2023 Strenuous Life Adventure - Information

Tour Guides

Marilyn Hovland
Marilyn is a native of North Dakota and a longtime resident of Rapid City, SD. She has planned and directed Road Scholar tour programs since 1999. Her BS and MS degrees are from Black Hills State University in Business/Tourism and Hospitality.

Other experiences include Senior project coordinator for South Dakota/Wyoming cancer research project with Harvard University; radiological technologist and storyteller. Marilyn enjoys traveling, performing with her "Well Done Players" group and enjoys cheering on her grandkids in their many sports and activities.

Marilyn is excited to share this beautiful part of the country with you and invites you to sit back, relax and reap the benefits of her expert, local insight as you travel along.
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Paul & Theresa Reed
Travel is second nature and a real passion for both Theresa and Paul. As residents of Rapid City, SD they are well versed in planning and leading tour group programs in SD, ND, WY and MT. "We are so proud to share this beautiful part of the country and the spirit of the great American west with you."

They love spending time with their two Labrador Retrievers, Ama and Bailey, and enjoy cooking and entertaining. Most recently, they have tried their hand at Pickleball. "Welcome to our home, we are so glad you have joined us! Let the Journey begin…."


Joe Wiegand
Joe is the world’s premiere Theodore Roosevelt reprisor. As an actor and historian, Joe’s portrayals of Theodore Roosevelt in live performances have people wondering if TR has come back to life.

In 2008, Joe and his family traveled across America in celebration of Theodore Roosevelt’s 150th birthday and the final centennial year of TR’s historic presidency. Performances at the White House and TR’s New York City birthplace highlighted the fifty-state adventure. Joe has been featured as President Roosevelt in “The Men Who Built America” on the History Channel, served as the model for the newest sculpture at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, and has a feature role in “National Parks Adventure” a film about our national parks shown in IMAX theaters throughout the country.

Joe lives in Medora, North Dakota and works for the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation. His performance tour is highlighted in the summers by a daily matinee in Medora, the gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and future home of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Some of the Places We’ll Visit

Hotels

Rushmore Hotel in Rapid City, SD
445 Mt. Rushmore Road, Rapid, SD 57702
Phone: (605) 348-8300

First night will be at this great hotel with a wonderful location in Rapid City. You can walk to the bronze statue of Theodore Roosevelt downtown. Welcome Cocktails and Dinner will be at a nearby restaurant on the first evening.

Elkhorn Quarters Hotel in Medora, ND (Elkhorn Quarters Hotel )
400 East River Road, Medora, ND 58645
Phone: (701) 623-4444

The remaining four nights will be at the Elkhorn Quarters Hotel known for its rustic charm and friendly staff It has wifi, a swimming pool and on-site restaurant. Located within walking distance to the town of Medora.

Double Occupancy and Single rooms only have one bed per room.(full or queen bed).

The Family Quarters rooms have one queen bed, plus bunk bed that has one full on bottom and one twin on top. Double Occupancy rate will be charged per person in Family Quarters rooms.

Transportation Information

Airport Arrival Day:
Hotel Shuttle Service from the Rapid City, SD Airport is included. The cost will be covered by Reed Travel.
IMPORTANT: Guests must call the Rushmore Hotel, (605) 348-8300, one day prior to your arrival to arrange for the shuttle pick up at the airport. Try to schedule your flight into Rapid City to arrive in time to check-in to the hotel and then attend the 6:00 pm Meet & Greet Cocktails, followed by 7:00 pm Dinner nearby the Hotel.

Airport Departure Morning:
Motorcoach transportation is included at 7:00 am on the morning of July 12 taking guests from Medora, ND to Dickinson, ND Airport and then traveling onto Bismarck, ND Airport.
7:00 am Departure from Medora for DIK Airport/Dickinson, ND; arriving at 8:00 am (MDT); 45-minute drive time.
8:15 am Depart DIK Airport/Dickinson, ND for BIS/Bismarck, ND Airport; arriving at 11:00 am (CST); 1 hour & 45-minute drive time.
Guests planning on leaving later than 7:00 am will be responsible to find their own transportation to the airports.

Note: Medora is on Mountain Time (MDT) and Bismarck is on Central Standard Time (CST)

Motorcoach Transportation & Baggage
A 56-seat private charter motor coach will be our mode of transportation throughout the tour. It will comfortably accommodate our guests along with our tour guides and driver. There is overhead space for small items such as backpacks, purse, jackets, etc. and storage below for luggage.

Packing Tips/Attire
We do ask that you try to limit your luggage similar in size to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on the motor coach. Dress and pack comfortable clothes for the outdoor activities you will be enjoying! There is no dress code for the evenings. The general attire in the evenings should be casual. The most dressed up you might see is someone in a button-down western shirt.

Miscellaneous Information

The Strenuous Life Adventure program trips are open to all TRA members and their families. If you have a guest joining you for the trip that is not a member, we encourage you to ask them to sign up for membership on our website.

Special Dietary/Meal Requirements/Food Allergies: We will try our best to accommodate any special dietary/meal requirements such as gluten free and vegetarian. Please let us know at least one month in advance to the trip if you will require this accommodation.

TRA Contact for Registration information: Marie Kutch, mkutch@theodoreroosevelt.org, (516) 921-6319, x10.