Central USA Tours & Trips
4.6 stars on(9,385 reviews)- Choose from 38 Central USA tours
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The best Central USA tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaCentral USA travel expert at TourRadar
- Black Hills of South Dakota
- The Big Texan Adventure
- Spotlight on South Dakota featuring Mount Rushmore & The Badlands
- Texas Time - A Honky-Tonk Tour
- Mount Rushmore & South Dakota's Black Hills - 6 days
- Mt. Rushmore and Badlands Bike Tour
- Highlights of New Orleans
- Mickelson Trail Bike Tour
- Chicago - The Birthplace of Skyscrapers
- Snapshot: A San Antonio Holiday
K-Bar-S Lodge in Keystone serves as your base for Central USA's treasures. Take in Mount Rushmore's majesty, wander Badlands National Park's 243,000 acres of pinnacles, and observe Custer State Park's wildlife. A visit to Devils Tower in Wyoming and Deadwood's Wild West charm complete the journey.
Duration 6 days Destinations Rapid City, Badlands National Park, Keystone, Devils Tower, Deadwood, Custer State Park Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Southwest Adventure Tours From
- NZ$5,510
The Big Texan Adventure
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Vehicle was clean and comfortable. Driver was amazing.”
Rich, traveled in October
Texas's diverse cities reveal their stories. The route includes Dallas's Southfork Ranch, Fort Worth's Stockyards, Austin's 250 music venues, San Antonio's historic Alamo, and Houston's NASA Center, with 3-star accommodations and daily breakfast.
Duration 8 days Destinations Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Houston Age Range Ages 21+ Operator Travelling Time From
- NZ$4,637
South Dakota's iconic landmarks await on this $2,700 adventure. Marvel at Mount Rushmore's grandeur, roam Badlands National Park's otherworldly landscapes, and spot buffalo in Custer State Park. The tour includes 6 nights at Hyatt Place Rapid City with Native American cultural experiences.
Duration 7 days Destinations Rapid City, Oglala, Badlands National Park, Deadwood, Custer State Park, Devils Tower Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Collette From $5,049
3% Off- NZ$4,899You save $150
Texas's musical legacy shines through Fort Worth's Billy Bob's and Austin's Continental Club. The route winds from Dallas through the Hill Country to San Antonio's Riverwalk, featuring historic dance halls and authentic ranch culture.
Duration 13 days Destinations Dallas, Fort Worth, Fredericksburg, San Antonio, Austin, Waco, Grapevine Age Range Ages 21+ Operator Travelling Time From
3% Off- NZ$6,701
Mount Rushmore, Devils Tower, and Badlands National Park showcase Central USA's natural glory. A historic train winds through South Dakota's Black Hills, while Wind Cave's unique formations amaze visitors. Wildlife encounters in Custer State Park complement 5 nights in Keystone.
Duration 6 days Destinations Rapid City, Keystone, Badlands National Park, Wall, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Devils Tower, Deadwood, Custer State Park Age Range Ages 6+ Operator On The Go Tours From
3% Off- NZ$6,565
A cycling adventure through Central USA costs around $4,100. Riders pedal from Badlands' fossil-rich buttes to Black Hills' granite peaks, staying at historic lodges. The route covers 260+ miles through five national parks/monuments in South Dakota and Wyoming.
Duration 7 days Destinations Rapid City, Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Deadwood, Devils Tower, Spearfish Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Bicycle Adventures From
3% Off- NZ$7,504+$1,014 upfront costs
New Orleans reveals its charm through French Quarter carriage rides and authentic Creole cooking classes. The itinerary includes Oak Alley Plantation's historic grounds and Steamboat Natchez cruises, plus visits to diverse neighborhoods from Treme to the Garden District.
Duration 5 days Destinations New Orleans Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Bucket List Group Travel LLC From
3% Off- NZ$4,575
South Dakota's Black Hills showcase premier rail-trail cycling. Routes stretch from Hot Springs to Deadwood, featuring Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial. Lodging at historic properties complements visits to Wind Cave National Park and Spearfish Canyon's limestone cliffs.
