Having traveled a long way to reach the unique destination of Native America, don’t you want a quality, authentic experience as you explore historic sites, cultural places and Indian Reservations?
Our guides are educated tribal historians, many speak their Lakota or Cheyenne language and all live the traditional lifeway, so they feel a responsibility to tell the stories of their ancestors the best way they can - with truth and integrity.
If you would be as happy on a tour bus listening to a generic spiel we probably aren't for you. We aren't the cheapest, and we don't aim to be. But if you want depth, heart & truth, choose us for experiences that you and your family will never forget.
Tours are listed below, then are described (in the same order) right below this list.
We have several locations across the western states at which you can meet your step-on guide (which means they ‘step in’ your vehicle with you).
Most guided sessions start about 10am and run through the day, some into the evening, and you would usually drop your guided where you met them.
BASED FROM THE AREAS of SHERIDAN, Wyoming, AND BILLINGS, Montana
1. The Little Bighorn (history and culture)
2. Sacred Deer Medicine Rocks (tribal history and culture)
3. Crazy Horse and Crook at the Rosebud (tribal/western history & culture)
4. When Connor Attacked even women fought (history & culture)
5. The Medicine Wheel (culture)
6. The Fetterman Miscalculation (history)
7. Disaster at the Wagon Box (history)
8. The Wild Mustangs (culture and wildlife)
9. Northern Cheyenne Culture Tour (culture and tribal history)
10. The Rez on Horseback (culture and active)
Note: You can also opt to stay in tipis for either of the above two tours.
BASED FROM THE AREAS OF THE BLACK HILLS AND RAPID CITY, South Dakota
11. Paha Sapa - the sacred Black Hills (culture)
12. Mato Tipila – Devil’s Tower (culture and tribal history)
13. Mato Paha – Bear Butte (culture and tribal history)
14. Maco Sica - the Badlands (culture and tribal history)
15. On the Black Hills Expedition (history)
16. Dances With Wolves Country (culture and sites)
17. Pine Ridge Indian Reservation (culture – contemporary & historic)
18. The Road to Wounded Knee (tribal history, culture)
19. The Badlands and the Spirit Prayer (tribal history and culture)
Tour dates: Our season starts in May and usually finishes around November, but our guidelines are weather driven.
More detail of each tour as follows:
1. The Little Bighorn Battle
Come with us inside the village site along the Little Bighorn River as we experience the Lakota and Cheyenne perspectives, standing where Crazy Horse crossed the Little Bighorn River to meet Custer’s 7th, and then following the battle as it unfolded. We follow the story across the battlefield, learning not only of the fate of those who fought for their respective nations, but the lasting results of the battle into modern day times for the Lakota and Cheyenne peoples. Today you go beyond the stock offerings of historians whose versions of events show they have probably never experienced the actual terrain for themselves.
As an extra option, you have a unique opportunity to actually horseback ride on the Little Bighorn Battlefield itself, to truly see the terrain as these legendary warriors on each side saw it on June 25, 1876.
2. The Deer Medicine Rocks
Visit one of the most important cultural and historic sites on the Northern Plains where the Great Sundance was held at the Deer Medicine Rocks just days before the impending Little Bighorn Battle. Ignore Hollywood scenes – this is your chance to learn the truth about the Sun Dance, and how Sitting Bull offered of himself and sacrificed for his people. See for yourself how, high above any man’s reach, Sitting Bull’s vision of victory at the Little Bighorn is carved in stone - the soldiers with no ears depicted in the rock, falling upside-down into the camp; signifying how they should have listened to the warnings of the Cheyenne.
3. Crazy Horse v. Crook at the Rosebud
Looking across the vast sweep of the field, and viewing the terrain as Crazy Horse and Crook saw it that June day, learn the military and tribal stories of the precursive battle to the Little Bighorn. June 17 went down in Cheyenne history as one of outstanding bravery – hear the story of the Fight Where the Girl Saved Her Brother; an inspirational event which still resonates in the present day culture of the Cheyenne people.
