2019-01-18 01:20:19
CARVE OUT YOUR OWN ADVENTURE The only stoplight in town divides historic Keystone from its modern retail district, a mile-long stretch along US Hwy 16A. Keystone is a vacation crossroads for the region — with Mount Rushmore National Memorial in its backyard and lots of choices for shopping, restaurants and attractions to keep visitors busy for days. A unique way to arrive in Keystone is onboard the 1880 Train. The locomotive takes passengers for hourlong rides along its scenic and historic route, between Hill City and Keystone. Trains run at least twice a day, from May to early October. It’s easy to spend a few extra hours in Keystone by booking an extended layover. The train travels along the Old Hill City Road, following railroad tracks that originally brought supplies to miners and settlers. Along Old Hill City Road you will also find the beautiful showroom and studio at Black Hills Glass Blowers. Here you can choose from a large selection of incredible blown glass pieces to take home with you to commemorate your time in Keystone. MUSEUMS & HISTORY Build time into your day to visit all three museums in town, each claiming fascinating pieces of the area’s history. The Rushmore Borglum Story focuses on the lifetime work of Gutzon Borglum and his son Lincoln, both sculptors of Mount Rushmore. The National Presidential Wax Museum displays every U.S. president in various scenes from their time in offie. The intriguing history of Keystone itself is told at the Keystone Historical Museum. A favorite section features memorabilia from Carrie Ingalls, of Little House on the Prairie fame, who spent her adult life in Keystone. Enjoy both history and the outdoors by taking the free, selfguided Historic Walking Tour of Keystone. Maps are available at the downtown Visitor Information Center. After digging into Keystone’s history, shop for the perfect souvenir on the Keystone Boardwalk at shops like Keystone Mercantile. FOOD & DRINK If you’re hungry, there are plenty of places to dine. The Powder House Restaurant features a wide variety of options and is famous for its prime rib. Or, take the Scenic Chairlift up to the Mountaintop Grille at Rushmore Tramway Adventures. Here you can enjoy a burger or brat while taking in the stunning view of Mount Rushmore and the fantastic flwer gardens nestled around a waterfall. The Ruby House Restaurant is fashioned after an Old West bordello and serves great food without the card tables and gamblers. The Front Porch Restaurant & Bar has a variety of favorites including prime rib, trout and the Mountain Man Burger. ATTRACTIONS Keystone is the perfect destination for travelers looking for fun and adventure. Visitors of all ages find excitement around every corner of the town. Everyone will enjoy the wacky course at Holy Terror Mini-Golf — a fun activity for all ages. Then, relax with a glass of wine, a gourmet coffee or a snack at Grapes & Grinds. If you want “high” excitement, Rushmore Tramway Adventures is home to tons of heart-pumping activities, including a Scenic Chairlift, the Alpine Slide, a Summer Tubing Hill and an Aerial Adventure Park where you climb, crawl and wind through pine trees. The Pinnacle Zip Tour consists of fie zip lines that span over a mile. This tour delivers both an adrenaline rush and one-of-a-kind view of the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore while guests are suspended 400 hundred feet above the ground and moving at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. Black Hills Helicopters and Rushmore Helicopters both provide exceptional views of Keystone and Mount Rushmore during their aerial tours. If you are seeking refuge from the summer heat, head underground to Rushmore Cave where it’s always a refreshing 58 degrees. This cave features some of the area’s largest stalactite and stalagmite formations, and has been offering guided tours for over 90 years. While there, find your inner daredevil at the Wingwalker Challenge Course, have fun on an interactive 7D ride, soar like an eagle on a seated zipline or take a thrilling ride on the gravity-driven mountain coaster — all part of Rush Mountain Adventure Park. Keystone has a rich mining history. Stretch your imagination and take a step back in time at Big Thunder Gold Mine. This fun and engaging tour is handicap accessible. Knowledgeable guides will entertain you with stories about the mine. If you want to experience the full impact of gold mining or panning for yourself, reserve a full- or half-day claim tour. Once you’ve completed your tour, have lunch at the Big Thunder Family Bar & Grille. Enjoy a quick bite on the deck or relax in the dining area inside. The restaurant serves expertly prepared wild game, featuring everything from elk to rattlesnake. Be sure to order the wild-game brat while you’re there. Whatever you choose to do in Keystone, it’s sure to be monumental. For Keystone business listings, turn to page 150.
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