Rapid City Lakota Nation Cultural Exploration

Join My XO Adventures on a journey through the sacred lands of the Lakota Nation, led by our Lakota guide, and explore the Black Hills.
While often associated with tales of the Wild West, these landscapes hold deeper histories and enduring cultural significance for the Native tribes who call them home, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, Arikara, Cree, and Crow.

This tour offers a rare opportunity to learn about South Dakota’s indigenous communities through an authentic, unfiltered lens. Rather than just hearing the usual narratives, you’ll experience the stories, wisdom, and perspectives of Native culture, which is woven into the very fabric of this land.

In this open and respectful setting, you’re encouraged to ask questions and share in an exchange that fosters mutual understanding. These connections bridge cultures, reminding us that while our histories differ, our humanity unites us all.

What's included:

• Question and Answer time
• Storytelling

What to expect:

Duration: between 6 hours and 7 hours

Rapid City

Rapid City, South Dakota

Our Lakota guide and driver will pick you up directly from your hotel and enjoy a meet-and-greet. Shortly after, we'll explore downtown and make a stop at Prairie Edge, a local Native and non-Native artist shop full of exemplary traditional art.

45 minutes

Black Hills National Forest

, , Custer, 57730, South Dakota

Black Hills National Forest is a vast and diverse landscape in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, spanning over 1.2 million acres. Known for its rugged peaks, deep canyons, and dense pine forests, this area is rich in history, wildlife, and natural beauty. The forest is home to iconic landmarks like Harney Peak (Black Elk Peak), the highest point east of the Rockies, as well as crystal-clear lakes, cascading streams, and unique granite formations. Wildlife abounds, with elk, bison, deer, and mountain goats frequently spotted. Visitors enjoy endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, from hiking and fishing to scenic drives, including the famous Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road. The Black Hills hold sacred significance to the Lakota people, adding cultural depth to their scenic splendor.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Needles Eye

SD Hwy 87 North, Custer, 57730, South Dakota

Needles Highway is a breathtaking scenic drive that winds through the heart of the Black Hills in South Dakota. Part of Custer State Park, this 14-mile highway is renowned for its dramatic granite spires, known as “Needles,” which rise sharply from the landscape. The narrow, winding road offers hairpin turns, stunning overlooks, and tunnels carved through solid rock, the narrowest of which is just eight feet wide! Along the way, visitors encounter lush forests, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife, including bison, deer, and mountain goats. Needles Highway is a journey through one of the Black Hills’ most iconic and awe-inspiring landscapes, inviting travelers to slow down and take in nature’s artistry.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Custer State Park

13329 US Highway 16A, , Custer, 57730-8351, South Dakota

Custer State Park’s Wildlife Loop Road is a scenic, 18-mile journey through some of the Black Hills’ most pristine landscapes, where you’re likely to encounter South Dakota’s famous wildlife up close. Known for its rolling hills, open grasslands, and ponderosa pine forests, the loop offers prime viewing opportunities for iconic animals like bison, pronghorn, elk, and bighorn sheep. You may also spot prairie dogs, wild burros, and a variety of birds along the way. The winding road includes pullouts for observing wildlife and enjoying panoramic views, making it an ideal way to experience the natural beauty and diverse wildlife of Custer State Park.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included