4. When Connor Attacked Even The Women Fought
According to Capt. Palmer, "Unfortunately for the women and children, our men had no time to direct their aim; bullets from both sides and murderous arrows filled the air; squaws and children, as well as warriors, fell among the dead and wounded." Although Black Bear’s Arapaho village was previously considered ‘non-combatant’ it sure wasn’t that day and Arapaho historians tell how even their women fought hand-to-hand in the aggressive counter attack - from which the military was saved only by its howitzers. Many died, the site is now a playground for local kids, but oral history is still strong.
5. The Medicine Wheel
Atop Medicine Mountain in the Bighorns is a stone formed Medicine Wheel. Many locals say it is a ‘great mystery’, but we know that’s only if you don’t know whom to ask! We discuss the Massaum Ceremony, “the medicine dance of the ancients,” a beautiful and integral part of traditional Cheyenne culture in which the wolf, and the “Wolf’s Lodge,” is essential to creation, to life, and renewal in the spiritual and physical. This tour involves some walking – please wear comfy shoes and take water
6. The Fetterman Miscalculation and Fort Phil Kearney
An outstanding historical site, preserved to look almost exactly as it did that day of Dec 21st, 1866 when Captain William Judd Fetterman piled his company of 81 men over Lodge Tail Ridge in pursuit of Crazy Horse, the decoy who skillfully engineered them into a battle with the waiting Lakota and Cheyenne. Hear about the background to the fight, about the Cheyenne Contrary who foretold the result, and understand the historical details from both cultural perspectives. The site’s river-rock memorial inscription states there were no survivors, but that is not true – there were hundreds – they just happened to be Indian. Hear their stories!
7. Disaster at the Wagon Box
Experience Powder River Country and examine Red Cloud’s War to close the Bozeman Trail. You have opportunity to see the site and understand what happened to create such problems for the Lakotas and Cheyennes as they engaged in warfare against a totally unknown enemy – repeating rifles! They may have lost the Wagon Box Fight, but they won the war and the Bozeman Trail was closed – the only war the US government concedes it lost.
8. The Wild Mustangs
With the coming of the reservations, Indian people found themselves imprisoned on small tracts of land, forbidden to hunt and provide for themselves and needing permits to leave. How do you hold a nation of horse people down? Take their horses! The army planned to kill Cheyenne and Crow pony herds but unable to allow that to happen to their ‘friends’ warriors instead took them to the Prior Mountains freeing them to live wild. The descendents of those very herds still roam today, and although they are shy we usually find them for you. Hear their story!
9. Cheyenne Culture Tour
Includes a foray into the historical and contemporary! You will visit the Chief Dull Knife College Cultural department and will also have chance to tour St Labre, a reservation mission school founded in 1886 whose visitor center, museum and Ten Bear Gallery are all wonderful showplaces of Cheyenne heritage and art. As you explore and enjoy the reservation landscape and panoramas, learn the story of ‘Charging Horse Hill’ site of the last act of Cheyenne defiance against the US government, see the Two Moons Monument and after visiting the site of Custer’s last camp, hear about the critical part played by the Cheyennes in defeating Custer at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Lunch will be taken either at the College or the Charging Horse Casino. Think Indian Casinos are the ‘new buffalo’? Learn the real story.
10. Ride the Rez - The Reservation on Horseback
Here is an unmissable opportunity to see the reservation the old way – on horseback - with one of the best wranglers in Montana doubling as your historian and ethno-botanist. Learn about how the reservation came about, hear the stories of life in the old days, and see for yourself how life has changed for the Tsistsistas – the Northern Cheyenne.
