Central USA Tours & Trips
Picture yourself taking in Chicago's skyline and deep-dish pizza before hitting Route 66, that iconic highway stretching all the way to Santa Monica. You'll visit the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City and the historic 18th & Vine District for some of the best ribs you'll ever taste. The Midwest's calling.
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Perrie • traveled in November, 2025
This tour was not what I expected. I thought I would be with a group of other people who booked this tour. I booked because I was traveling alone in a new city. This was not the case at all. This company just booked the hotel and several different tours and events but I did them all on my own. A little unsettling at first but I got used to it. The best event was the cooking class. Several tour guides repeated the same information. When I wasn’t on a scheduled event I hung out at Jackson Square to people watch and live music. I made the best of an unexpected situation but I would not book another tour with this company.
Highlights of New Orleans - R
Rich • traveled in October, 2025
Tour guides were great and very accommodating Driver was amazing Vehicle was clean and comfortable
The Big Texan Adventure - M
Mary • traveled in May
Our tour manager Haydee was a real gem! Everything was well organized. Our coach was brand new and our driver was excellent. All our places we visited were spectacular and Haydee made it a point to make each stop a special visit.
Spotlight on South Dakota featuring Mount Rushmore & The Badlands (2027)
The best Central USA tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaCentral USA travel expert at TourRadar
- Highlights of New Orleans
- The Big Texan Adventure
- Spotlight on South Dakota featuring Mount Rushmore & The Badlands (2026)
- Classic Cajun Country & New Orleans
- The Big Texan (Reversed Itinerary)
- Black Hills of South Dakota
- USA: Nashville to Dallas Road Trip
- Mount Rushmore & South Dakota's Black Hills - 6 days
- Chicago - The Home of Skyscrapers
- Spotlight on South Dakota featuring Mount Rushmore & The Badlands (2027)
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
- US$2,590
The Big Texan Adventure
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Had a blast...great group, great company! Travelling Time are really flexible and a friendly company.”
AlanAngela, traveled in June
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
- US$2,700
Spotlight on South Dakota featuring Mount Rushmore & The Badlands (2026)
38 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
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 $2,899
7% Off- US$2,699You save $200
Baton Rouge's 450-foot Art Deco State Capitol and USS Kidd destroyer museum showcase Central USA's charm. The route features historic mansions at Longue Vue Gardens, Jean Lafitte National Park's wetlands, and the iconic Tabasco factory on Avery Island.
Duration 7 days Destinations New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Natchez, Lafayette, Avery Island Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Tours of Distinction From $2,549
8% Off- US$2,349You save $200
The grandeur of Texas emerges at NASA's Johnson Space Center, UNESCO-listed Alamo, and Austin's vibrant music scene. Fort Worth Stockyards' cattle drives, Dealey Plaza's history, and evenings at Billy Bob's Texas honky-tonk create memorable stays in Houston, San Antonio, and Grapevine.
Duration 8 days Destinations Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Waco, Fort Worth, Dallas Age Range Ages 21+ Operator Travelling Time From
8% Off- US$2,700
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
8% Off- US$3,119
The heart of America unfolds from Nashville's Country Music Hall of Fame through Memphis' Graceland. The journey includes the Civil Rights Museum, New Orleans' French Quarter, and Houston's NASA Space Center, concluding at Fort Worth's historic stockyards.
Duration 9 days Destinations Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth Age Range Ages 18-30 Operator Contiki From $2,045
10% Off- US$1,841You save $205
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 $3,455
10% Off- US$3,110You save $346
Seven days in Chicago with stays at Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Burnham Apartments in The Loop, where full kitchens come standard in apartment-style rooms. The Ledge at Willis Tower's observation deck sits 412 meters high with views across the city, while the historic birthplace of Route 66 on Adams Street and Cloud Gate in Millennium Park offer classic photo opportunities. McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum reveals engineering history, and the Monadnock Building showcases important architectural design. You'll visit either the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry or the Art Institute of Chicago for world-class exhibits. A ride on the Brown Line elevated train through The Loop provides views of Daniel Burnham's urban planning work from above the streets.
Duration 7 days Destinations Chicago Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Worldee From
10% Off- US$469
Spotlight on South Dakota featuring Mount Rushmore & The Badlands (2027)
38 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Spotlight on South Dakota by Collette tours was a fantastic trip, 5 excellent day trips and entertaining dinner shows.”
Geraldine, traveled in May
Mount Rushmore's presidential sculptures and Badlands National Park's striking formations anchor this adventure. The trip features Buffalo Safaris in Custer State Park, Devils Tower National Monument, and Wild West history in Deadwood, with accommodations at Hyatt Place.
Duration 7 days Destinations Rapid City, Oglala, Badlands National Park, Deadwood, Custer State Park, Devils Tower Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Collette From
10% Off- US$2,999
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."