TOUR companies ease the way for women travelers
From mountain ranges and roaring rivers to watchable wildlife and iconic Mount Rushmore, South Dakota offers much to see and do. A trip there is sure to unleash your inner adventurer.
Traveling and trying new things can be daunting, but being among like-minded women makes the journey more fun. Whether you want to grab your closest friends and head out together or try solo traveling for the first time, the following female travel companies are the way to go.
Woman Tours
As the only women-exclusive bike tour company in the world, Woman Tours is fully equipped to take you on scenic trips wherever your heart desires. Its tour of South Dakota features biking through Badlands National Park, Black Hills National Forest and Custer State Park. The group visits historical towns, encounters wildlife firsthand and stays overnight in scenic locations.
The team at Woman Tours is dedicated to making everyone feel like a champion and celebrating each rider’s personal best. Those who need to take a break from cycling are more than welcome to do so, thanks to a van that can take you to the group’s next stop. There is always a Woman Tours guide that rides last, so no one gets left behind.
One of the biggest appeals of female-only travel is the opportunity to build friendships with other women on the trip. To build community, Jackie Marchand, president of Woman Tours, said, “We provide a safe and supportive environment without competition, and encourage everyone to be the best she can be.” (womantours.com/tours/170/south-dakota-black-hills-badlands-and-mickelson-trail)
From mountain ranges and roaring rivers to watchable wildlife and iconic Mount Rushmore, South Dakota offers much to see and do. Photo by Nomadic Neals Photos.
Adventures in Good Company
For active, outdoors-loving women, a trip with Adventures in Good Company may be just the right ticket. Its tours feature an abundance of fun activities for women of all ages and experience levels.
The tour of South Dakota’s Black Hills includes hiking, swimming, biking, wine tasting and zip lining, with overnights at the cozy Hinterwood Inn & Cabins in Keystone. Throughout the trip the guide team offers alternatives for those who are unsure about participating in scheduled activities. Groups number 13 and under, so there are plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow adventurers.
The company’s “About AGC” page sums up its mission: “When you choose to explore with Adventures in Good Company, it is not just an opportunity to travel, it is an invitation to join our community; a community of spirited women who understand the importance of, and joy in, women adventuring with other women.” (adventuresingoodcompany.com/south-dakota-hills-and-thrills)
Collette
For those who prefer historic towns and museums rather than powering through outdoor adventures, Collette’s South Dakota tour is ideal. While Collette is not a women-only tour company, many of its tours are conductive to girlfriend getaways. Its South Dakota trip is filled with beautiful scenery, Native American history and immersive Wild West experiences.
On your first night, you will hear stories from a Native American chronicler, transporting you into the world of the Lakota and Sioux. Itinerary highlights include Oglala Lakota Living History Village; Drug Wall Store, a must-see roadside attraction since 1936; and the town of Deadwood, where you can choose to tour Adams Museum or Kevin Costner’s Tatanka: Story of the Bison.
A trip to South Dakota would not be complete without seeing some of the breath-taking scenery and wildlife. On Day 5 the group ventures into Custer State Park, where a Buffalo Safari spotlights wild buffalo, bighorn sheep and elk. (gocollete.com)
As the only women-exclusive bike tour company in the world, Woman Tours is fully equipped to take you on scenic trips wherever your heart desires. Its tour of South Dakota features biking through Badlands National Park, Black Hills National Forest and Custer State Park.
Beatrice Bradley Experience Travel
The motto at Beatrice Bradley is “We do not tour places, we experience places,” and its South Dakota trip lives up to that philosophy. The company’s tours are designed for women over the age of 45 who love the USA and want to experience its rich history.
Trips created by the Beatrice Bradley team are meant to mimic a “friends getaway,” so whether traveling with your own friends or heading out solo, everyone feels at home. Balance is a key component to these trips, so days are filled with exciting adventures, chances for a peaceful walk or an early morning fishing trip, and time to relax by a bonfire at night. Each trip is headed by one or two Beatrice Bradley hosts.
The South Dakota trip begins at Chamberlain’s Thunderstik Lodge, which the group has all to itself. All meals are prepared by the lodge’s chef, and there is plenty of time to walk the beautiful grounds and hang out with the property’s pheasant dogs. Activities include lessons at the lodge’s shooting ranges, a tour of Badlands National Park, shopping in the city of Wall and a pontoon ride down the Missouri River. (bbgage.com/women-hosted-adventures/sd-wild-west-trip-2023/)
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By Olivia Opperman
