Keystone
Black Hills Playground
Keystone, South Dakota, offers more than just a breathtaking backdrop; it's a doorway to discovery, history, and boundless adventures.
As the closest town to the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Keystone is not just a stopover but a destination rich with attractions, events, and natural beauty. Whether you're looking for a serene getaway or an action-packed holiday, Keystone accommodates every type of traveler.
The Keystone Chamber of Commerce
Committed to promoting community and business growth, offering members a range of benefits and opportunities for advertisement, while encouraging active participation in shaping the future of Keystone.

Uncover the Secrets of Keystone
What sets Keystone apart? Beyond its proximity to the iconic Mount Rushmore, this small town is steeped in history and surrounded by the untouched beauty of the Black Hills. Unique to Keystone is its past as a gold mining town, offering visitors a glimpse into the gold rush era. Moreover, the town's commitment to preserving its heritage is evident in its carefully maintained 19th-century architecture, providing an immersive historical experience.
Adventure-Fueled Expeditions
In Keystone, every meal is an adventure, and every adventure whets the appetite. Savor the local flavor at cozy diners and upscale eateries that dot the downtown area, offering everything from succulent bison steaks to sweet, homemade fudge that will delight your taste buds. Beyond dining, Keystone's array of activities—from serene hikes in the Black Hills to exhilarating zip-line tours—ensures every day is filled with excitement and discovery.

Explore Things To Do
National Presidential Wax Museum
- 609 Hwy 16A
In the picturesque town of Keystone, in the heart of South Dakota's Black Hills and a stone's throw…
Carvers’ Marketplace - Mount Rushmore Concessions
- 13000 Hwy 244 Bldg 81
Carvers’ Café at Mount Rushmore invites guests to dine with the Presidents in a newly remodeled…
Spokane Creek Resort Fishing Pond
- 24631 Iron Mountain Rd
The highlight at Spokane Creek is the on-site fishing pond, open to the public and well-known for…
Black Hills Glass Blowers
- 909 Old Hill City Rd
Black Hills Glass Blowers is a glass art studio and gallery where artisans create unique blown glass…
Rushmore Borglum Story
- 342 Winter St
Continue your visit at the Rushmore Borglum Story Museum in Keystone, where exhibits, models, and…
Mount Rushmore Self-Guided Tour & Bookstores
- 13000 Hwy 244
The Mount Rushmore Society offers a self-guided tour that enhances every visit to Mount Rushmore…
Ruby House Restaurant
- 124 Winter St
Step back in time at Ruby House in Keystone, where Old West charm meets turn-of-the-century…
GeoFunTrek Tours
Looking to truly see the Black Hills and Badlands without missing a beat? GeoFunTrek Tours is here…
Rush Mountain Adventure Park
- 13622 Hwy 40
Rush Mountain Adventure Park in Keystone is a mountain of excitement and family fun in the Black…
Iron Mountain Road Visitors Center & Store
- 24631 Iron Mountain Rd
The Iron Mountain Road Visitor Center & Store offers a unique shopping and educational experience…
Big Thunder Family Bar & Grill
- 308 1st St
The family-friendly Big Thunder Bar & Grill is your go-to spot for fresh, locally sourced cuisine…
Black Hills Wilderness Edge Adventures
- 1315 Old Hill City Rd
Black Hills Wilderness Edge Adventures in Keystone invites you to experience the Black Hills beyond…
Powder House Lodge Restaurant
- 24125 Hwy 16A
Powder House Lodge Restaurant in Keystone offers a warm, rustic dining experience surrounded by the…
1880 Train - Black Hills Central Railroad
- 103 Winter St
The 1880 Train in the Black Hills of South Dakota offers a nostalgic, steam-powered rail adventure…
Rushmore Cave
- 13622 SD Hwy 40
Rushmore Cave is a prominent attraction at Rush Mountain Adventure Park, offering an exciting…
Big Thunder Gold Mine
- 604 Blair St
Experience the excitement of the Black Hills gold rush at Big Thunder Gold Mine in Keystone! Take a…
Holy Terror Mini Golf
- 609 Hwy 16A
Come have a rip-roaring mini golf adventure at Holy Terror Mini Golf, a mining-themed 18-hole course…
Rushmore Tramway Adventures
- 203 Cemetery Rd
Experience the thrill of the Black Hills like never before at Rushmore Tramway Adventures in…
Keystone Historical Museum
- 410 3rd St
The Keystone Historical Museum in Keystone is housed in a charming Victorian-era schoolhouse built…
Black Hills Helicopters
- 24035 Hwy 16A
Take your Black Hills adventure to new heights with Black Hills Helicopters! Imagine soaring above…
Sprockets Fun Foundry
- 221 Swanzey St
Imagine a place where nostalgia and future tech blend to offer an unforgettable adventure for all…
Grapes & Grinds
- 609 Hwy 16A
Grapes & Grinds began as a simple idea: bring together exceptional fresh-roasted coffee and fine…
George's Grill at Rushmore Tramway Adventures
- 203 Cemetery Rd
George's Mountain-Top Grill offers an unparalleled dining experience that elevates outdoor dining to…
Cosmos Mystery Area
- 24040 Cosmos Rd
Welcome to an adventure of a lifetime at Cosmos Mystery Area, where science, mystery, and fun merge…
Celebrate With Keystone at Its Festive Best
Experience the heart and soul of this small town through its lively events and festivals that celebrate local culture and traditions. From the annual Independence Day celebrations to seasonal gatherings that bring the community and visitors together, Keystone's festive spirit is contagious and offers fun-filled experiences for all ages.
Corn Palace Murals — “250 Years of America”
- May 24, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026
Evening Lighting Ceremony at Mount Rushmore
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- May 24, 2026 - Sep 30, 2026
Native American Performers and Storytellers at Crazy Horse Memorial®
- Crazy Horse Memorial®
- May 24, 2026 - Sep 30, 2026
Salute to Valor Festival
- May 24, 2026 - May 25, 2026
Free Entrance Day in the National Parks
- May 25, 2026 - Nov 11, 2026
Wednesday Night Summer Concert Series
- Outlaw Square - Deadwood
- May 27, 2026 - Sep 2, 2026
Rockin Riverside Summer Concert Series
- May 30, 2026 - Aug 8, 2026
Rest Easy: Keystone's Welcoming Accommodations
After a day full of adventures, rest assured that Keystone has the perfect spot for you to recharge. The town boasts a variety of accommodations, from cozy bed and breakfasts and rustic cabins to luxurious resorts. Each offers its charm and amenities, ensuring your stay in Keystone is as comfortable as it is memorable.

