Welcome to the journey of a lifetime through the Great American West, an adventure that will take you through breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultures of Native American tribes. Get ready to immerse yourself in ancient traditions, explore sacred sites, and experience unforgettable moments as you journey through the heart of America.
DAY 1: Denver, Colorado
Gateway to the wonders of the Rocky Mountains and the charm of the American West. Explore one of the liveliest and most welcoming cities in the United States, where views of the majestic Rockies merge with the scent of outdoor coffee, the authentic taste of locally sourced food, and the buzz of local breweries delighting with their craft beer. Hop on the 37-minute train ride from Denver International Airport to historic Denver Union Station downtown and be enveloped in the magic of 300 days of sunshine, art dancing through the streets, and a culture rich in stories and outdoor adventures. Discover Denver's creative charm at the Denver Art Museum, the Clyfford Still Museum, or the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art. Lose yourself in the interactive wonders of the History Colorado Center, admire the splendor of the historic Colorado State Capitol building, and indulge in a relaxing shopping session at the renowned Rockmount Ranch Wear store. And don't forget to capture the essence of the city with one or two photos of the monumental sculpture "I See What You Mean," better known as "The Big Blue Bear" - an experience that enchants from every angle, like a dream come to life.
Accommodation: Denver
DAY 2: Cheyenne, Wyoming
Since 1897, Cheyenne has brought back its legendary Old West roots through the magnificent spectacle of Cheyenne Frontier Days. At the heart of this celebration of the West is the world's largest outdoor rodeo, where top professionals compete for the prestigious $1 million prize. Each day, the rodeo offers "behind the scenes" tours, unforgettable horseback rides, and spectacular wild horse races. A true Native American village, a reconstruction of a frontier town, an authentic saloon, traditional dances, chuckwagon meals, irresistible pancake breakfasts, and an extraordinary art show, all capture the spirit of the frontier era. To complete the experience, there's an amusement park, a thrilling air show, live entertainment with famous performers, the challenge of professional bull riding, and spectacular parades featuring antique wagons and cars. Cheyenne's world-class rodeo is undoubtedly the Daddy of 'em All, and it's held every year in the third week of July.
The incredible story of the world's largest rodeo and its fascinating celebration of the West is beautifully told at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum. This important historical and cultural center offers year-round educational programs and extraordinary exhibits of artifacts celebrating the rich tradition of the American West and the exciting history of this pioneering extreme sport in America.
Accommodation: Cheyenne
DAY 3: Wind River Indian Reservation, Wyoming
Nestled in the picturesque Wind River Basin in Wyoming, the Wind River Indian Reservation stands as the seventh largest Indian reservation in the United States, encompassing over 890,000 hectares of land that are home to the ancestral tribes of the Eastern Shoshone and Arapaho. This natural sanctuary welcomes 240 sparkling lakes, hundreds of kilometers of winding rivers and melodic streams, as well as some of the state's most precious wonders.
Inside the captivating setting of the Wind River Hotel & Casino, the Northern Arapaho Experience Room offers an engaging journey through the millennia-old history of the Northern Arapaho, through fascinating exhibits, evocative paintings, nostalgic photographs, engaging videos, and ancient artifacts that tell the epic deeds of this people.
Just a short drive from the picturesque town of Lander lies the breathtaking Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary, an oasis of tranquility where 130 magnificent mustang horses find their home. Here, visitors are invited to join thrilling guided tours, exploring the ranch and learning secrets and curiosities about this extraordinary equine breed.
The majestic Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 20) begins in the quaint town of Shoshoni and winds its way to the northern edge of Thermopolis, offering travelers breathtaking views of the rugged red rocks of the Owl Creek Mountains, the placid blue waters of the Boysen Reservoir basin, and the imposing rock walls that rise majestically up to 700 meters on both sides of the scenic canyon.
