This is one of my favorite travel destinations, the Black HIlls and the little towns in it like Keystone, Deadwood, Rapid City. Although known for Mount Rushmore there's a whole lot more to see and do in this area.
Map credit: We're In the Rockies
I think everyone should visit Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills at least once in their lifetime. Seeing Rushmore in photos doesn't begin to do it justice.
Just over 2 million people visit Rushmore every year. The busiest months are June, July and August. September and October are less busy but popular months as well.
Every single head on Mt. Rushmore stands at 60 feet tall, which makes you wonder how tall they would have been if finished. Likewise, the mouths are 18 feet wide, the eyes are all 11 feet wide, and the noses are 20 feet long.
At Borglum’s suggestion, Washington’s nose came in at a foot longer than other presidents. The change was motivated by his belief that Mount Rushmore would erode at around 1 inch every 10,000 years. Why he only chose Washington for the rhinoplasty is unknown.
It’s estimated that the noses could last around 2 million years, and the shape of the heads could be visible for another 7 million years. However, the heads are likely to start losing outlines around 500,000 years in the future.
In total, the project cost $989,999.32 to complete in its 14 years of carving. Interestingly enough, only 6 of those 14 years were spent carving, with the remainder lost to bad weather and a lack of funds.
When adjusted for inflation, this would be $ 17.8 million in today’s economy.
Due to the monument’s popularity, there are a number of visitor facilities added in the area to give tourists more than just views from the ground. Among these is the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center with a museum and the Sculptor’s Studio.
Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center
You can view some of the Mount Rushmore scale models that Borglum had worked on at the Sculptor’s Studio. At the museum, view storage boxes for the dynamite used, read up on some helpful information, and more.
You don't need any guided tour to see Mount Rushmore.
Stop at the Mount Rushmore Information Center & Bookstore and rent the audio tour available there for $6. If you need a device to play it on the rental is $8.
It's one of the best audio tours I'd ever heard, expertly done.
The Mount Rushmore Audio Tour: A Living Memorial is a recorded audio guide at Mount Rushmore National Memorial incorporating narration, music, interviews, sound effects and recordings of Gutzon Borglum, Lincoln Borglum, American Indians and workers.
The tour is also translated in Spanish, German, French and Lakota. For additional information on the audio tour: Contact | Mount Rushmore Society
ADMITTANCE
There is no entrance fee to get into Mount Rushmore. However, a parking fee is required to park in the concession-operated parking facility. Parking fees may be paid with cash or most credit cards.
Fee for cars, motorcycles and RV's:
A parking ticket entitles a non-commercial vehicle unlimited entry to the memorial for one year from the date of purchase.
$10 per vehicle
$5 for Seniors (62 and older)
Free for Active Duty Military
Parking is readily available in the memorial's parking complex. The parking facility is operated under a concession contract between the National Park Service and Xanterra Travel Collection. A parking ticket entitles a non-commercial vehicle unlimited entry to the memorial for one year from the date of purchase. Designated handicapped parking areas are located in both parking garages in the upper and middle levels.
No reservations are needed to visit the memorial. Parking for vehicles pulling trailers or extra-long vehicles is extremely limited. For questions concerning parking and parking fees, please call Xanterra Travel Collection at 605-574-2515.
Overnight parking is not permitted within the boundaries of Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
It's pretty easy to find your way around the monument grounds. Everything is clearly marked and the walking trails are paved. Follow the Avenue of Flags and it will take you straight to the monument.
Avenue of Flags Photo credit: NPS
The last time we were there was over the 3rd and 4th of July and were spending a few days seeing the surrounding area.
On the 3rd we were at Rushmore as soon as it opened. We had breakfast at Carver's Cafe and watched the sun come up on Rushmore. It's weird how the monument's appearances changes depending on the light on it.
