Keystone

Things to Do in Keystone

Go Beyond Mount Rushmore

Take a scenic drive along the winding Iron Mountain Road and the dramatic Needles Highway, both part of the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway. If you’re a hiker, the hike to Black Elk Peak is a famous trail that ranges from moderate to strenuous, depending on your chosen trail. The most popular and shortest route is the Sylvan Lake Trail, which is approximately seven miles round-trip, but for a more challenging journey, take the Willow Creek Trail, which is around 11 miles round-trip. At nearby Horsethief Lake, you can choose from trails at different lengths and difficulty levels, all with beautiful scenery that includes granite formations and lush forests. It’s also a fantastic place for fishing.

Just a short drive away, Custer State Park offers fantastic wildlife viewing along the Wildlife Loop Road and even more extensive hiking and scenic landscapes. When the weather is warm, cool off with watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding on Lakota Lake or Sheridan Lake. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, adventure parks like Rush Mountain and Rushmore Tramway offer mountain coasters, ziplines and aerial challenges. To wrap up a busy day, spend a few hours at the Holy Terror Mini-Golf course, named after Keystone’s last functioning gold mine.

Dive Into Local History

As a former mining settlement, Keystone has a rich history that visitors can explore through various museums and attractions. The Keystone Historical Museum is housed in an original 1899 schoolhouse and gives insight into the city’s early days, from the Gold Rush era to development as a tourist destination. See exhibits on mining tools, historic photographs and memorabilia related to Carrie Ingalls (from "Little House on the Prairie"), who lived in the area. You can also get a map for the Keystone Walking Tour from the museum. The tour includes 19 stops, highlighting buildings and locations significant to the town's past, such as the site of the first gift shop, the old blacksmith shop and early hotels.

The Rushmore Borglum Story (Lincoln Borglum) Museum focuses on Mount Rushmore sculptor Gutzon Borglum and his family. You can learn about the immense undertaking of carving the monument and see replicas and artifacts related to the project. Beyond the Mount Rushmore project, the museum also explores Borglum's other artistic endeavors and the contributions of his son, Lincoln Borglum, who significantly continued his father's work on the iconic sculpture. You can learn more about the Borglum family’s profound impact on South Dakota and American art and history through exhibits about their life and artistic vision.

At the Big Thunder Gold Mine, learn about the German immigrants who discovered the mine in 1882 when you book a tour with trained tour guides to explore its depths. You can even try your luck at gold panning with the on-site gold panning experience or by panning by Battle Creek at Big Thunder Gold Mine’s claim site. For a peaceful, historical experience, visit the Keystone Cemetery. This unique cemetery is laid out in the shape of a coffin and offers an interesting perspective on the town’s history, complete with views of Mount Rushmore in the distance.

Check Out a Keystone Event

• Mount Rushmore Evening Lighting Ceremony: This nightly event at Mount Rushmore National Memorial starts in late May and runs through September. It’s a draw for visitors staying in Keystone. It's a patriotic and moving tribute featuring a film, ranger talk and the illumination of the sculpture.
• 1880 Train Rides: This historic steam train operates between Hill City and Keystone, a popular annual attraction. It often features themed rides and seasonal events.
• Stratobowl Hot Air Balloon Launch: This unique event takes place in early September at the historic Stratobowl, near Keystone, where pioneering high-altitude balloon flights took place in the 1930s.
• Mount Rushmore Half Marathon: In mid-September, this annual race attracts runners from across the country to experience a scenic course near Keystone and Mount Rushmore.
• The Haunting of Keystone: This October event features spooky attractions and haunted experiences around Keystone, often including Rushmore Cave and other local sites. Specific details for 2025 are still to be announced.
• Victorian Christmas in Keystone: During late November, this charming event transforms Keystone into a Victorian-era holiday celebration with festive decorations, activities and a step back in time.

Keystone Restaurants

Keystone offers a range of dining experiences, from casual family fare to themed establishments. Beloved for its good food and friendly staff, The Powder House provides a restaurant alongside its motel and cabins. For a trip back in time, enjoy some hearty American cuisine at Ruby House Restaurant, a multi-level, Old West-themed setting complete with dog-friendly patio. Open seasonally, Grapes and Grinds offers a more relaxed atmosphere with coffee, pastries and a selection of wine, making it the perfect spot for a quick bite or drink. Big Thunder Family Bar & Grill, located near the gold mine, serves comfort food like burgers and breakfast, with unique local game options. Cruizzers is a popular pizzeria offering a variety of pies and a casual dining space with street views. Lastly, the Red Garter Saloon provides an Old West drinking establishment with period furnishings and live entertainment, offering a unique and historic atmosphere.

Places to Stay in Keystone

Find a cozy, comfortable place to rest after a day of adventures. For a rustic escape, consider the various cabins and lodges in the Black Hills, like Buffalo Rock Lodge or K Bar S Lodge, many of which boast stunning views. Bed and breakfasts like Dakota Dream (a short drive away) provide a personalized touch. Smaller inns, like the Roosevelt Inn, offer unique charm and sometimes spectacular mountain vistas. If you want to sleep in the great outdoors with all the comforts of home, Under Canvas Mount Rushmore offers upscale glamping tents with full bathrooms, heating and AC, and large, comfortable beds. You’ll also find plenty of reliable chain hotels and motels like Comfort Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Express and various Wyndham properties in Keystone and the surrounding areas.

If you’re into camping, don’t miss Mt. Rushmore Resort & Lodge at Palmer Gulch, an official KOA site with plenty of comfortable camping sites between Hill City and Keystone.