OWNER / OPERATOR
Hi - I'm Rich Watkins, a Dakotan . . . forth generation.
In 1889 at the age of four my great grandmother came to the Dakota Territory from Indiana in a covered wagon. This was a few months before it became a State and one year prior to the Wounded Knee Massacre. As a child I remember her entertaining me with stories of her youth and the Dakota's of her day.
Raised on a farm, I received an advanced degree in education from NSU, however I've spent most of my life as an entrepreneur. I've been exploring the Black Hills region for 40+ years. Enjoying its beauty, studying its history and driving the back roads in old Jeep CJ's.
Please let me know if you have questions about our tours or need suggestions about visiting the Hills. Thanks and Be Well - Rich
Hi - I'm Rich Watkins, a Dakotan . . . forth generation.
In 1889 at the age of four my great grandmother came to the Dakota Territory from Indiana in a covered wagon. This was a few months before it became a State and one year prior to the Wounded Knee Massacre. As a child I remember her entertaining me with stories of her youth and the Dakota's of her day.
Raised on a farm, I received an advanced degree in education from NSU, however I've spent most of my life as an entrepreneur. I've been exploring the Black Hills region for 40+ years. Enjoying its beauty, studying its history and driving the back roads in old Jeep CJ's.
Please let me know if you have questions about our tours or need suggestions about visiting the Hills. Thanks and Be Well - Rich
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Charlie ~
A South Dakota native from the center of the state . . . Charlie attended Northern State University and earned his advanced degree in education. He was involved in teaching and guidance counseling throughout the state. A retired SD National Guard Officer with over 15 years as an instructor and Battlefield Staff ride guide. His background brings with it a wealth of knowledge of the regions military battles and the Indian Wars of the 1800's. Charlie is a very active outdoorsman and knows the Black Hills extremely well. |
Mike ~
Another farm kid - raised in southeastern South Dakota. A graduate of UND and SDSU he is a recently retired elementary principal. He has spent the last 30 years exploring the Black Hills and Badlands. Mike is another active outdoorsman and loves traveling on roads less traveled. |
Julie ~
Julie is a world traveler that loves learning new things along her way. Her hobby is learning to cook the foods of local cultures. Julie spends her summers in the Hills and specializes is our group tours of the Custer State Park. The rest of the year she is an college instructor. |
Lizzy ~
Growing up on an organic dairy farm Lizzy learned the benefits of hard work and paying attention to detail. She has explored and studied the history of the Black Hills and loves guiding our guests to Badlands National Park, Devils Tower National Monument, Mt Rushmore National Monument and much more. |
Scott ~
A Black Hills local, Scott received his degree in biotech sciences from Black Hills State University and has explored the Hills in depth. He is also a former steward for the Stagehand Union and is involved with local theatre and shows. |
TJ ~
An adventurer and Navy veteran TJ has accumulated a wealth of experience and skills. To name a few, he has been a mountain guide in Alaska, a food guide in Florida and a sea kayaking guide. TJ matriculated from Minnesota State and also speaks several foreign languages including Canadian. |
Noel ~
Another Dakotan . . . this time form the freezing side. Noel is from North Dakota and received his undergraduate degree from UND. Before retiring he was a project manager in several technical industries. He now spends his time sharing with our guests the history of the Deadwood area. |
Paula ~
Paula is an elementary teacher at Oglala Lakota County, and lives in a small town not far from Custer State Park. She knows the southern Hills well and loves sharing its history with our summer guests. Another South Dakotan she attend Black Hills State University. |
Jeff ~
Originally from the southeast part of South Dakota, after graduating from USD, Scott enjoyed the adventure of a business entrepreneur and was a hotel owner/operator in the Black Hills. Scott provides our southern Hills tours . . . Custer State Park, Crazy Horse and Mt Rushmore tours. |