Carver's Cafe
PRESIDENTIAL TRAIL
The Presidential Trail Photo credit: NPS
This 0.6 mile trail provides changing views of Mount Rushmore as you walk among granite outcrops and through ponderosa pine trees. Start from the Grand View Terrace. As you face the mountain go to the far left side to begin the trail. The first 0.2 miles is a handicapped accessible trail to the base of Mount Rushmore. The final 0.4 miles has 422 stairs and brings you back to the Grand View Terrace.
The time to walk the trail takes between 20 and 45 minutes.
SCULPTOR'S STUDIO
Photo credit: NPS
Our next stop was the Sculptor's Studio where a ranger gave a 15 minute talk about Gutzon Borglum who created Mount Rushmore. He described the carving process and the lives of the workers. You can also view the original plaster scale model used in the creation of Mount Rushmore. Most of it wasn't carved, it was dynamited.
LINCOLN BORGLUM VISITOR CENTER
Photo credit: NPS
Lincoln Borglum was Gutzon's son, who finished Rushmore after Gutzon's death. The Visitor Center is actually more like a museum than a visitor's center, containing exhibits pertaining to the construction of Rushmore. You can also view a 14-minute film describing the reasons for and methods used in carving Mount Rushmore.
HIKE THE BLACKBERRY TRAIL
Photo credit: NPS
The Blackberry Trail, a designated National Recreational Trail, is a moderately strenuous one mile gravel trail that connects with the Centennial Trail in the Black Elk Wilderness, part of the Back Hills National Forest.
Equestrian users, hikers, and wildlife observers will all find something to enjoy. There are several small water crossings, a wooden bridge, several horse tie-up stations, and two picnic tables to enhance recreational enjoyment.
Hikers can begin their exploration at the Blackberry Trail trailhead located across South Dakota Highway 244 from the parking facility.
This trail is pet friendly. Remember to keep your pet on a leash shorter than six feet and to pick up after your pet.
After spending much of the morning at Mount Rushmore we drove into the town of Keystone to look around...and that's where we got ourselves in trouble.
We noticed an older guy next to a chopper, advertising helicopter rides up to Mount Rushmore. (This was before 911). Now, my hubby was a military chopper pilot and I'd flown in just about everything including choppers many times so we had no fear of flying in helicopters whatsoever.
This wasn't a modern helicopter with luxuries like doors. This was vintage M*A*S*H*, no doors and one 2" wide seatbelt that went across all 3 of our laps with rotor wash so deafening you couldn't hear one another even if you were shouting at the top of your lungs. Like a couple of idiots, we decided to take this guy up on a ride up to the Rushmore sculpture. I have never been so terrified in my life.
He'd stand that chopper straight on its nose, bank so far to the right that I was sure I'd be scraping my husband's remains off Lincoln's face and he damn near flew us right up George Washington's nostril.
Just our luck...we'd gotten some veteran military pilot who'd I'm fairly certain had been discharged on a
Section 8.
The entire time I'm shouting at this lunatic "GET...US...DOWN...NOW!!!" Either he couldn't hear me or he was pretending he couldn't hear me. I suspect the latter.
The minute we landed, we headed for the nearest bar to sedate ourselves.
The following evening was the 4th of July and we decided we'd brave the crowds to see Rushmore's 4th of July show that features presidential re-enactors, Native performers, musical performances and a traditional evening lighting ceremony.
This is all performed in the amphitheater above left and the monument is in total darkness. You can't see any of it until they light it up, which takes your breath away. The monument is far more beautiful at night than it is in daylight. By the time the fireworks were being shot off accompanied by the national anthem being blasted, I don't think there was a dry eye in that amphitheater.
If you ever want to see Rushmore at its finest, go for the evening 4th of July ceremony. You'll be glad you did because it is memorable to say the very least.