10a. 3 hour ride
This exploration of the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation offers a unique opportunity to view Custer’s Last Camp, Davis Creek, and the Crow’s Nest from the best vantage point – horse-back. Riding in the shadow of the Wolf Mountains, Sarpy Hills and, on a clear day, even the Bighorn Mountains, you cross Rosebud Creek and pass the old wagon road from the reservation to Sheridan. This is an easy trail for all abilities, and frequent stops are made for riders to pick and sample traditional Indian foods such as chokecherries, buffalo berries, and wild plums. You may even test the medicinal qualities of bitterroot and western yarrow. If you look hard enough, you can add your name to our ‘Eagle Eyes’ list of past guests that have found arrowheads.
10b. 5 hour ride
You’ll be glad your Cheyenne pony is doing the climbing on this steeper ride to one of the high points on the reservation, from where you get a panoramic view of the Valley of the Rosebud, you are able to see the Crows Nest and you can also view the trail Custer’s men followed to the Battle of the Little Big Horn. This is a moderate trail, and you need to bring water.
10c. 8 hour ride.
Bring lunch if you’d like to continue on to the Hidden Springs; it’s a great opportunity to further explore the ethno-botany of the reservation and to ascend the rugged peaks that sun and shadow paint in different hues as you overlook the vastness of the reservation. You will be immersed in a Cheyenne landscape largely untouched by the hands of outsiders. An extra opportunity to see rock art and eagle pits can be opted for.
11a. Paha Sapa - The Black Hills (with hike)
Meet your guide at the Journey Museum in Rapid City, then head with him for your own journey to the Heart of Everything That Is - the sacred Black Hills of the Lakota Nation. Visit Wind Cave, the place of the Lakota genesis to learn the real story beyond the mainstream geology presented to tourists – which the trickster inktomi first convinced humans into coming above ground, before a hike on Hinhan Kaga Paha known as Harney Peak, the highest point in the Black Hills, to hear of Black Elk’s experience.
11b. Paha Sapa - The Black Hills (all vehicles)
Meet your guide for your own journey to the Heart of Everything That Is - the Sacred Black Hills of the Lakota Nation. Visit Wind Cave, the place of the Lakota genesis to learn the real story beyond the mainstream geology presented to tourists; how the trickster inktomi first convinced humans into coming above ground. Then explore in the seventy-three thousand acre State Park area that was named for Custer when his expedition first discovered gold in 1874. Understand the significance of the area to the Lakota people - its first inhabitants. This area is home to freely roaming buffalo, antelope, deer and wild sheep, so take your camera and binoculars.
12. Mato Tipila, The Bear’s Lodge
Known to non-Indians as Devil’s Tower to hear tribal explanations of the sacred rock’s creation, and its mirror-image in the stars; how the seven little girls escaped the bear to shine eternally as Pleiades. Although many focus on Devil’s tower as a venue for rock climbing and family picnics, our focus is it’s importance as a historic and sacred Sundance site.
13. Mato Paha - Bear Butte (NOTE. we will NOT take you onto the mountain)
Visit Mato Paha - Bear Butte area and from a short distance experience arguably the most sacred site on the Northern Plains. Your guide will take you to the first stop on the hill, but although hiking trails are available for the general public, we purposely go no further because through the summer ceremonial period there are always Lakotas and Cheyennes in ceremony ‘on the hill’. Our guides will take you near, with respect, and tell you within tribal etiquette about their quests and the cultural ways they practice, and the origin story of Bear Butte without ever disturbing them.
14. Mako Sika - The Badlands
The incredible landscape of Mako Sika - the Badlands - is a vast geologic wonder where erosion has carved a landscape of spectacular canyons and saw-tooth ridges to some, but to others, the Lakota, this was a place of refuge to those who knew how to survive and find the ‘Stronghold’. Hear traditional stories, learn of traditional lifeways, and wend your way through historic sites and ancient trails. Wildlife abounds even amid the barren towering, multihued precipice of sedimentary rock which stretches over 60 miles and if you are lucky you may even experience the earth-shaking movement of the badland’s buffalo – several hundred live within the area.
