Hill City is the oldest existing city in Pennington County, South Dakota. With roots in the 19th-century Black Hills mining rush, the community has a long and storied history. The first miners settled the area in 1876 and called it Hillyo. Despite the establishment of a post office in 1877, the city nearly became a ghost town once miners moved on to other opportunities. Thanks to the discovery of tin in 1883, however, Hill City rebounded and the population started to grow at a steady pace.
Today, Hill City benefits from its location, which places it within easy driving distance of Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Black Hills National Forest, and the popular Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Thanks to an influx of new residents and visitors, Hill City has become a diversified center for arts and cultural events.
Whatever your reason for visiting Hill City, you want to find the right hotel that allows you to explore everything this ruggedly beautiful place has to offer.
When is the best time to visit Hill City, SD?
Many of the visitor attractions around Hill City experience their peak season from June through August. Since hotel rates tend to increase during the summer months, you'll want to book your room several weeks in advance before accommodations start to fill up. Despite the crowds, average highs reach only 81 degrees Fahrenheit in July with evening lows settling around 50 degrees. If you're the type of traveler who likes to avoid excessive heat, visiting Hill City in the summer can be a pleasant option.
The best time to visit South Dakota, however, is during the spring and fall shoulder seasons. September and October are ideal months to plan a visit because the visitor crowds taper off, which ushers in lower hotel rates. You'll also enjoy pleasant temperatures averaging in the 60s for much of the season.
April and May are your next best options for visiting Hill City. Spring can be wet and cold in this part of South Dakota, but with a head start on the visitor rush, you can take advantage of cheaper rates and shorter lines at major visitor attractions.
Visitors tend to stay away from the Hill City area from November through March, but don't discount a winter getaway. Destinations such as Mount Rushmore are open 24 hours a day, year-round, with the visitor center closing only on Christmas Day. Some facilities close for the season, however, including the Mount Rushmore Sculptor's Studio. On average, the Black Hills region experiences more than 150 inches of fresh snow annually, which can make for a cozy and romantic holiday.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Hill City, SD:
Hill City by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean price trends by star rating class in Hill City, SD. You can use these line graphs to determine the cheapest time period to book a room in Hill City for your upcoming travels.
What are the luxury hotels in Hill City, SD?
4 Star Average Prices: $138.51
If you're hoping to find a hotel with upscale amenities close to Hill City, you don't have to look far.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hill City-Mt. Rushmore Area is a highly rated accommodation located a half mile from Teddy Bear Town. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, ample parking, a multilingual staff, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a complimentary continental breakfast. The comfortable guest rooms include flat-screen TVs with cable programming, complimentary wired and wireless internet access, well-lit work desks, mini fridges, and microwaves.
Located in nearby Keystone, K Bar S Lodge, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member is an exceptional accommodation worth considering. Guests can enjoy an outdoor picnic area, complimentary Wi-Fi, free newspapers, a 24-hour front desk, and a public computer station. A complimentary breakfast buffet is also served daily. The well-appointed guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs, MP3 docking stations, coffee makers, and mini fridges. Upgrade to a whirlpool king suite for an even more relaxing stay.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mt. Rushmore/Keystone in Keystone, South Dakota, places you only 3 miles from the iconic cliff face. Guest rooms feature flat-screen satellite TVs, free Wi-Fi, work desks, mini fridges, microwaves, phones with free local calls, and optional complimentary newspapers. Property amenities include an indoor pool, a spa tub, a fireplace in the lobby, a business center with wired internet access, and a free buffet breakfast.
What are the affordable hotels in Hill City, SD?
3 Star Average Prices: $153.48
Finding affordable hotels in Hill City is easier than you may think, but you might consider expanding your search to nearby areas to maximize your chances of finding a good deal.
Super 8 by Wyndham Hill City/Mt. Rushmore/Area is a conveniently located lodging option offering a 24-hour front desk, guest laundry facilities, event space, an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a complimentary continental breakfast. Guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs with cable programming, coffee makers, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, toiletries, hair dryers, and phones with free local calls. Pets are also welcome.
Magnuson Grand Rushmore View inn in Keystone offers competitive rates that can help you budget for your trip. The property features RV parking and hookups, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour front desk. Guest rooms include LCD TVs with satellite programming, work desks, and shower and tub combinations. Rollaway beds are available upon request.
If you don't mind staying a little farther out, make a reservation at Rodeway Inn in Rapid City. Featured amenities include an indoor pool, a spa tub, a vending machine, free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk, complimentary coffee in the lobby, and guest laundry facilities. Guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs with satellite programming, work desks, coffee makers, free toiletries, and hair dryers.