CRAZY HORSE MONUMENT
Photo credit: All Black Hills
There was a whole lot of controversy involved in building Mount Rushmore between the government and the Lakota Sioux, the Lakota stating Mount Rushmore was built on their sacred land - which is why I've always had mixed feelings about Rushmore. I'm part Native American (Lakota Sioux specifically) yet at the same time, my 5x great uncle was Lincoln, who appears on the monument. Long story short, the government tried to buy off the Lakota with a financial settlement but the Lakota refused, saying they wanted the deed to their sacred land. The government refused. The Lakota were angry that the faces of 4 Presidents who all directly persecuted (and worse) the Sioux in some manner had been placed on their sacred land. I don't blame them a bit!
Which brings us to the Crazy Horse Monument...
Crazy Horse Memorial® honors all Indigenous people of North America, stands as a reminder of the importance of reconciliation, respecting differences, embracing diversity, striving for unity, and appreciating life’s deeper meaning as it has always been represented in Native American cultural values. This will never change. The arm of Crazy Horse points to his tribal land as a reminder of this need for reconciliation among all people.
©Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation
When completed, the Crazy Horse Memorial will be the largest sculpture in the world, the face of Crazy Horse being larger than the 4 faces on Mount Rushmore.
However, to be objective I have to agree with one travel review I read on the monument and I've seen this same thing happen with other Native American privately owned attractions.
Admission is as follows;
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$10.00 for adults
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$8.00 for seniors
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$5.00 for children ages 5-15
5/23/2025 - 9/30/2025
$35.00: 3 or more people in a vehicle
$30.00: 2 people in a vehicle
$15.00: 1 person in a vehicle
$10.00: Per person on a motorcycle, bicycle, or walking
No parking fee.
Above rates not applicable for large groups or commercial groups. Please call to book group reservations.
Group rates available - Call group sales (605) 673-4681.
But to get closer to the memorial you must pay an additional $5 to ride a shuttle bus closer to the monument. The bus reminded me of a DOJ prisoner transport bus that wasn't in good shape.
Admission includes access to three museums, an orientation film, viewing of the sculpture from the veranda and the wall of windows, and scheduled cultural programming. What I found a bit disappointing was that the museums didn't contain anything but modern NA crafts, etc. There were no NA items from antiquity.
CUSTER STATE PARK
Encompassing 71,000 acres in the Black Hills, Custer State Park is home to abundant wildlife and adventure; camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, or relaxing, there’s something here for everyone. And the scenery is just amazing!
When you arrive at the park stop at the Visitor's Center located at the junction of US Hwy 16A and Wildlife Loop Road.
There are some exhbits pertaining to the park and you can watch a 20 minute movie about the park that plays every 30 minutes in the 100 seat theater. It's worth watching.
The park is run by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks so admission is a bit different from the national parks:
One time entrance permit - $20
Annual permit - up to $36
A second yearly park permit - $18
Interchangeable park entrance permit - $80
You can pay your entrance fee at any one of the 5 park entrances.
Map credit: Tour Maps
CUSTER STATE PARK BISON CENTER
Another worthwhile stop is the Custer State Park Bison Center.
The free roaming herd of nearly 1,400 bison at Custer State Park is one of the world’s largest publicly owned bison herds.
The Bison Center tells the story of Custer State Park’s bison herd and hopes to educate future generations on the importance of bison through engaging and dynamic interpretive displays.
Admission to the Bison Center is FREE.
The Center also offers a prairie trail ride that offers potential buffalo sightings.
If you're interested in the trail ride, check with the Park as admission details for the ride may vary.
Wildlife Station Visitor Center
The Wildlife Station Visitor Center is eight miles south of Hwy 16A on Wildlife Loop Road.
It was originally the herdsman's house until 1987 when it was converted into the building it is now.
WIND CAVE
Wind Cave is actually part of its own park run by the NPS or Natl. Park Service.
Wind Cave Park Visitors Center Photo credit: NPS
The visitor center is located 11 miles north of Hot Springs off U.S. Highway 385, about 1/2 mile west from the highway. Do not use your GPS to find the visitor center - you will get lost! Directions here
The Visitor Center is a great place to start your park visit. The upper exhibit room has displays ranging from how the native people used the bison to how the park manages the prairie. The cave exhibit room explains cave formations, the development of the cave, and the park's colorful history. The park film, One Park, Two Worlds, is shown in the auditorium.