Every year, gatherings of Native American populations enrich the region with vibrant events, including the Eastern Shoshone PowWow in June, the Ethete PowWow and Feast in July, and the Northern Arapaho PowWow in September.
For an unforgettable stay, consider Riverton or Lander, charming locales that offer authentic hospitality and a unique experience in the heart of the Wild West.
Accommodation: Riverton
DAY 4: Bighorn Medicine Wheel, Wyoming
On the way from the picturesque Wind River Indian Reservation, make an unforgettable stop at the Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site, where over 300 petroglyphs tell a thousand years of history etched in stone. These ancient petroglyphs reveal the multiple cultures and epochs of the past, offering a fascinating window into the civilizations that inhabited these lands.
Next, journey along the scenic Medicine Wheel Passage Scenic Byway, the northernmost route through the majestic Bighorn National Forest in the Big Horn Mountains. This scenic drive, lined with dense vegetation, follows one of the highest routes in the state, offering a rich and varied habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including deer, grouse, and many other species.
Continuing the journey, head to the striking Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark, where one of the best-preserved and most significant Native American sacred complexes in North America awaits you. The Medicine Wheel, a sacred circle 23 meters in diameter surrounded by a sacred area, represents a place of profound spiritual and cultural significance. Many contemporary Native Americans continue to use this area for traditional practices, such as the gathering of ceremonial plants, the construction of sweat lodges, vision quests, and other sacred ceremonies. In addition to imm ersing yourself in a fundamental part of the continent's history, a visit to the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark will allow you to fully enjoy the natural beauty of the Bighorn National Forest.
For a night immersed in nature, you can choose from the numerous campsites in the Bighorn National Forest or opt for a stay in Shell, WY, where you'll find cozy hospitality and a tranquil refuge nearby.
Accommodation: Shell
DAY 5: Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming
Devils Tower National Monument, soaring majestically above the eastern Wyoming prairies at 365 meters tall, is a unique natural wonder. At the Devils Tower Visitor Center, you can immerse yourself in geology, contemplate the starry sky, and discover the rich culture and history of the area through compelling exhibits and imagery.
Explore the natural trails surrounding the monument, totaling about 12 kilometers, or dare to venture on a rock climbing adventure on its sheer rock walls, with hundreds of columns and crevices providing an irresistible challenge for climbing enthusiasts.
During the summer, you can participate in Cultural Programs organized by the National Park Service, covering a wide range of interesting topics. Additionally, on select evenings, you'll have the opportunity to take a full moon hike, a magical experience that begins at sunset and requires only a flashlight to illuminate your path.
For fishing enthusiasts, the Belle Fourche River offers excellent opportunities to catch catfish and walleye. Alternatively, you can enjoy watching one of the five species of prairie dogs of the Great Plains in the prairie dog village, located in the floodplain next to the park's main road. Here you can get up close to the mounds of earth that make up the burrows of these animals, who seek refuge among the low vegetation to feel safe.
Accommodation: Bearlodge Mountain Resort
DAY 6: Crazy Horse Memorial | Black Hills, South Dakota
Bear Butte is a majestic geological formation standing approximately 370 meters tall, located less than 2 km from the Black Hills, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area. A pleasant walk will take you around Bear Butte Lake, while a more challenging trail of about 3 km will lead you to its summit. This mountain is considered sacred by the Lakota, Cheyenne, and all other tribes of the Northern Plains, who still use it as a ritual site today.
In Rapid City, The Journey Museum and Learning Center combines five important historical and prehistoric collections to tell the complete story of the western Great Plains from the perspective of the Lakota people, the pioneers who helped shape its history, and the scientists currently studying the area. After visiting the museum, don't miss the opportunity to explore the Prairie Edge Trading Company and Galleries emporium, where you'll find displays of traditional and contemporary Native American art, crafts, and music, as well as the chance to purchase handmade artifacts and dried herbs.