15. The Black Hills Expedition (including short hike)
Your guide will lead you to French Creek in the seventy-three thousand acre State Park area that was named for Custer when his historic expedition first discovered gold in 1874 and the immortal phrase ‘Boys, I think we found gold’ forever changed life for the Lakota and many other tribes. He will explain the significance of the area to the Lakota people - its first inhabitants - and the impact of gold mining both in old times and now. This area is home to freely roaming buffalo, antelope, deer and wild sheep, so take your camera and binoculars!
16. Dances with Wolves
Dances with Wolves is possibly the best loved Native American movie, and although some gripe that despite Lakota setting it was really just another white love story, we can’t agree. It brought the world’s attention to the Lakota people and focused on the beauty of the land and the culture. Much of it was shot in South Dakota and if it was your favorite movie, come with us and we’ll give you more background and perspective. We’ll take you to the site of the filming of the winter scenes from the movie too! Immortalized the spectacular a-seasonal Spearfish Canyon; as colorful as it is old and our visit is sure to bring images of Wind in his Hair (Rodney Grant) on horseback high on the ledges of the sheer canyon wall
17. Ridge Indian Reservation Tour
With your guide, travel to Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and with sensitivity and respect hear in situ some of the history and culture of the Oglala Lakota people. You will visit Pine Ridge Agency and learn about the workings of tribal governance, you have chance to tour the Heritage Center at Red Cloud School and admire the beautiful crafts of the Lakota. The true story of the Wounded Knee Massacre is told and you will leave the reservation knowing much of the real history and the contemporary realities for Lakota people today.
18. The Road to Wounded Knee
The site where in 1890 up to 300 men women and children in a camp of Lakota people who were in the process of surrendering weapons were shot down mercilessly was probably best storied in Dee Brown’s book, ‘Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee’. Visit the site of the massacre in respect to learn the truth of the event from our Lakota guides, an event which many say ended the Indian Wars.
19. The Badlands and the Spirit Prayer (known as the Ghost Dance)
The incredible landscape of Mako Sika - the Badlands - is a vast geologic wonder where erosion has carved a landscape of spectacular canyons and saw-tooth ridges to some, but to others, the Lakota, this was a place of refuge to those who knew how to survive and find the ‘Stronghold’. Although wildlife abounds even amid the barren towering, multihued precipice of sedimentary rock which stretches over 60 miles, our emphasis this day is the Ghost Dance - possibly one of the most misunderstood concepts of historical culture. The Ghost Dancers were not trying to bring back all those who had gone before, nor making themselves ‘bullet-proof’ with this ceremony; our indigenous guides can explain and makes sense of the real story as you wend your way through historic and ancient trails.
Can’t make these times? Not necessarily a problem. Please CONTACT US - we have an outstanding winter experiences based either in the Black Hills of South Dakota, or in the Bighorn Mountains near Sheridan Wyoming, and can create a seasonal itinerary for you with our team of all-indigenous guides.
We have great deals negotiated with local hotels in all the areas we work and we’ll be happy to give you our booking codes so you can make your accommodation bookings and you pay your hotels direct. We can make suggestions on car rentals and will also give flight advice based on our great knowledge of the areas you’ll be visiting.
For full service journeys, with accommodations all arranged and included please take a look at our journeys: Lakota Moon, Bear Medicine, Strong Hearts, Wisdom Keepers, and Dog Soldiers.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Prices stated for tour guiding are PER DAY for UP TO FOUR PEOPLE and our guides are 'step-on' which means they usually jump in your vehicle.
If you have the time, we have the expertise and we can connect several tours into an itinerary for you; with our detailed knowledge of the areas you plan to travel, why not let us do the work. Getting the best order of tours, suggesting accommodations, offering good routes and even great places to eat while you are on the road – it’s what we do all the time.
Larger groups, please call for pricing.
Horse riding options for tours are extra.
Little Bighorn Battlefield Rides are $120 for 3 hour ride,
Cheyenne reservation $120 for 3 hours, $195 day ride
Also see tour packages in:
USA
Montana
South Dakota
Wyoming
Native Americans
Archeology/History
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