Explore Places To Stay
Yak Ridge Guest Cabins
- 24041 Cosmos Rd
Welcome to Yak Ridge Guest Cabins, a 100% veteran-owned and operated retreat where comfort meets…
Buffalo Rock Lodge & Cabins
- 24524 Playhouse Rd
Just minutes from Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park, this log lodge is perfectly located for…
Hinterwood Inn & Cabins
- 24110 Leaky Valley Rd
Located in a quiet valley in the heart of the Black Hills, Hinterwood offers a peaceful retreat on…
Powder House Lodge
- 24125 Hwy 16A
Powder House Lodge offers a unique retreat from the ordinary. Imagine waking up in a cozy log cabin…
American Pines Cabins
- 1315 Old Hill City Rd
Relax and unwind at American Pines Cabins in Keystone, where comfort, adventure, and family…
Rushmore Express Inn & Family Suites
- 320 Cemetery Rd
In the heart of Keystone, Rushmore Express Inn & Family Suites offers an unparalleled lodging…
Bear Den Cabins & Camp
- 13795 Ghost Canyon Rd
Escape to the Black Hills at Bear Den Cabins & Camp where rustic charm meets modern comfort. Guests…
Mt Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch
- 12620 Hwy 244
There’s so much to do at Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch, you may never want to leave! From…
Battle Creek Lodge & Vacation Rentals
- 404 Reed St
Battle Creek Lodge offers a cozy, nostalgic hideaway in a convenient, easy-to-find location. Known…
Holy Smoke Resort
- 24105 Hwy 16A
Relax in the privacy of a modern log cabin tucked among the pines, just two minutes from downtown…
Roosevelt Inn
- 206 Cemetery Rd
The Roosevelt Inn offers a delightful retreat just minutes away from the iconic Mount Rushmore…
Kemps Kamp
- 1022 Old Hill City Rd
Kemps Kamp blends the serenity of nature with the thrill of exploration, offering you the ultimate…
Mt Rushmore Lodge at Palmer Gulch - Keystone
- 12620 Hwy 244
Mount Rushmore Lodge at Palmer Gulch offers an inviting retreat situated near iconic Mt. Rushmore…
Spokane Creek Resort Cabins & Campground
- 24631 Iron Mountain Rd
Tucked in the heart of the Black Hills on picturesque Iron Mountain Road, Spokane Creek Cabins &…
Comfort Inn & Suites - Mt Rushmore
- 321 Swanzy St
Open year-round, the Comfort Inn & Suites puts you right in the heart of Keystone, SD, just minutes…
Keystone Awaits: Your Next Unforgettable Journey
Keystone, South Dakota, is a destination that promises a rich blend of history, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you're standing in awe before the grandeur of Mount Rushmore, exploring the verdant beauty of the Black Hills, or enjoying the warm hospitality of its local establishments, Keystone offers a slice of Americana that is sure to captivate your heart. Don't just pass through on your way to the famous monument; stay awhile, and let Keystone reveal its hidden wonders to you. Make this enchanting town a stop on your travel itinerary, and embark on an adventure that you'll cherish forever.
Unearthing History: A Journey through the 1890s at Big Thunder Gold Mine in the Black Hills
- 3 min read
Image Tour the Mine: A Glimpse into the Past Initially named the Gold…
