Majestic Mount Rushmore serves as the launching point for an ideal family excursion through its beautifully pastoral surroundings on foot, bikes, and horseback during a six-day trip offered June-September by The World Outdoors.

Inspiring views of America's Shrine of Democracy set a reflective tone for moderate hikes and bike rides across the undulating hills of the colorful Badlands with their surprising views of steep canyons, sharp ridges, gullies, and spires. The exploration of a cave and an introduction to rock climbing add layers of depth to this adventure labeled the "Black Hills Multi-Sport."

"While Mount Rushmore stands near the top of everyone's vacation checklist, relatively fewer visitors have ever roamed the surrounding environment, criss-crossing the path of General George Armstrong Custer's 1874 Black Hills Expedition, and taking advantage of the area's prime wildlife viewing", says The World Outdoors owner Bill Marriner.

"There's a pastoral, laid-back feeling to the Badlands, but there's also a lot of variety, with caves, lakes, and waterfalls," he says. "The rolling, forested grasslands of Custer State Park are even better than Yellowstone Park for wildlife. And it's not as touristed."

Large herds of bison, flocks of wild turkeys, pronghorn antelope, white-tailed deer, prairie dogs, and wild burros are all to be found along the course of one bike ride, while another ride extends 18 miles downhill on an old railroad bed, passing over numerous bridges and through two tunnels.

No experience is necessary for a rock-climbing lesson surrounded by the granite spires and domes of the Sylvan Lake region or for an underground exploration of the intriguing stalactites and stalagmites of Jewel Cave.

Accommodations center on the beautiful settings, comfort, and fine dining offered by the region's best inns. A special family tour includes two nights of tent camping surrounded by a pine forest within easy walking distance of Sylvan Lake.

Tour dates are June 19-24, July 17-22 (Family with Camping), and Sept. 18-23. The cost starts at $1,695 for the family trip.

The World Outdoors has specialized in off-the-beaten-path vacations throughout the world since 1988. For more information or to request a free, 80-page color catalog describing its tours, call 1-800-488-8483 or visit http://www.theworldoutdoors.com/.