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RAPID CITY

Your host city is known for the 60-foot carvings of presidents' heads in the Black Hills and the breathtaking "Badlands" landscape. But that's just the beginning of the adventure. Experience the frozen-in-time history of The City of Presidents. From awe-inspiring natural wonders to captivating local experiences, this is your invitation to discovering Rapid City's untold stories and crafting unforgettable memories along the way. Get ready to embark on an adventure like no other.  – Visit Rapid City

WEST SCHEDULE

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

SUNDAY, JULY 14, 2024 

4:00PM - 6:00PM | Guest Check-In 

This will take place at your host hotel. Further messaging about your host hotel will be shared via within two weeks prior to the start of the event. 

 

MONDAY, JULY 15, 2024

7:00AM - 7:45AM | Breakfast at Hotel 

7:45AM - Load Buses 

8:00AM - Activities 

  • Wind Cave | Hot Springs

  • Mammoth Site | Hot Springs

  • 1880 Train | Hill City

5:30PM - 8:00PM | Ruby House | Keystone - dinner + activities 

 

TUESDAY, JULY 16, 2024

7:00AM - 7:45AM | Breakfast at Hotel 

7:45AM - Load Buses 

8:00AM - Activities 

  • Minuteman Missile National Historic Site | Phillip 

  • Ellsworth Air Force Base | Box Elder 

  • City of Presidents Walking Tour

6:00PM - 8:00PM | Que Pasa Cantina | Rapid City - dinner + activities 

 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 2024

6:45AM - 7:30AM | Breakfast at Hotel 

7:30AM - Load Buses 

7:45AM - Activities 

  • Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center | Lead

  • Deadwood | TBD

  • High Plains Western Heritage Center | Spearfish

5:30PM - 8:00PM | Cowboy Supper Show | Spearfish - dinner + activities 

 

THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2024

Collaboration Day

The Box | Box Elder 

7:00AM - 7:45AM | Hotel Check-Out + Individuals Drive to Venue

8:00AM - 9:00AM | Breakfast at Venue 

9:00AM - 3:00PM | Educational Sessions + Programming

3:00PM | Travel Home

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FEATURED HOTEL

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580 WaTiki Way | Box Elder, South Dakota | 605-791-0945

All attendees of the South Dakota Road Trip - West River Route will be staying overnight on July 14 - 17, 2024 at the COURTYARD® BY MARRIOTT®. There is no need to call directly to reserve your hotel room, as this will be done by our event planning team. Your hotel keycard must be picked up at the event registration desk on Sunday, July 14 beginning at 4:00PM.

Upon arrival, your hotel will require a credit card to be placed on-file for incidentals, as these are not covered by the event host. If unforeseen circumstances occur and attendees are no longer able to participate in the event, the attendee must call the hotel that they made the reservation at to cancel. If no cancellation has been made, the attendee and/or the school district's business office may be responsible for all expenses incurred.

Accommodations are single occupancy. 



HOTEL AMENITIES

This property is a fresh hotel that energizes and inspires you to achieve your best. The COURTYARD® BY MARRIOTT® has stylish well-appointed hotel rooms and thoughtful amenities to help you stay focused and relaxed during your stay in Rapid City. Work out in their state-of-the-art gym or enjoy a meal in their reinvented hotel Bistro, or just grab a snack as you head out to explore the area. With outdoor spaces to kick back and rejuvenate, this hotel has everything you need to make things happen and a staff to help you seize every day.

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FAQs

FAQs

Q: Do I need to book my own hotel room?

A: No, there is no need to book your hotel room. All attendees of the South Dakota Road Trip will be staying overnight on July 14 - 17, 2024 at a local hotel in their host city. There is no need to call directly to reserve your hotel room, as this will be done by our event planning team. Your hotel keycard must be picked up at the event registration desk on Sunday, July 14, 2024 beginning at 4:00PM. Hotel details will be released soon once the routes are finalized.

 

Q: Will I be required by the hotel to give them a personal credit card?

A: Yes, upon arrival at your hotel, you will be required to provide a credit card to be placed on-file for incidentals, as these are not covered by the event host. If unforeseen circumstances occur and attendees are no longer able to participate in the event, the attendee must call the hotel that they made the reservation at to cancel. If no cancellation has been made, the attendee and/or the school district's business office may be responsible for all expenses incurred.

 

Q: Will I be sharing a hotel room with another attendee?

A: Accommodations are single occupancy and there will not be any sharing of hotel rooms by guests.

 

Q: What time is check-in for the South Dakota Road Trip? 

A: Check-in for the event will take place at the hotel you are staying at beginning at 4:00PM on Sunday, July 14, 2024. At this time, you will receive a welcome bag and your hotel key card.

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Q: What is the dress code for the week? 

A: Dress code throughout the week is casual. Please be sure to check the temperatures before packing to ensure you are dressed accordingly. Other suggested dress code items include:

  • Comfortable walking shoes, as we will be on our feet for portions of the day.

  • A light jacket or sweatshirt is suggested each day as some of the sites may be chilly due to air conditioning.

 

Special guest speakers are scheduled for many of the evening meals, so please keep this in mind when selecting evening attire.

 

Q: Will food and beverages be provided? 

A: Yes, all food and beverages will be provided including breakfast, snacks, bottled water, lunches and dinners. If breakfast is not available at your hotel, a meal voucher will be provided. If you prefer specific snacks that would make your trip more enjoyable, we suggest packing these and bringing them along. Snacks that may be featured on the trip include items like crackers, trail mix, mixed nuts, jerky and other items. Please take advantage of these options as we want everyone to stay energized and hydrated throughout this adventure.

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Q: What other items should I bring with me? 

A: We suggest that you bring along any other amenities that would make your stay in the hotel room more enjoyable or during your bus ride. Some additional comfort items may include a reusable water bottle, headphones, light blanket, etc. Other items that we suggest that you bring along with you include:

  • Toiletries - shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc. for your hotel room

  • Sunscreen & bug spray - as our tours will include plenty of outside time and we want you to avoid any nasty burns and bug bites

  • Small travel bag - your luggage will not be able to be taken with you on the bus; therefore, any special amenities should be tucked into a small travel bag

    • should you take medicine during the hours we will be on the road, please pack your medication in your small travel bag for access during travels

  • Portable charger for cell phones or other mobile device - as these will not be available during the hours we will be traveling on the buses.

 

Q: Will media be present during the South Dakota Road Trip?

A: Media will likely show up at various locations along the route. To create an environment where South Dakota Road Trip participants feel comfortable and confident to have discussions among peers, we are asking members of the media to limit their video/audio recording. We are also asking reporters to seek permission and approval from individual tour participants to use any written or recorded content in which a participant is quoted. If a reporter asks you to do an interview (whether on or off camera) and you are not interested, please feel free to decline the request. If you are willing to do an interview, that is perfectly acceptable as well.

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