Enlightening Encounters: Native American History of Mt. Rushmore

Enlightening Encounters: A Journey Through Native History at Mt. Rushmore is a comprehensive homeschool educational trip designed to immerse students and their parents in the rich tapestry of the Lakota Native American culture.

Our immersive experience begins at Crazy Horse Memorial, a tribute to the legendary Lakota leader. The monument embodies the spirit of resistance, cultural pride, and the ongoing struggle for Native Americans. Crazy Horse Memorial serves as a symbol of resilience and an assertion of indigenous identity, fostering a connection to their heritage and a reminder of the challenges faced by their ancestors.

It is here, at Crazy Horse Memorial, where you will meet the Yellowhawk family.  Gerald Yellowhawk, grandfather to Robert - our guide, and the elder of the Yellowhawk family will share about Lakota traditions. Traditions that are deeply rooted in their history, spirituality, and connection to the land, people, and community. Learning about Lakota traditions through the stories and traditions of one Lakota family is a remarkable educational journey that not even the best curriculum could provide. This is an opportunity to embrace the living, breathing culture of the Lakota people, and foster a profound appreciation for their history, values, and enduring traditions.

Beyond just isolated, unconnected facts, we will gain a holistic understanding of Lakota history and traditions through Robert Yellowhawk, our guide for this journey. We will learn about the customs, values, and beliefs that shape the cultural fabric of the Lakota community at large. Robert is involved in an initiative to support Lakota children's success. Through this program, we will learn about their challenges and their achievements—and a beautiful model that I believe all communities could benefit from.

Hands-on activities will immerse us in traditional Native American art forms, including the rhythmic and symbolic Lakota music and dances, as well as the art of storytelling through painting. Culinary experiences will be integral, offering a chance to savor authentic Native American meals and appreciate the diverse flavors and culinary traditions of the Lakota people.

This story of the Black Hills and Mt. Rushmore is a story worth learning. It is a story about the ugly side of human nature, of what a government can do if led by greed and corruption. We will learn this story from the Lakota people's perspective. However, this is not a story about "hating the white man" ... but we will tell the truth and the whole story. We all will learn about broken treaties and land seizures driven by greed and corruption that has led to legal battles that are still being argued to this day - all the way to the Supreme Court! So not only is this important to learn about historically, but it is shaping history today as well! 

Our itinerary includes visits that are central to learning this story... the iconic landmarks of Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, Wind Cave where we will learn how it is central to the reasons why the Lakota Native Americans consider this land to be their Holy Land, and deepening our understanding of the spiritual and natural connections embedded in Native American beliefs. We will explore a goldmine, which is just as crucial a visit as exploring Crazy Horse and Mt. Rushmore for gaining insights into the history of this region.

Our journey concludes with hope at the Red Cloud on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, a cornerstone for safeguarding and advancing Lakota cultural heritage. We will tour the reservation and visit the Heritage Center - A place for art, education, preservation, economic development, culture and history. The artwork and crafts are created and crafted by the Red Cloud community and they embody traditional symbols, designs, and storytelling techniques passed down through generations. I believe it is vital to end our trip where we have the opportunity to support the local Native American art and craft industry. It plays such a pivotal role in fostering sustainable development on the reservation, as these initiatives create markets for traditional Lakota artwork, generating income within the community, diminishing reliance on external sources, and promoting self-sufficiency.

Join me for a truly one-of-a-kind homeschool experience that was created and tailored for you! "Enlightening Encounters" aims to create a holistic educational and immersive experience, fostering cultural awareness, respect, and appreciation for the enduring legacy of Native American history in the heart of the Black Hills.

When: May 19-22, 2024
Where: Keystone, SD
Reservations Close and all Balances Due: April 15th, 2024. 

The itinerary with times, addresses, and details will be provided after registration closes and we have a final number of attendees. Below is a list of the many destinations we will visit and experience. 

Mt. Rushmore National Memorial

America's Shrine of Democracy, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, features the 60-foot faces of four great American presidents—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, respectively. These four U.S. Presidents represent this country's birth, growth, development, and preservation. From the history of the first inhabitants to the diversity of America today, Mount Rushmore brings visitors face-to-face with the rich heritage we all share.

Crazy Horse Memorial

The Crazy Horse Memorial is a mountain monument under construction on private land in the Black Hills of Custer County, South Dakota. It depicts the Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse, riding a horse and pointing to his tribal land. Korczak Ziolkowski began work on Crazy Horse Memorial in 1948. Once complete, this tribute to the Lakota leader will be the largest mountain carving in South Dakota and the world. The on-site Indian Museum of North America and the Native American Educational & Cultural Center also provide educational and cultural programming.

Custer State Park

One of South Dakota’s most iconic landmarks, this park stands out for its granite peaks, rolling grasslands, and clear mountain waters. Stretching over 71,000 acres, Custer is home to abundant wildlife like bison, prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, and more. We will ride down Wildlife Loop Road to spot the begging burros (they approach vehicles for food) and hopefully see some bison!

Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway

The Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway is a National Scenic Byway offers some of the most incredible roads anywhere. A masterpiece of artistic engineering, this 70-mile byway includes spiraling bridges, hairpin curves, granite tunnels and awe-inspiring views. No wonder it was named one of the 10 Most Outstanding Byways in America. We will visit iconic Needles Eye as we head up to Custer State Park. It is the gateway to some of the most photographed and beautiful images of Mt. Rushmore National Memorial.

