Tour Description

Exploring the Heart of the American West - Idaho, Montana, & North Dakota

August 27-September 7, 2026 12 Days 13 Meals $250 Per Person Deposit Required Airfare Included Real ID or Valid Passport Required Your package includes airfare, deluxe transportation, accommodations, all listed tour fees, and 13 meals. Explore the Heart of the American West with us from Spokane, WA through Idaho, Montana and North Dakota for an unforgettable tour. Hop on a Red Jammer Bus for an exhilarating journey through Glacier National Park! Each stop along the way brings its own story and sense of place as we enjoy views of scenic rivers, historic mining towns, sweeping plains, and charming small cities. With comfortable travel, beautiful landscapes, and unique local experiences, we’re in for a tour filled with discovery and delight. Photo Courtesy of Glacier National Park

Day 1:

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Our long-anticipated journey begins today as we pick up our fellow travelers and head to our overnight hotel to rest for our air travel to Spokane, WA tomorrow!

Day 2:

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After landing in Spokane, WA our drive takes us through one of the most iconic landscapes in the Pacific Northwest, the Palouse Region. Our relaxing ride gives us a peaceful look at rolling hills, open skies, and a sea of grain. As we get closer to Clarkston, WA where we overnight, the broad, serene, glassy surface of the Snake River appears.

Day 3:

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Today we team up for the excitement of Hells Canyon with Beamers Hells Canyon Tours to run the riffles and rapids of the Snake River for a scenic jet boat adventure along the historic Snake River, which marks the southeastern border of Washington and Idaho. Observe ancient Indian petroglyphs, watch for birds and wildlife including Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep and deer while your captain uniquely narrates your tour. We end our day in Worley, ID.

Day 4:

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Today our trail takes us into the heart of Idaho’s Silver Valley with a visit to the Sierra Silver Mine in Wallace, ID where a guide takes us underground to share the rich history of hard rock mining. Afterward, we explore the Wallace District Mining Museum, filled with artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of this legendary mining town. With a newfound appreciation for the grit and gold of the past, we travel on to Kalispell, MT for a restful evening surrounded by mountain beauty.

Day 5:

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Today we climb aboard a classic Red Jammer Bus for a breathtaking ride as the bus traverses Glacier National Park. From Lake McDonald Lodge to the St. Mary Visitor Center, we marvel at towering peaks, glacial valleys, deep cut canyons, wildlife, and stunning alpine vistas. After this unforgettable journey through the Crown of the Continent, we make our way to Great Falls, MT to end the day.

Day 6:

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The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Great Falls, MT offers an immersive look into a pivotal chapter of American exploration led by these trailblazing pioneers. Our time in Helena, MT begins with a historical city tour aboard an open-air heritage train that takes you past landmarks such as the Victorian mansion district, the Cathedral of St. Helena, Reeder's Alley, the Old Fire Tower, and the vibrant historic Last Chance Gulch downtown district. After dinner this evening, we hang our hats in our hotel for 2 nights in Helena, MT.

Day 7:

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After exploring more of Helena, MT this morning, we board the Gates of the Mountains Boat Tour for a 2-hour narrated cruise through the striking limestone canyon on the Missouri River. Glide past serene, wooded slopes, dramatic rock formations, learn about Mann Gulch, the site of the 1949 wildfire that claimed the lives of 13 smokejumpers, and spot abundant wildlife including bald eagles, bighorn sheep, otters, and more.

Day 8:

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The World Museum of Mining in Butte, MT brings history to life on the original Orphan Girl Mine site. Explore historic mining equipment and a recreated boomtown village among the many exhibits spread across 22 acres. Then, hop aboard the Butte Chamber of Commerce Trolley Tour for a narrated journey through Butte’s National Historic Landmark District, including stops at the Berkeley Pit Overlook, Copper King Mansions, and other mining-era sites. Knowledgeable local guides share vivid stories that capture the spirit and drama of Butte’s colorful past. Our mining expedition concludes this evening in Belgrade, MT.

Day 9:

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The Range Riders Museum, founded in 1939 on the original Fort Keogh cantonment site, features 13 historic buildings that showcase Eastern Montana’s rich history. This evening, enjoy a one-of-a-kind dinner at Pitchfork Steak Fondue in Medora, ND where juicy steaks are cooked on pitchforks and dipped fondue-style into barrels of hot oil, served alongside a buffet of classic Western fixin’s and live music. With the stunning Badlands as your backdrop, we wrap up the night at the Medora Musical, an unforgettable open-air show celebrating faith, family, and freedom. We end our fun-filled evening at our hotel in Medora, ND.

Day 10:

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Theodore Roosevelt National Park South Unit Visitor Center, Medora, ND features a museum with artifacts from Theodore Roosevelt’s time in the Dakota Territory, informative exhibits on geology and wildlife, and a theater showing the visually compelling film Refuge of the American Spirit. The trail today takes us to Fargo, ND where we kick off our western spurs for the night.

Day 11:

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Today we visit Falls Park, the scenic heart of Sioux Falls, SD for relaxing lunch at the Falls Overlook Café housed in a beautifully restored 1908 hydroelectric plant that offers stunning views of the falls. The Big Sioux River tumbles over ancient quartzite cliffs in a dramatic series of waterfalls. Tonight, we rest in Bellevue, NE.

Day 12:

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As we wrap up our adventure, we carry home more than souvenirs; we bring back vivid memories, new friendships, and stories to share. From the first mile to the final stop, this has been a journey to remember.