Next, head to the Black Hills to admire the imposing Crazy Horse Memorial. Once completed, this monument dedicated to the legendary Lakota warrior Crazy Horse will become the world's largest rock sculpture. In addition to the extraordinary sculpture, the Crazy Horse Memorial offers educational and cultural programs about Native American cultures through the Indian Museum of North America and the Native Cultural Center.
Accommodation: Rapid City
DAY 7: Badlands National Park | Pine Ridge, South Dakota
The breathtaking landscape of Badlands National Park mysteriously emerges from the vast prairies surrounding it, offering a geological spectacle unlike any other. This national park is a true natural gem, characterized by an intricate maze of hills, canyons, and rock formations carved by erosion over millions of years. It's the only national park that offers simple accommodations in such an extraordinary setting, providing visitors with an unforgettable experience.
Continue your journey to the borders of the Badlands to the Pine Ridge Reservation and visit the Pine Ridge Visitor Center, where you can admire Lakota art and explore wildlife exhibits, along with obtaining valuable tourist information to enrich your adventure.
South of Porcupine, along BIA 27, you'll find the Wounded Knee Memorial Cemetery, a sacred place that demands utmost respect from visitors during their visit. This memorial commemorates a tragic event in American history and offers an opportunity for reflection and remembrance.
The Red Cloud Indian School and Heritage Center is an authentic cultural institution of Native Americans, featuring a shop and five art galleries housing one of the country's most valuable collections of historical and contemporary Native American art. The Oglala Lakota College Historical Center provides higher education for the youth of the Pine Ridge Reservation while preserving a rich library of literature dedicated to native culture. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in fascinating historical photographic artifacts and explore exhibitions of artifacts that tell the rich history and traditions of the Lakota community.
Overnight: Rapid City
DAY 8: Chamberlain | Mitchell, South Dakota
After traversing the picturesque landscape of South Dakota, make a stop in Chamberlain to explore the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center. This extraordinary museum offers visitors a compelling lesson on the past and present lifestyle of Native Americans. Here, you can immerse yourself in Lakota culture through a mini-theater, interactive exhibits, descriptions available in both English and Lakota languages, and a charming Medicine Wheel Garden outdoors. Don't forget to stop by the shop, which offers a unique collection of original Native American products, perfect for taking home an authentic piece of Lakota culture.
Also in Chamberlain, don't miss the incredible Dignity: of Earth and Sky. This majestic 50-foot steel statue depicts a Native woman and was created specifically to honor the cultures of the Lakota and Dakota peoples, providing an impressive testament to the rich history and spirituality of Native Americans.
Just a short distance away, along Interstate 90 in Mitchell, you'll find the Prehistoric Indian Village & Archeodome. This prehistoric Indian village engages visitors in imagining life in an ancient Great Plains settlement, offering a museum and an outdoor area of about 6 acres overlooking the western shores of Lake Mitchell.
And while you're in Mitchell, you absolutely can't miss the famous Corn Palace, the only one of its kind in the world! Each year, this building is decorated with new corn kernels, grains, and grass to illustrate new theme murals covering the exterior of the entire building, offering a unique spectacle that celebrates the agricultural and cultural richness of the region.
Overnight: Mitchell
DAY 9: Sisseton | Wahpeton, South Dakota
The Good Earth State Park at Blood Run is the newest jewel in South Dakota's state parks, a genuine National Historic Landmark. This area was a crossroads of Native American civilizations between 1300 and 1700, and perhaps even earlier, thanks to the river, rich wildlife, timber, fertile floodplains, and the precious reddish-brown argillite known as catlinite, as well as the protection offered by the winds. This site is a true time capsule of indigenous culture, and there is no other place in the United States of this size and integrity that preserves Oneota culture.
When the Dakota settled in South Dakota, they encountered a wooded area, or valley, full of unusual phenomena. Glowing tree roots, strange wails, a stream of red color led the Dakota to call this enchanted place "Sica," which means "evil" or "bad" in their language. Today, this area is known as Sica Hollow State Park, a place of mystery and beauty that captivates visitors with its unique landscape of quartzite cliffs, ravines, and dense forest, offering a thrilling adventure for hikers and nature lovers.
