This trip was my first experience in the Great American West, one of those journeys that make you discover, and above all, understand cultures deeply rooted in time. From the prairies traversed by cowboys to the rugged territories of the badlands. The cowboy culture is strong and still lived today, while the Native American culture tells stories and life of a remote, vast, untamed, and spiritual land. The itinerary is designed to be done by camper or van. The bison represents a historical and spiritual component, and its stern gaze will accompany you throughout the journey.
Day 1 and 2: Minneapolis
We begin this journey in Minnesota, in the multifaceted city of Minneapolis. A metropolis that combines modernity with historical culture. Here was erected the first Catholic basilica in the USA, the Basilica of St Mary, and you can visit a museum, the Mill City Museum, built on the ruins of what was once the world's largest mill. Music is a fundamental component of life in this city, so you can't miss a real gem that has been a must-visit since 1968 for all music lovers: The Electric Fetus.
Accommodation: 2 nights DoubleTree Suites Minneapolis Downtown or similar
Day 3: Minneapolis - Fargo
Right on the border between Minnesota and North Dakota, this town will welcome you to start the journey on the bison trail. Local bars, breweries, hotels, and historic buildings catapult you into a dimension where time seems not to exist. Fargo is famous for the 1996 film and its namesake TV series. Don't miss a visit to the cinema/theater, a historic building still in operation.
Day 4: Fargo - Bismark
The Bismarck-Mandan area has welcomed visitors since Lewis and Clark ascended the Missouri River in 1804. The capital of North Dakota, Bismarck is a center of culture, history, and shopping. Don't miss attractions like the North Dakota Heritage Center and Fort Abraham Lincoln. History is still alive: from the forts of Fort Abraham Lincoln to the cliffs southwest and the boats that sail the Missouri River, which separates Bismarck and Mandan. Bismarck is a shining light of art, culture, history, and wide-open spaces. Don't miss The Art Alley 5.5, a street art project born from the unique partnership between the Dakota West Arts Council and six participants in the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce 2016 Leadership Program.
Days 5 and 6: Bismark - MHA Reservation
In these days, besides discovering the fascinating nature of the Little Missouri, you'll come into contact with some of the plains tribes. Each tribe in North Dakota has its origins, stories, and languages, but the Plains Indians are united by fundamental beliefs and values derived from respect for the land and an understanding of humanity's relationship with nature. The Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara tribes (also known as the three affiliated tribes) have lived along the banks of the Missouri River for thousands of years. The modern name of the lake honors Sakakawea (also known as Sacagawea), the Native American woman who accompanied the Lewis and Clark expedition as an interpreter and guide. The Mandan, Hidatsa, and later Arikara tribes thrived in lodge villages on the land along the Knife and Missouri rivers. In 1862 diseases like smallpox swept through entire villages, forcing survivors from the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara tribes to come together. The three tribes reunited in the village of Like-a-Fishhook but maintained their tribal identities.
Day 7: MHA Reservation - Medora
Medora is located in the Badlands of North Dakota and is the gateway to the southern unit of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Founded by President Roosevelt, it is the only national park named after a person. An exciting place where, in addition to breathtaking landscapes, you can admire bison and wild horses. Instead, visiting the town of Medora is a truly characteristic experience, and I recommend including a horseback ride in the Badlands, not far from the town, followed by a visit to the Cowboy Hall of Fame of North Dakota. Absolutely not to be missed is the Medora Musical!
Days 8 and 9: Medora - Rapid City
A small town that has the ability to surprise you and give you moments and emotions that stay with you forever. A strategic location to visit several must-see places like Mt Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Monument. Don't miss a safari in Custer State Park, where you can see herds of bison in their natural habitat, or the spectacular panorama of the Badlands National Park. Less than an hour away is the wild Deadwood!
Day 10: Rapid City - Pierre
The capital of South Dakota, with 14,000 inhabitants, is the second least populous capital in the States. A visit to the Capitol is a must, not only to admire the wonderful architecture but also because many Italian artisans worked on its construction. A walk along the river at sunset is a romantic scenario you shouldn't miss.
Day 11: Pierre - Sioux Falls
Most of South Dakota's population is found in this city rich in art, music, craft breweries, and, of course, the Falls Park.
Day 12 : Sioux Falls - Minneapolis
Our journey on the bison trail ends here again in Minneapolis, and we cannot bid farewell to this city without taking a tour dedicated to one of the greatest artists in the history of music, who spent his entire life in this city: Prince. You will visit Paisley Park, the estate where Prince lived and created his masterpieces, just a few kilometers south of Minneapolis.
Day 13: Minneapolis
It's time to say goodbye to Minneapolis and conclude this exciting journey in the Dakotas, with the certainty that you will take home a suitcase full of emotions and beauty.
© Itinerary studied, created, and experienced by Paolo Aloe (Il Coccodrillo)