There is also a park store that sells the usual stuff like souvenirs but also park maps, Junior Ranger books and badges, and backcountry permits. Interagency Senior and Annual Passes can be purchased at the ticket desk. Interagency Access Passes and 4th Grade Passes are also issued at the ticket desk.
This is also where all cave tours start.
To go into the cave, you must purchase a ticket. All access is by a ranger guided tour and all tours leave from the Visitor Center. There are no self-guided cave tours.
Advanced reservations are available for some tours and are highly recommended. Tickets for all other tours are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis the day of the tour at the visitor center.
Due to high demand, long waits are common during spring, summer, and fall for in-person sales. Tours often sell out several hours in advance. Tours often sell out soon after the Visitor Center opens.
While an entrance pass is not required to access Wind Cave National Park the cave tour does have an admission fee. Visit the Fees and Passes page for current ticket prices.
Wind Cave Photo credit: Global National Parks
Because tickets so often sell out, it's best you get there to try to take the first tour in the morning leaving from the Visitor's Center. The time of tours vary depending on type of tour and demand so call the Visitor Center at (605) 745-4600 to find out what time the first tour will start on the day you wish to take it.
JEWEL CAVE
If you can't score admission to Wind Cave, there's always Jewel Cave only a little over an hour's drive away from Wind Cave.
Again, Do not rely on GPS directions to navigate to the monument. Vehicle navigation systems have often taken guests past the visitor center and sometimes routed individuals onto backcountry roads that may be impassable to some vehicles.
TOWN OF KEYSTONE
Town of Keystone
The little town of Keystone near Mount Rushmore is my fave town in the Black Hills, only 3 miles or 8 minutes from Mount Rushmore. There's so much to see and do around Keystone!
There's a free historic walking tour available including parts of the Ingalls family history (Little House on the Prairie Series). Keystone was home to Carrie Ingalls Swanzey, sister of Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Visitors can follow the numbered signs and follow their map while reading about the history of one of the fastest growing boom towns in the Hills. Children that finish the tour may visit Halley’s Store and Big Thunder Gold mine for a free gift!
Additionally you can receive two stamps at two different location for your Laura Ingalls Wilder All Sites Tour Passport
There's so much to see in and around Keystone that I'll focus on the locations/attractions travelers like the most.
BIG THUNDER GOLD MINE
If you want to experience what gold mining was like Big Thunder Gold Mine is the place to do it.
(You won't believe how much work gold mining actually was!)
Located just off the hustling and bustling Keystone strip, Big Thunder Gold Mine invites visitors of all ages and abilities to explore the mining history of the Black Hills as told throughout an immersive tour of this authentic 1890’s gold mine.
After you’re done exploring the mine, head over to the Mining Museum where you’ll find the largest collection of equipment and artifacts from the Black Hills Gold Rush. Stop by their on-site gold panning beds afterwards and try your hand at panning gold. There is a Big Thunder Bar & Grill on site as well as the Big Thunder Coffee Cabin.
Mine tour rates are separate from panning rates and are:
Adults: $16.95
Children, Ages 6 – 12: $13.95
Children, Ages 5 and Younger: Free
Check the website for panning rates and also for current hours. A tour of the mine lasts 2 hours.
The mine is located at 604 Blair St. Keystone.
COSMOS MYSTERY AREA
The only way I can describe the Cosmos Mystery Area is that it's kind of creepy and unsettling yet fun at the same time.
The Mystery House is definitely worth the $15 admission.
You'll wonder how it all works at this mysterious attraction where you can stand on the walls and balls roll uphill.
Photo credit: Cosmos Mystery Area
1800'S TRAIN
A scenic steam train ride through the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. Departing from Hill City and Keystone near Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and Crazy Horse Memorial.