Complete your journey with a visit to the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Heritage Center and Museum, dedicated to preserving and promoting the history, culture, and language of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate people. Here, you can delve into fascinating exhibits featuring artifacts, documents, and photographs that tell the story of this proud indigenous community.
Overnight: Wahpeton
DAY 10: Fargo | Grand Forks, North Dakota
Embark on the final leg of your journey through the heart of North Dakota, starting with a visit to Fargo, a vibrant city known for its eclectic culture and rich history. Explore the Fargo Air Museum, home to a remarkable collection of aircraft and aviation artifacts that showcase the region's aviation heritage.
Next, head to the Plains Art Museum, where you can admire an extensive collection of contemporary and traditional Native American art, as well as works by regional and national artists. The museum's diverse exhibits provide insight into the cultural landscape of the Great Plains and beyond.
Continue north to Grand Forks, where you can visit the North Dakota Museum of Art, a premier cultural institution dedicated to fostering appreciation and understanding of the visual arts. The museum's collection includes works by regional, national, and international artists, offering visitors a rich cultural experience.
As the day draws to a close, take a stroll along the scenic Red River Greenway, where you can enjoy picturesque views of the river and surrounding landscape. With its paved pathways and lush greenery, it's the perfect place to unwind and reflect on your journey through the Great Plains.
Overnight: Grand Forks
DAY 11: Departure from Grand Forks, North Dakota
After breakfast, bid farewell to Grand Forks as you make your way to the airport for your departure. As you reflect on your journey through the Great Plains, take with you the memories of the diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture that make this region truly unique.
Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you back to the Great Plains again soon!
DAY 12: Turtle Mountain Reservation, North Dakota
The Native tribes of North Dakota are a foundational pillar of its history and culture. The Indian reservations of North Dakota warmly welcome all who wish to explore and understand the richness of Native American culture.
The Turtle Mountain Reservation, nestled in the wooded hills of central-northern North Dakota, offers a variety of attractions allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the culture of the local tribes. Among these attractions are the picturesque Turtle Mountain Scenic Byway, the Turtle Mountain Heritage Center, the Sky Dancer Casino and Resort, Chippewa Downs, Keplin Fest, and Ryan Keplin Summerfest.
The International Peace Garden, established in 1932 and located between the Turtle Mountains of North Dakota and Manitoba, Canada, stands as a tangible symbol of peace and friendship between the United States and Canada. This splendid garden, spanning 930 hectares, offers breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, formal gardens, scenic trails, and a rich variety of North American flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy rustic and modern camping facilities, making the International Peace Garden an ideal destination for a relaxing and contemplative break.
In the picturesque Turtle Mountains along the US-Canada border lies Lake Metigoshe State Park, one of North Dakota's most popular year-round destinations. This park offers opportunities for fishing, boating, boat tours, and swimming in its small lakes. With over 12 km of hiking and mountain biking trails, visitors can fully explore the natural beauty of the area. During winter, the park also offers activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and ice fishing. The Lake Metigoshe Outdoor Learning Center provides educational programs on the region's history, nature, and recreational activities, making the park an ideal place for outdoor learning and fun.
Accommodation: New Town
DAY 13: Fort Berthold Reservation, North Dakota
The Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara tribes, collectively known as the MHA Nation or Three Affiliated Tribes, have a rich and significant history dating back centuries. Their headquarters, the Fort Berthold Reservation, is located on the northern and southern shores of Lake Sakakawea, offering breathtaking views and a range of cultural and historical attractions.
Crossing the Four Bears Bridge, you can admire a unique structure representing the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara tribes. From the top of Crow Flies High Observation Point, you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Lake Sakakawea and the majestic Badlands, as well as the foundations of the town of Sanish. A visit to the Three Tribes Museum will offer you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the Native tribes through historical artifacts and informative exhibits.
