2021-01-15 05:00:52
Make It Monumental The town of Keystone sits tucked away in the Black Hills at a crossroads for the region’s bucket list vacation activities. Located just two miles from Mount Rushmore National Memorial, the city boasts a plethora of outdoor activities, opportunities to learn about our country’s rich history, shopping, restaurants and family-friendly attractions. Spend a few nights at one of the many motels, inns and campgrounds eager to host your stay. A unique way to arrive in Keystone is onboard the 1880 Train from Hill City. The steam locomotive takes passengers for a ride along its scenic and historic route between the two towns. MUSEUMS Each of the three museums in town claim fascinating pieces of the area’s history for you to explore and uncover. The Keystone Historical Museum tells the intriguing history of Keystone itself. A popular exhibit details the life of Carrie Ingalls Swanzey of “Little House on the Prairie,” who spent 35 years in Keystone, and displays memorabilia from the Ingalls’ family. 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 office. THINGS TO DO Rushmore Tramway Adventures is home to heart-pumping activities, including the Alpine Slide, Summer Tubing Hill, Aerial Adventure Park and the Pinnacle Zip Tour. Discover the vertical world with exciting experiences in Keystone, like a helicopter tour with Black Hills Helicopters or the Scenic Chairlift at Rushmore Tramway Adventures. Reach new heights on a flight with Rushmore Helicopters, or the Soaring Eagle Zipline and Wing Walker Challenge Course at Rush Mountain Adventure Park. Navigate the challenging but fun course at Holy Terror Mini Golf, named after the last active gold mine in Keystone. Step back in time at Big Thunder Gold Mine, an authentic 1890s gold mine. Take a fun and engaging tour of the mine. Then, pan or dig for gold in the same gold-rich streams that brought miners to the Black Hills. Find fun on all levels at Rush Mountain Adventure Park. Aboveground, get your heart racing on thrilling rides. Head underground to Rushmore Cave to see some of the area’s largest stalactite and stalagmite formations on a guided tour. Visit the strangest location in the entire Black Hills — Cosmos Mystery Area. All laws of nature and physics appear to be suspended at this mind boggling and fun location. Get off the beaten path and explore the Black Hills with UTV rentals from Black Hills Wilderness Edge Adventures. SHOPPING Shop for the perfect souvenir in downtown Keystone or at the Iron Mountain Road Visitor Center & Store. Choose from a selection of blown glass pieces at Black Hills Glass Blowers showroom and studio. You can often see the blowing process or lampworking technique while you shop. Watch as skillful artists turn trees into works of art that are available for purchase at Dahls’ Chainsaw Art. FOOD & DRINK The Powder House Restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with fantastic views of the Hills. Give their famous prime rib a try. Along the boardwalk in Keystone, the Ruby House Restaurant is fashioned after an Old West bordello and serves great food. Relax with a glass of wine, a craft espresso beverage or homemade Italian gelato at Grapes & Grinds. Ride the Scenic Chairlift up to the Mountaintop Grille at Rushmore Tramway Adventures for a burger or brat while taking in the stunning views of Mount Rushmore. Truly a hidden gem, the summit grille is one of the most scenic lunch spots in the Black Hills. Have lunch at the Big Thunder Family Bar & Grille. The restaurant serves wild game, featuring everything from elk to rattlesnake. For Keystone business listings, turn to page 146.
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