Duration 6 days Destinations Rapid City, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Deadwood Age Range Ages 14+ Operator Bicycle Adventures From
3% Off- NZ$5,914+$798 upfront costs
San Antonio's UNESCO missions and Fredericksburg's National Museum of the Pacific War showcase cultural heritage. The journey features guided River Walk tours, America's largest Mexican Market, and evenings at the historic Pearl Brewery Complex.
Duration 5 days Destinations San Antonio, Fredericksburg Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Tours of Distinction From $4,150
9% Off- NZ$3,796You save $353
What people love about Central USA Tours
- The Big Texan Adventure
What can I say...just fantastic! You won't go wrong with this tour or this company! Next year California with Travelling Tme to join others from our group...friends for life!
- 66 & Buddy!
In my lengthy experience Travelling Time have come up with the best music themed holidays to the USA. I have now been on a few of them 100% satisfaction.
What our customers ask about Central USA Tours & Trips
What are the must-see highlights of a general tour in Central USA?
The Central USA combines signature American landmarks with dynamic urban experiences. Visitors often start at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota before traveling down to the Gateway Arch along historic Route 66 in St. Louis. The Grand Canyon draws travelers west while Chicago serves as a common starting point with landmarks like the historic Palmer House Hilton. In Texas the NASA Space Center in Houston and Fort Worth Stockyards provide distinct cultural touchpoints. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The variety of landscapes and historic sites along the route was incredible from the Mississippi River to the Painted Desert."
When is the best time for a general tour through Central USA?
The prime touring season runs April through October. Spring brings comfortable temperatures and wildflower displays while fall offers crisp weather and colorful foliage. Summer is the busiest season though temperatures climb particularly in Texas and Oklahoma. Different regions shine in different seasons - Badlands National Park peaks in early summer while the San Antonio River Walk sparkles during winter events. According to a TourRadar traveler: "We took our Route 66 tour in September and the weather was perfect for exploring outdoor attractions and enjoying evening entertainment."
What type of accommodation can I expect on a general Central USA tour?
Lodging ranges from well-appointed 3-4 star hotels to properties that reflect local character. Notable stays include Chicago's Palmer House Hilton and various Hilton Garden Inn locations throughout the region. Texas accommodations feature ranch properties in Fredericksburg and riverside hotels along San Antonio's River Walk. City-center options like the Holiday Inn Express in New Orleans' French Quarter are common. A TourRadar traveler reported: "The hotels were well-located and comfortable especially the historic hotel in San Antonio overlooking the River Walk."
How many days should I plan for a comprehensive Central USA tour?
Most thorough Central USA itineraries run 8-15 days. Popular routes include the 13-day Midwest & More tour covering five states from Memphis to Dallas and the 18-day Legendary Route 66 journey from Chicago to Los Angeles. This timing allows visitors to explore cities national parks and cultural sites at a reasonable pace. One TourRadar traveler noted: "Our 12-day Texas tour gave us enough time to really experience each city's unique character and culture from Houston's space center to Fort Worth's cowboy heritage."
What kind of cultural experiences can I expect on a Central USA tour?
The region presents a mix of Native American heritage cowboy culture music history and local traditions. Key experiences include visits to the Oglala Lakota Living History Village in South Dakota live music at Billy Bob's Texas traditional French Quarter exploration in New Orleans and tours of NASA's Johnson Space Center. Visitors can also attend rodeos watch cattle drives and try authentic regional barbecue. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The cultural diversity was amazing - from Native American storytelling in Oklahoma to jazz music in New Orleans each stop offered unique insights into American heritage."
What types of food experiences are included in Central USA tours?
Regional cuisine stands as a central feature of Central USA tours. Typical itineraries include Texas BBQ at establishments like Cattlemen's Steakhouse New Orleans Creole dishes and classic Midwest fare. Most tours provide daily breakfast plus welcome and farewell dinners. Special dining events often take place at historic venues and local favorites particularly on themed tours like the San Antonio Holiday experience. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The food was a highlight - from Kansas City BBQ to authentic Tex-Mex in San Antonio every meal was an adventure in regional flavors."