A visit to the Old Scouts Cemetery will be a moment of reflection and honor for Native Americans who served the nation during times of war and peace, including the Arikara/Sanish warriors who served Custer in the Battle of Little Big Horn as scouts. The Earth Lodge Village will provide further insights into the culture and history of the MHA Nation, offering visitors an educational and engaging experience.
This Indian reservation is a place rich in historical and cultural significance, and a visit offers a unique opportunity to understand and appreciate the rich heritage of Native American tribes.
In the picturesque Turtle Mountains along the US-Canada border lies Lake Metigoshe State Park, a beloved year-round destination. Its scenic lakes offer numerous opportunities for fishing, kayaking, boat tours, and swimming, while its hiking and mountain biking trails lead you through the park's natural beauty. During winter, you can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and ice fishing, while the Lake Metigoshe Outdoor Learning Center offers educational programs on the region's history and nature.
Accommodation: New Town
DAY 14: Crow Indian Reservation, Montana
Today's journey takes you to the Crow Reservation and the site of the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, a place steeped in history and significance. Here, on June 25-26, 1876, one of the most famous battles between the United States Seventh Cavalry, led by Colonel George Armstrong Custer, and the Sioux and Cheyenne tribes, under the leadership of Sitting Bull, took place. The monument commemorates this event with detailed exhibits on the battle, Custer, the weapons used, and the lives of the Plains tribes. Guided walking tours with informative signage offer an in-depth perspective on the history, while ranger programs and bus tours during the summer enrich the experience.
The Crow Fair Celebration is another must-attend event, considered the largest Native American powwow in Montana and one of the most significant in the nation. Held annually at the Crow Agency, Montana, this celebration begins every third Thursday in August and attracts over 50,000 spectators and participants from around the world. Also known as the "Tipi Capital of the world," this festival offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the Apsáalooke tribe of the Crow Indian Reservation.
Next, head towards Billings, the largest city in Montana, located on the banks of the Yellowstone River. Billings boasts a vibrant downtown area with a variety of delicious restaurants and craft breweries, all conveniently located within walking distance of each other. Here, you can enjoy local delicacies and immerse yourself in the welcoming atmosphere of this charming city.
Accommodation: Billings
Day 15: First People's Buffalo Jump
Your day begins with further exploration of Billings, a city rich in charm and history. After a delightful breakfast, you embark westward along Interstate-90 towards Livingston. Along this scenic route, you'll be captivated by the beauty of the Yellowstone River and the majestic mountain ranges that surround it. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to visit the charming towns of Livingston, Bozeman, and Helena, each immersed in its own unique and welcoming atmosphere.
An essential stop on your journey is the First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park. This archaeological site is considered the largest buffalo jump used for hunting in North America. Native Indian populations used this site for at least 2000 years before the arrival of the Lewis and Clark expedition in Montana. The sandstone cliff, over 1.5 km long, features grooves left by fleeing animals, while at the foot of the cliff are remains of bison compacted into the ground. The park offers a visitor center, interpretive trails, picnic areas, and a protected space for prairie dogs.
Finally, arrive at Great Falls, an authentic Western town nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountain Front Range of Montana and along the Missouri River. Here,
DAY 16: Blackfeet Indian Reservation | Browning | Glacier National Park, Montana
Before leaving Great Falls, I highly recommend visiting the C.M. Russell Museum. This museum celebrates the famous western artist Charles M. Russell, known for his paintings capturing the unique perspective of Native Americans. Russell's works tell captivating stories and offer a deep insight into the life and culture of the American West.
Next, travel north along the Rocky Mountain Front, where you can enjoy stunning views of the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains meeting the vast plains. Along the way, make a stop at the Blackfeet Reservation, located in northwestern Montana on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. This reservation, spanning over 600,000 hectares, borders Glacier National Park to the north and west. Visit the Museum of the Plains Indian in Browning, where a rich collection of historical art will immerse you in the culture and history of the tribal peoples of the northern plains.
