The Keystone center is approximately 7 miles southwest of Children's Care Hospital and 7 miles southwest of Black Hills Surgery Center.
Keystone's tourist season typically extends from May to September. You will want to visit during this time if you're hoping to experience an entertaining night at one of the area chuck wagons, catch a show at the local playhouse, or visit the amusement park. If you are seeking a quiet getaway to the parks or are trying to avoid crowds, visit outside of these times, but expect cooler temperatures.
Keystone sees about 20 inches of rain per year, well short of the U.S. average of 39 inches. That means you'll likely enjoy sunny days throughout your visit. Winters can be quite cool, however, so do pack warm clothes and ample layers for the winter months, especially if you plan to hike in high altitude. Spring, summer, and fall are typically mild and beautiful.
If you are seeking senior discounts or reduced rates for military and government workers or AAA memberships, Quality Inn in Keystone has you covered. This hotel lies less than 1 mile from Rushmore Tramway Adventures and the Black Hills National Forest. This hotel offers excellent amenities including an indoor pool and spa tub, plus extras like complimentary wireless internet access, a lobby fireplace, and complimentary daily breakfast service.
Be sure to avail yourself of Quality Inn's 24-hour business center if you need to do a little work during your stay or to use the printer to print out tickets for area attractions. If you have any questions, stop by the 24-hour front desk for help.
Those seeking a modern hotel with contemporary style will love the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Rapid City – Rushmore South. This hotel caters to business travelers and vacationers alike. In your room, you'll enjoy niceties like Keurig coffee makers, a microwave, and minifridge.
Log onto the complimentary wireless internet service at any time and enjoy digital programming on a flat-screen television. Stow belongings in your own safe, then head downstairs to check out the indoor pool and fitness center. Enjoy a great night's sleep, then be sure to fill up on a hearty breakfast at the complimentary buffet.
If you came to the Black Hills seeking a taste of the Old West, you'll find it at The Stables at Palmer Gulch. Tour the barns, watch horsemanship demonstrations, and choose from three guided trail rides through mountainous terrain, stands of birch and ponderosa pine, and panoramic, high-country views. Wind down with a Cowboy Dinner Show with real cowboy music, Western cuisine cooked over a campfire, and a covered wagon ride.
Families with younger riders may wish to seek out Rockin' R Rides for daily guided rides through the Black Hills National Forest. Black Hills Wilderness Edge Adventures offers wild rides of an entirely different kind with ATV/UTV rentals.
Circle B Chuckwagon is the place to immerse yourself into Western culture. Sip a sarsaparilla, watch a woodcarver at work, and check out souvenirs at The Wild Horse Gift Shop. You can pan for gems, shoot wax bullets, and enjoy a show by The Circle B Chuckwagon Suppers and Cowboy Music Show.
Visit Fort Hays Old West Town Square if you'd like to see demonstrations of antique equipment in action. This chuck wagon is famed for its 99-cent "all-you-can-eat" pancake breakfast. It's also close to the "Dances with Wolves" film set. Stick around to see some of the best gift shops in the area and stay for the Chuckwagon Supper and Music Variety Show.
At Custer Park, pack a picnic or visit the Thirsty Buffalo Snack Bar before the doors open for showtime at The Black Hills Playhouse. If you'd prefer to marvel at nature's own theater, take the 1880 Train to catch a glimpse of deer and buffalo while riding on an authentic steam train through the Black Hills. The train is operated by The Black Hills Central Railroad, the oldest continuously operating tour railroad in the country.
If you plan to visit the Crazy Horse Memorial, don't miss the nightly "Legends in Light" laser-light show, which turns the mountainside into a spectacular screen. The laser-light experience highlights the rich heritage and enduring culture of Native Americans in an unforgettable show choreographed to music and sound. The show takes place at varying times from May through September.
Families seeking a thrill should visit Rush Mountain Adventure Park. This unique mountain coaster winds through the trees and over the slopes, allowing you to pace your cart with a handbrake for speed or leisure, as you please. While you are there, stop into the Gunslinger 7-D Ride and shoot your laser gun at targets, or embark on the challenging ropes courses through the forest canopy.
Take the Soaring Eagle Zipride down the mountainside, then journey below the surface into the depths of the Black Hills cave system to Rushmore Cave. If you're feeling brave, check out the new flashlight tour, offered only in the evenings from May through August.
Whether you want to spend your days hiking, riding, kayaking, fly fishing, or panning for gold, you can make incredible memories with your family in Keystone, South Dakota.