Wind Cave National Park

Wind Cave National Park was the first cave ever designated as a national park anywhere in the world; it was established in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt. Wind Cave is more than a national park, it is a sacred site to the Lakota people. Wind Cave is where their creation story begins; this is where they believe Pte Oyate —Buffalo Nation/People—emerged from inside Mother Earth and became Ikce Wicasa—Common People.

In Lakota culture, history is passed down to new generations through the spoken word - storytelling. We will hear their Emergence Story - their creation story - from our guide, a native Oglala Lakota tribe member.

Pine Ridge Reservation Heritage Center

A place for art, education, preservation, economic development, culture and history. There is no other place like The Heritage Center on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Because of this, the Center, located on the campus of Red Cloud Indian School in Pine Ridge, has become a model and source of inspiration for many of the Lakota people—and visitors from all across the globe—who wish to honor and celebrate the Lakota culture, Native art, and our historic, significant collection. We are more than just a museum or art gallery. It is a vital part of the economic engine of the Pine Ridge Reservation. Through the Center’s renowned gift shop and online store, their local artists are empowered to increase their own economic self-sufficiency by making their incredible work available to a wider community… and, in doing so, preserve their work and extend appreciation for their artistry to all corners of the globe.

Chuckwagon and Wild West Variety Show

Step back in time at this Old West Town Square. Stroll along the boardwalk and take a self-guided tour of the Dances With Wolves film set and the South Dakota movie museum. See their craftsmen working with their hands daily, making everything from handmade tools, ropes, bricks, tin plates, knives, and even pans for Black Hills Gold!

We will get to experience a one-of-a-kind roller coaster ride that will have you laughing and screaming as you swing your way through the herd of buffalo. Voted as the #1 Roller Coaster in the Black Hills! This interactive shooting gallery coaster is one of the most memorable roller coasters you can ride.

Dinner will be a Chuckwagon Supper & Branson-style Music Variety Show featuring a hearty Chuckwagon menu and the most entertaining variety show in the Black Hills!

Big Thunder Gold Mine

Big Thunder Gold Mine invites visitors of all ages and abilities to join us as we explore the mining history of the Black Hills as told throughout an immersive tour of an authentic 1890s gold mine. Big Thunder is the safest and most accessible gold mine still standing in the region. We will visit the largest collection of equipment from the Black Hills Gold Rush in the world and see a replica of the Tykoon Gold Mill, built in 1895. Here we will find equipment that was used to create history during the Black Hills Gold Rush including one of only three original Stamp mills remaining in the United States.

Rushmore Tramway Adventures

Rushmore Tramway offers a little bit of something for everyone. From action-packed adventures such as the 2000-foot Alpine Slide to breathtaking views of Mount Rushmore National Memorial from their scenic chairlift. All of our attendees will enjoy this break to have fun and enjoy the beautiful area of the Black Hills.

Art Instruction

Keeping with the theme of telling the story of the Lakota people through the eyes of one family, our art instruction will be presented by Jim Yellowhawk. Jim grew up on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota. He is an enrolled member of the Itazipco Band of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and of the Onondaga, Iroquois Nation, on his mother’s side. Yellowhawk has been immersed in the arts of his ancestors since he was a young boy. Jim Yellowhawk is an internationally known artist, acclaimed for his traditional Native American ledger art; depicting Lakota  spiritual and cultural heritage, as well as his famed contemporary with mixed media and socio-political art, both shown in galleries around the world. 

He will teach us how to tell a story through traditional Lakota painting techniques and style. 

Lodge

An Ascend Property: K Bar S Lodge receives 4.5 stars on Tripadvisor. K Bar S Lodge is nestled at the foot of the Black Hills in South Dakota. One of the planet's true natural wonders, Black Hills National Forest is a testament to the power of nature with thick forestry rising from the Great Plains to Wyoming. In this captivating landscape you will find K Bar S. It offers nearby trails leading to stunning vistas you won't find anywhere else.

This lodge offers a view of Mt. Rushmore and is super convenient to many of the attractions we will be visiting.

Each room will have two queen beds, will be a non-smoking room with a forest view and modern amenities that include a hairdryer, a Keurig coffee maker, and highspeed wireless internet.

RVs

Holy Smoke Resort receives 4.5 stars on Tripadvisor. This RV Resort offers a tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by nature’s beauty, fresh air, and blue skies,  in the heart of the Black Hills. It is approximately 2.5 miles from the K Bar S Lodge. The campground features an RV park with full 30/50 amp pull-through hookups.

All Lodging / accommodations are included for the core trip. We will have both hotel rooms and RV slots.

All activities, museums, parking fees, destination entrance fees, and rides. 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner if staying in the lodge. Lunch and Dinner if staying in an RV.

Trip Tshirt. 

Travel to and from the South Dakota destination and all travel on-site. 

Ready to Register?

First: Review Terms & Conditions here and review Confidentiality Notice here. You will have to agree to these during registration.

Payments: Please see the information below for pricing and payment information. Each family will pay a non-refundable registration fee of $250 at time of registration. The balance will be due on April 15th, 2024. I will need half the balance paid by the end of March, 2024 and the remainder paid by April 15th, 2024. 

I charge a registration fee of $250 per family, which is due upon registration. Because I can only accommodate a limited number of families on this trip, you’ll want to sign up and pay your registration fee to hold your spot as soon as possible. Also, please note teens are counted as adults for this trip, so you will see 2 adults without children (when that is one adult and one teen).

If you have a larger family than the numbers listed below, contact me so I can get you an exact quote. 

The price below is for the families needing hotel rooms and it does not include the non-refundable registration fee.

This price below is for the families needing RV spots and it does not include the non-refundable registration fee.

To register, click the "Book Now" button at the top of this listing.