Finally, I recommend taking a guided tour with Sun Tours inside Glacier National Park, known as "the Backbone of the World" according to Native American designation. This organization, run by Blackfeet Native Americans and based in East Glacier Park, offers exciting narratives on the historical and cultural connection of the Blackfeet tribe with the area and the National Park. You will be fascinated by the natural beauty and rich history of this region.
Overnight: Whitefish
DAY 17: Flathead Indian Reservation | National Bison Range, Montana
The Flathead Indian Reservation in the heart of western Montana is a true cultural treasure, inhabited by the Salish, Kootenai, and Pend d'Oreille tribes, making it a vibrant and richly historic place. At the People's Center in Pablo, you can immerse yourself in Native American culture through tribal artifacts, educational programs, and stories shared by community members. It's not just a museum but a vital center for Native American culture.
Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River in the continental United States, offers a myriad of recreational opportunities, from water activities to fresh fruit grown along its shores. You can enjoy sailing, motorboating, water skiing, fishing, and picnicking along its 290 miles of shoreline, which also offer delicious local produce like cherries, apples, and plums during the summer.
Don't miss a visit to the National Bison Range, where you can admire majestic American bison roaming freely in a natural environment. This reserve, spanning approximately 7,400 hectares, was created to protect and preserve the American bison population and also hosts a wide variety of other wildlife species, including pronghorn, deer, and over 200 species of birds. The expansive prairies of the Bison Range offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and capturing unforgettable photographs.
Overnight: Polson
DAY 18: Salmon | Sacajawea Interpretive Center, Idaho
Explore and celebrate the extraordinary story of Sacajawea, the courageous Lemhi Shoshone woman who played a crucial role in assisting the Lewis & Clark expedition. The Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural & Educational Center in Salmon is a moving tribute to her memory and offers a deep understanding of the Lewis & Clark expedition and the Agaidika Shoshone-Bannock tribes.
Nestled in a lush 28-acre park, the interpretive center features significant artifacts, scenic trails, and engaging summer programs, providing visitors with an educational and exciting experience. Through the stories told and the objects displayed, you can gain a better understanding of Sacajawea's life and the importance of her historical contribution to the exploration of the American West.
Overnight: Salmon
DAY 19: Nez Perce National Historic Park, Idaho
Follow in the footsteps of the Nez Perce National Historic Park, immersing yourself in the deep roots of Native American culture. Established in 1965, this park encompasses 34 sites spread across four states, with its pulsating heart and visitor center in Spalding, Idaho. Prepare for a journey back in time as you explore the epic history of the Nez Perce flight in 1877, an incredible 126-day journey across four states.
Discover the legends and heroisms of the Nez Perce, forced to leave their land after the reservation was drastically reduced in size by the 1863 treaty. With historic sites, archaeological artifacts, interpretive trails, museum exhibits, and engaging films, you have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in over 10,000 years of Nez Perce tribe history. With each step, you'll feel the reverberation of their stories, a living tribute to the resilience and richness of Nez Perce culture.
Overnight: Lewiston
DAY 20: Nez Perce | Appaloosa Museum & Heritage Center, Idaho
Explore the authenticity of Nez Perce culture with Nez Perce Tourism, an engaging experience that takes you into the heart of the Nimiipuu tribe. Through interactive storytelling, land and water excursions, traditional food, songs, drums, and dances, visitors are enveloped in the costumes and rich history of this Native American culture. Tours include visits to historic sites, thrilling jet boat rides on the waters, and traditional dinners, offering a comprehensive immersion into the life and traditions of the Nez Perce.