Photo credit: 1800's Steam Train
Launched in 1957, 1880 Train is the oldest continuously operating standard gauge excursion train in the world.
Each 10-mile leg of your ride takes approximately one hour and features a narrated history of the mining districts and communities served by the original rail line. Round trip departures are available from either community depending on the train schedule.
Any combination of departure and return time can be combined for a custom itinerary. Delaying your return allows you to break for lunch, sight-seeing, or shopping at
the opposite town. Both depots are located several blocks from numerous restaurants, shops, and museums.
Standard Fares
One-Way Round Trip
Adults $38.00 $43.00
Children (2-12)
$21.00 $23.00
Infants on lap FREE
Rates include a $4 Historic Preservation Fee. Sales tax of 8.7% not included.
DAHL CHAINSAW ART
This is a great FREE activity that will leave you scratching your head while wondering How did they DO that?!
Jarrett and Jordan Dahl are award-winning, internationally recognized chainsaw artists who use the backdrop of the beautiful Black Hills to create their chainsaw carvings.
Dahl Chainsaw Art has 3 galleries where you can see their creations made out of Black Hills Ponderosa Pine.
No piece of art is identical to the other and each brother has their own style.
It's a good rainy day activity to check out their galleries. You may even catch one of the brothers at work carving.
RUSHMORE TRAMWAY ADVENTURES
Photo credit: Dahl Chainsaw Art
If it's adventure you're seeking then Rushmore Tramway Adventures is for you.
This is an adventure park that offers a myriad of different activities.
The fees vary by the activity you book. You can see the various activities with their associated fees here.
We purchased the all inclusive package because it was cheaper than paying for each activity separately, even though we didn't want to do all of the activities. We did the Soaring Eagle Zip Ride, the Scenic Chairlift, the Jump & Slide, and the Jump Tower. All of them were a blast.
They do have food at a place called George's Grill that serves fare like the Cloud Burger, brats/hot dogs, buffalo burgers, and chicken sandwiches. You can wash lunch down with a cold brew.
The nice thing about George's Grill was the view overlooking Mt. Rushmore National Memorial and the vast expanse of the Black Hills National Forest.
For a $20 meal voucher you get (1) entree, (1) side, + (1) fountain drink. Must purchase Chairlift or Alpine Slide ticket to reach George's Grill.
203 Cemetery Rd., Keystone
KEYSTONE ACCOMMODATIONS
Here are the top 7 based previous guest ratings, location, value for money and my own experiences in the area.
Photo credit: Rockerville Lodge & Cabins
Something for every budget with 3 options:
Cabin - Sleeps up to 10, has full kitchen
Golden Nugget Lodge - Many options with king & queen rooms, family rooms, and suites, all with kitchens. Newly remodeled.
Main Street Lodge - Budget friendly options available and free continental breakfast. (seasonal). This is like a regular motel.
It’s by far your cheapest high quality hotel option in Keystone with very high guest ratings overall in every category.
Amenities: Free WiFi, fire pits, BBQ, breakfast included, on site restaurant.
Rockerville Lodge & Cabins is 8 miles northeast of downtown Keystone and 11 miles from Mount Rushmore so will afford you a bit of an escape from the tourist crowds but you'll have to drive into Keystone for restaurants.
Photo credit: Keystone Chamber of Commerce
Roosevelt Inn is a popular cheap hotel in Keystone SD with a central location and low nightly rates. The hotel is a little dated but it’s just 2 miles from Mount Rushmore, pets are welcome and it has plenty of games to keep the kids entertained.
Amenities: Free WiFi, laundry, breakfast included, pet friendly, indoor swimming pool, games room.
Again, very high customer reviews across the board.
Photo credit: Powderhouse Lodge
Powder House Lodge is the most upscale cheap Keystone SD hotel. You can choose to stay in motel rooms or lodges which can easily accommodate couples, groups and families. The location is just over a mile from Keystone in a picturesque forest setting.
