Arrive in Minneapolis and make your way by taxi to your hotel where you will spend the next two nights. Twinned with the neighbouring state capital St Paul, both cities sit at either side of the Mississippi River. Boasting a wonderful arts scene, visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art and for fans of the artist Prince, visit Paisley Park, his former home and studio.

Pick up your car this morning and depart for Fargo, which lies on the Minnesota – North Dakota border. Fargo has a bustling downtown and several attractions including the iconic Fargo Theatre, interesting murals, and popular microbreweries. Just outside downtown don’t miss a visit to the interesting Fargo Air Museum and the world-famous woodchipper from the movie named after the city.

Travel to North Dakota’s capital city Bismarck, stopping in Jamestown to see the world’s largest buffalo, a 60-tonne statue standing at 26 feet tall. Look back at the state’s history at the interesting North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum and its four different galleries and then cross the river to Mandan, the sister town to Bismarck to walk in the footsteps of General Custer at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park.

Drive to the cute town of Medora, the gateway to the south entrance of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, named after the famous president who was responsible for creating America’s National Park Service. Spend the day exploring the park’s pristine wilderness, keeping an eye out for bison, wild horses, and elk along the way. During the summer months don’t miss the toe tappin’ Medora Musical set against the magnificent North Dakota Badlands and the Pitchfork Fondue dinner.

Head south to the Black Hills of South Dakota and Rapid City where you will spend the next two nights. Rapid City is the perfect base to explore the magnificent sight of Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the faces of the former US Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt that are carved in the mountain face. Close by visit Crazy Horse Memorial that honours the Native American warrior. It’s a work in progress and once complete the four President faces at Mount Rushmore will fit into Crazy Horses’ face!

Drive west today to Wyoming, stopping in historic Deadwood, a popular hangout of wild west legends including Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Drive through scenic Spearfish Canyon and take a slight detour to Devil’s Tower National Monument, filming location of the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind. A sacred Native American butte it stands at 867 feet high and measures a mile around the base. After a fun-filled day, drive to the western town of Sheridan for the night.

Head to Cody today, driving through the spectacular Bighorn Mountains along scenic Highway 14. Every curve and bend will reveal deep canyons, waterfalls, and scenic lookouts. Spend two nights in Cody a western town filled with character which is the gateway to the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park. A worthwhile visit is to the Buffalo Bill Museum of the West where you can learn about the geology and history of America’s first national park and for fun times head to the Cody Nite Rodeo and the staged cowboy shoot outs outside the Irma Hotel.

Rise early today for a memorable day as you head to the magical landscape of Yellowstone National Park. Head north to Red Lodge to join the epic Beartooth Highway – a stunning high mountain pass into the park. Yellowstone must be seen to be believed. Geysers, colourful hot springs, bubbling mud pots, epic waterfalls and wildlife including bison, moose, and even grizzly bears await. Spend the next two days soaking up the park’s epic wonders overnighting in West Yellowstone.

Head through Yellowstone to the south entrance that takes you into Grand Teton National Park, which is dominated by the majestic Teton Mountains, part of the famed Rocky Mountains. Drive the 42-mile Scenic Loop through the park that passes by beautiful lakes and waterfalls and spot wildlife – Grand Teton is known as the ‘Serengeti of North America’. Overnight at the nearby mountain town of Jackson, which has a wild-west vibe with a modern twist. Dine in the array of fine restaurants and saddle up at Jackson’s Million Dollar Cowboy bar, the bar stools are real life saddles.

Head south out of Jackson, driving through Idaho –via Lava Hot Springs to take a quick soak in one of its many hot springs soaking pools and then continue to Salt Lake City home of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or the Mormon Church. With the stunning Wasatch Mountains as its backdrop, Salt Lake City is a very walkable city, with lots of great restaurants and bars. Visit Temple Square and see the impressive Salt Lake City Temple and learn about the history and culture of the Mormon Church.

Drive back to Salt Lake City airport and drop off your hire car and board your homebound flight.