For further exploration of local history, stop by the Appaloosa Museum & Heritage Center, where you can discover the fascinating history of this iconic horse breed of Idaho. Through engaging exhibits, hands-on activities, and historical archives, you can explore the earliest evidence of spotted horses in art and literature, as well as understand the deep connection between the Appaloosa and the Nez Perce tribe.
Overnight: Lewiston
DAY 21: Coeur d'Alene Indian Reservation, Idaho
The Trail of the Coeur d'Alene is a 115 km paved trail that traverses the ancestral territory of the Coeur d'Alene tribe. Starting in Plummer and extending along Lake Coeur d'Alene, this trail offers a perfect experience for a leisurely bike ride. Along the way, amidst pines and firs, you may spot eagles, deer, elk, and other wildlife species.
The ideal month to visit is July, coinciding with the Coeur d'Alene Julyamsh Powwow, an annual event that provides a comprehensive experience of Native American culture. With the participation of 600 tribal dancers and 60 drum groups from across North America, the event also includes a picturesque equestrian parade with magnificent horses and riders in traditional attire.
For a deeper immersion into the traditions of the Coeur d'Alene tribe, head to the Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort in Worley. Here, you can admire the gentle rolling hills of the Palouse and participate in cultural tours that include bead and cedar bark workshops, painting sessions, and evenings filled with storytelling, dances, and tribal drumming.
Overnight: Coeur D'Alene
Day 22: Seattle
In the afternoon, after a journey from Coeur d'Alene, we arrive in Seattle and immediately immerse ourselves in the rich culture of the Native Americans who have contributed to shaping the history and identity of this region.
We begin our exploration by visiting the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center, located in the heart of West Seattle. This cultural center offers a precious opportunity to learn about the history, tradition, and contemporary life of the Duwamish tribe, whose ancestors have inhabited this land for thousands of years. Through exhibits, events, and educational programs, we can appreciate the cultural heritage and vitality of Seattle's Native American community.
Next, we head to the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, situated in the scenic Discovery Park. Here, we have the opportunity to explore exhibitions celebrating the culture, art, and history of the Native American tribes of the Pacific Northwest. We can participate in guided tours, artistic workshops, and cultural events that allow us to deepen our understanding and appreciation of the rich diversity of native traditions.
Overnight: Seattle
Day 23: Seattle
We start the day by visiting the Seattle Art Museum (SAM), which houses a rich collection of artwork from around the world, including significant exhibitions dedicated to the art and culture of the Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest. Through paintings, sculptures, artifacts, and installations, we can immerse ourselves in the traditions, stories, and perspectives of the region's Native tribes.
Next, we head to the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, another must-visit destination to explore the history and culture of the Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest. Here, we can explore interactive exhibits that take us back in time to discover the ancient daily life of Native tribes, as well as their art, craftsmanship, and cultural innovations.
After a morning immersed in art and history, we take a break for lunch at a local restaurant offering culinary specialties inspired by traditional Native American cuisine, allowing us to savor the authentic flavors of the region.
In the afternoon, we head to Tillicum Village, located on Blake Island, for a unique experience that brings us into contact with the Salish culture of the Pacific Northwest. Here, we can participate in a traditional welcome ceremony, enjoy an authentic salmon dinner cooked on stakes, and take part in cultural performances including songs, dances, and stories from the region's Native tribes.
Overnight: Seattle
Departure: Seattle International Airport (SEA)
Throughout the entire tour, we've had the incredible opportunity to immerse ourselves in the rich history and culture of Native Americans along our journey through the Northwest of the continent. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to the plains of Montana and the banks of the Missouri River, we've explored historic sites, museums, and Indian reservations that have offered us an in-depth view of the traditions, spirituality, and daily life of Native tribes. Through encounters with local guides, visits to museums, participation in powwows, and traditional ceremonies, we've had the opportunity to authentically connect with the culture and history of Native Americans. Each stop on our journey has been a unique and meaningful experience, enriching us with a deeper and more respectful understanding of the indigenous communities that have shaped and continue to influence the land and people of this region.
