills buffalo with vegetables, served Native‑American fry bread
Sunday, June 21, 2026 FINAL DAY
9:00 - 10:00 AM Memorial Service
ON OWN BEFORE DINNER
LIST OF OPTIONS BELOW
**Downtown Rapid City**
- Walk through Main Street Square, visit local boutiques, and enjoy public art like the City of Presidents, a series of life-sized bronze statues of U.S. presidents throughout downtown. https://www.visitrapidcity.com/downtown-rapid-city/
**Reptile Gardens**
- A fun attraction for families, Reptile Gardens has a large collection of snakes, lizards, and other reptiles. The botanical gardens and bird shows are also popular. https://www.reptilegardens.com/
**Bear Country USA**
- Drive through this wildlife park where you can see black bears, bison, elk, and wolves. At the end of the tour, you can visit Babyland to see young animals up close. https://bearcountryusa.com/
**The Journey Museum & Learning Center**
- A great stop to learn about the history and culture of the Black Hills, from Native American heritage to the pioneer days.
https://www.journeymuseum.org/
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**Chapel in the Hills**
- A stunning replica of a Norwegian stave church, this peaceful spot offers a unique cultural experience and scenic surroundings. https://www.chapel-in-the-hills.org/
**Dinosaur Park**
- This free, family-friendly attraction features large dinosaur sculptures on a hill offering panoramic views of the city. It’s a great spot for kids and photo ops. https://www.nps.gov/dino/index.htm
**Art Alley**
- Located in downtown Rapid City, this ever-evolving alleyway is filled with street art and graffiti from local and visiting artists.
**Wind Cave National Park**
- One of the world’s longest and most complex caves, known for its unique boxwork formations. The park also has hiking trails and wildlife. Reservations ahead of time will need to be made. https://www.nps.gov/wica/index.htm
**Black Hills Mining Museum**
- Explore the history of gold mining in the Black Hills, with exhibits and tours that delve into the region's mining past.
easily base yourself in Rapid City and make day trips to many of these attractions. https://blackhillsminingmuseum.com/
FINAL DINNER JUNE 21, 2026
Tandem Skydiving in Rapid City
For tandem skydiving near Rapid City, South Dakota
Here's some information to consider:​
Skydive South Dakota: Located at the Municipal Airport in Hot Springs, SD.
From the hotel it is 1 hr 1 min (58.2 mi). https://www.skydivesouthdakota.com
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They offer tandem skydiving, student training, and experienced jumping.
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Their current schedule lists them as open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
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They have a 5-star rating based on user reviews.
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Reviewers mention the phenomenal team and great first-time skydiving experiences.
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Contact phone number: +1 605-939-1398.
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Skydive Sturgis: Located in Vale, SD
https://jumpsturgis.com/ From the hotel 41 min (39.3 miles)
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They are open daily.
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They have a 3-star rating based on user reviews
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Black Hills Archery: Located in Rapid City, SD.
From the hotel, 8 min 5.7 miles
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Offers parachuting for $120.
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Available every weekend.
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Book online. https://blackhillsarchery.net
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Important Considerations for Tandem Skydiving:
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Age and Weight: The minimum age is 18, and you must be in good health. Most centers have weight limits, typically up to 230 pounds. Check with the specific center for their requirements.
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Medical Conditions: If you have any medical conditions, it's recommended to consult with your physician before skydiving.
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Reservations: Reservations are highly recommended, especially during busy seasons.
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Best Time to Skydive: The summer months (June-August) are generally considered prime skydiving season due to warmer weather and more consistent wind speeds. However, spring and fall also offer great experiences, with potential for fewer crowds.
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To make a reservation or get more information, you can visit the websites or call the phone numbers listed for each center.
RV Park & Campsites
Rapid City RV Park & Campground
4110 Mt Rushmore Rd, Rapid City, SD 57701
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Appointments: rcrvpark.com
Rushmore Shadows Resort, RV Park & Campground South Dakota
23680 Busted Five Ct, Rapid City, SD 57702
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https://www.travelresorts.com/locations/rushmore-shadows-resort
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RAPID CITY / BLACK HILLS KOA
3010 East Highway 44 Rapid City , SD 57703
Phone: 1-800-562-8504
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