Amenities: Free WiFi, pet friendly, laundry, on site restaurant and bar, fire pits, outdoor pool.
24125 Hwy 16A, Keystone
Photo credit: Choice Hotels
Comfort Inn is the top rated mid-range budget hotel in Keystone SD.
It has clean, comfortable rooms, offers free breakfast and is a good value for the money.
Amenities: Free WiFi, indoor swimming pool, hot tub, terrace, laundry, breakfast included.
It's located right in the center of Keystone. It has a fantastic location just a few steps from the boardwalk running through Winter Street in the center of town.
Rushmore Express Inn is a solid mid range hotel in Keystone SD. Mount Rushmore is 5 minutes away by car.
Amenities: Free WiFi, fitness center, indoor pool, hot tub, breakfast included, laundry.
The one thing I would wonder about is the parking situation at Rushmore Express Inn. It looks like it could be a problem as far as large tourist crowds during peak times.
320 Cemetery Road, Keystone
Photo credit: Rushmore Express Inn
This is one of the very few family owned and operated businesses left in Keystone. At one time the lodge was the town's firehouse.
It is just steps from Keystone's town boardwalk. The Lodge's pricing is mid range.
Amenities: Free WiFi, fire pits, BBQ, laundry, breakfast available.
404 Reed Street, Keystone
The most unique accommodation in Keystone, luxury glamping. $$$
Under Canvas is located 2 miles south of Keystone.
Amenities: Free WiFi, pet friendly, on site restaurant, breakfast available.
24342 Presidio Rnch Rd, Keystone
KEYSTONE DINING
The first restaurant we stumbled upon accidentally when checking out a very unique shop so I'll show you both of them at once.
The shop was called Holy Terror Antiques.
The store opened in May 2005, after Pam Brodine, Dennis Kling, and Westly Parker custom designed the building in which the store is located, to replicate an old mine building.
They did a great job! The interior does indeed resemble an old mine building and products are uniquely displayed.
They have an eclectic array of furniture, pottery, glass, country store items, advertising, and much more. With over 40 years in the trade, this has allowed them to put together a collection rarely seen in one place.
The Holy Terror Antique Store is located at
1201 Old Hill City Rd. Keystone, just 2 miles west of town.
They're open every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
So we asked one of the owners where was a good place to go for lunch and as always, a local steered us right...
Loved the place as soon as I walked in the door...1950's diner style! My kinda place...
Now, I originally came from the Milwaukee/Chicago area and that is some of the best pizza in the country so it takes a pretty damn good pizza to impress me. Cruizzers impressed me! It was right up there with the best pizza I've ever had. Every pizza I saw come out of the kitchen was PILED with toppings.
Cruizzers Cadillac Pizza
Cruizzer's definitely gets a big thumbs up from me. 110 B Winter St, Keystone
Photo credit: Powder House Restaurant
Specializing in prime rib, buffalo, fish, wild game, poultry and pasta. Vegetarian options.
They have a very extensive menu and full bar, including a wine selection list of over 40 wines.
I ordered Pecan Crunch Salmon: Baked salmon filet with a not too sweet honey Dijon glaze, topped with bread crumbs and chopped pecans. $22.95 It was delicious and perfectly cooked.
Powder House Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch on Saturdays and Sundays and dinner and is a kid friendly restaurant.
24125 US-16A, Keystone
Photo credits: Ruby House
I loved the 1900's elegant turn-of-the-century decor. Ruby's serves delicious prime rib, steaks, seafood, buffalo steaks, mouth watering ribs and a full-service bar.
Ruby's signature dish is buffalo stew in a bread bowl. Normally I'll only eat one kind of stew, my mom's. But I decided to give Ruby's buffalo stew a shot. It was very good!
Upscale dining options are rare in Keystone but Ruby's is one of them.
Service was great even though Ruby's was busy. Loved that my waitress was in 1800's dress, felt like I was eating in an old West boarding house.
