South Dakota Vacation Guide - 2025 South Dakota Vacation Guide
Keystone
2025-12-15 15:13:16
The playground of the Black Hills
Located three miles from Mount Rushmore National Memorial, this town provides abundant outdoor activities, opportunities to learn about the region’s rich history, shopping, restaurants, and family-friendly attractions.
Spend a few nights at one of the many motels, inns, and campgrounds eager to welcome you and host your stay.
Stop at the Iron Mountain Road Visitor Center & Store for maps and information to help you get the most out of your time here.
HISTORY COMES TO LIFE
Each of the three museums in town claims fascinating pieces of the area’s history for you to explore and uncover.
Learn the intriguing history of Keystone at the Keystone Historical Museum. A popular exhibit at the museum details the life of Carrie Ingalls Swanzey of “Little House on the Prairie,” who spent 35 years in Keystone. The museum displays memorabilia from the Ingalls family.
Dive into the lifetime work of Gutzon Borglum and his son Lincoln, both sculptors of Mount Rushmore, at the Rushmore Borglum Story.
See every U.S. president in various scenes from their time in office at The National Presidential Wax Museum. An entertaining audio tour guides you through the various stages of America’s history and its leaders.
STOP & STAY HERE
The 1880 Train connects Keystone to Hill City. With conveniently situated stations, you can get out and enjoy the best of both places while enjoying the views of the Black Hills.
Stay at Comfort Inn and Suites Mount Rushmore or Rushmore Express for centrally located accommodations.
FUN FOR ALL
Rushmore Tramway Adventure is an ultimate family-fun adventure park. Relax on a scenic chairlift ride, glide along ziplines, race down the mountain on an alpine slide, or laugh your way down the tubing hill. Fuel up on classics at George’s Grille overlooking Black Hills National Forest and Mount Rushmore.
Step back in time at Big Thunder Gold Mine, an authentic 1890s gold mine. Take a tour of the mine, then pan or dig for gold near the same gold-rich streams that brought miners to the Black Hills. Get lunch at Big Thunder Bar & Grill, with a menu that includes wild game like elk and rattlesnake. For a timeless dining adventure, check out Ruby House Restaurant, an establishment with a 1900s motif and a delicious menu.
After taking a tour through Rushmore Cave, get your heart racing on thrilling rides like the mountain coaster and zipline at Rush Mountain Adventure Park. Test your skills on the ropes course or the juniorsized course for the littlest daredevils.
See Keystone business listings on page 145.
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Keystone
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