The Ultimate Great Plains & Black Hills Expedition! Dakota’s Adventure of a Lifetime!
Dates: September 6–13, 2026
Hosts: John Sutton & Frances Farr
Departure & Return Point: Frances Farr’s, Flying Horse.
RV: 2021 Jayco Greyhawk 31F Class C Motorhome (Comfortable, spacious group travel with full hookups and slideouts!)
Celebrate America’s 250th at Mount Rushmore, worship at the special Labor Day gathering, explore the brand-new Teddy Roosevelt Library and National Park, experience the vibrant United Tribes International Powwow, and take in the stunning scenic beauty of the Black Hills and Badlands.
(Secure your spot with a $100 nonrefundable deposit!)
Text John: (719) 351-7913 or Frances: (541) 219-2713
EXPEDITION DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1 (Sun, Sep 6): Colorado Springs to Custer, SD
Driving: ~434 miles (~7 hours)
The Plan: Depart Flying Horse in the morning northward into South Dakota. Head straight to Custer State Park for an afternoon drive along the Wildlife Loop Road to spot roaming bison herds, wild burros, and pronghorn, followed by a stop at the monumental Crazy Horse Memorial.
Meals: Breakfast in the RV before departure, casual lunch on the road in Wyoming, and an easy dinner at camp after setup.
Overnight: Mount Rushmore KOA
Day 2 (Mon, Sep 7): Mount Rushmore & Devils Tower
Driving: ~115 miles total (~2.5 hours)
The Plan: Head to the inspiring "Let Us Worship" event at Mount Rushmore arriving for the afternoon and evening lighting program. Afterward, take a scenic drive through Sturgis up to Devils Tower National Monument for incredible evening views.
Meals: RV breakfast at camp, lunch near Mount Rushmore, and a highly recommended local dinner stop in Keystone or Sturgis.
Overnight: Mount Rushmore KOA
Day 3 (Tue, Sep 8): Black Hills to Medora, ND
Driving: ~330 miles (~5.5 hours)
The Plan: Pack up camp and drive northeast to Wall, SD, for a morning stop at the legendary Wall Drug Store to stretch your legs, grab donuts, and enjoy free ice water. Jump back on the highway and head north to arrive in historic Medora by late afternoon.
Meals: RV breakfast, a fun sit-down lunch at Wall Drug's classic cafe, and a local dinner in Medora.
Overnight: Medora Campground
Day 4 (Wed, Sep 9): Teddy Roosevelt Explorer Day
Driving: Minimal local transit (<30 miles)
The Plan: Dedicated full day exploring the Teddy Roosevelt Library sites, museum exhibits, and driving the Theodore Roosevelt National Park South Unit badlands loops. Conclude with the famous Pitchfork Steak Fondue dinner and the spectacular Medora Musical at the Burning Hills Amphitheatre.
Meals: RV breakfast, local cafe lunch in downtown Medora, and the signature outdoor Pitchfork Steak Fondue dinner.
Overnight: Medora Campground
Day 5 (Thu, Sep 10): Relaxed Medora Exploration
Driving: Minimal local transit
The Plan: A leisurely pace utilizing your second booked night in Medora. Perfect for hiking the badlands trails, horseback riding, visiting the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, or shopping downtown.
Meals: RV breakfast, relaxed lunch out or in the RV, and dinner at a recommended local Medora grill or steakhouse.
Overnight: Medora Campground
Day 6 (Fri, Sep 11): Medora to Bismarck, ND
Driving: ~134 miles (~2 hours)
The Plan: Morning departure straight to Bismarck. Arrive for a streamlined tour of the North Dakota State Capitol and an immersive visit to the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum. Head to the United Tribes Technical College campus for the evening grand entry of the United Tribes International Powwow.
Meals: RV breakfast, lunch near the Capitol complex, and dinner at local spots or food trucks at the powwow grounds.
Overnight: Bismarck KOA
Day 7 (Sat, Sep 12): Bismarck to Hot Springs, SD
Driving: ~353 miles (~5.5 hours)
The Plan: Scenic southbound drive through the rolling plains back to the southern Black Hills. Afternoon arrival in Hot Springs, SD, with options to visit The Mammoth Site or soak in the warm mineral waters at Evans Plunge.
Meals: RV breakfast, mid-way stretch and lunch stop in central South Dakota, and dinner at a local restaurant in historic Hot Springs.
Overnight: Hot Springs KOA Holiday
Day 8 (Sun, Sep 13): Hot Springs to Colorado Springs
Driving: ~400 miles (~6 hours)
The Plan: Final morning departure south down I-25, arriving back at Frances Farr’s house in Flying Horse by late afternoon (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM) to wrap up an unforgettable week!
Meals: RV breakfast, lunch stop along I-25 (Cheyenne or Lusk), and a celebratory arrival dinner in Colorado Springs.
Overnight: Home / Return to Flying Horse
TRIP COST & FINANCIAL SUMMARY
To make this trip as accessible and fun as possible, John Sutton and Frances Farr are covering a combined $1,000 directly subsidize the cost of the RV rental!
All remaining RV rental balance, campsites, fuel, group activities, and blended meal expenses are pooled and divided equally among participating guests. (Participants are always welcome to contribute a bit more into the FUN-D)
If Group Size = 5 People:
Estimated Total Bottom Line: ~$1,191 per person for the entire 8-day all-inclusive trip (covering RV, campsites, fuel, events, and meals).
If Group Size = 6 People (Full Capacity):
Estimated Total Bottom Line: ~$1,036 per person for the entire 8-day all-inclusive trip. Space is limited to past Whole In Him attendees.
Text John: (719) 351-7913 or Frances: (541) 219-2713
