Pat_in_Mich

We will be visiting the Mt. Rushmore area the last week of August for 2 nights. Last time I was in the area I stayed at K Bar S in Keystone and liked it very much, but unfortunately they are not available for one of our nights.

It'll be just my husband and I so it doesn't need to be kid friendly. Is it better to stay in Keystone or Hill City? My husband has never been to the area before so we'll be seeing Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer, and perhaps one of the caves.

Thanks for any suggestions!

bluegreenaide

i was only a kid when i lived in south dakota, so i can't really help with an answer. i do remember going to mt. rushmore and how fun it was. i think you're husband's going to like it. my dad took me ice fishing a couple of times in the black hills. south dakota was a fun place to live. i'd like to go back again some day. have fun. and good luck.

LHS

Keystone is most convenient for the Mt Rushmore evening lighting program, but either town is fairly central to the sites you want to see.

cd

We stayed in Custer State Park and loved it! http://www.custerresorts.com/

settosail

Both are great choices. I have never stayed in Keystone but they have lots of shops, eating places etc.. Hill City is also nice with a variety of places to dine. It seems a bit smaller than Keystone. Both seem fairly easy to stay at to see the sights. But if you are looking for gambling with bars and entertainment then I would go to Deadwood and check out the hotels there. It's probably about 45 min to the sights you want to see. But it's a fun little town with alot more to do.

3boymom

I also was going to suggest Custer State Park as an option to stay. We stayed in the State Game Lodge and it is really beautiful being in the park and it's not that far from the obvious sites of interest. Nice change from the standard hotels and there are several options in the park to choose lodging. Check it out!

lindy27

Not sure your budget but we just got back from there and stayed at Summer Creek Inn. It is a b&b 20 minutes north of Mt Rushmore and it was fantastic. Brand new rooms and homemade breakfast every morning.

Here's the website http://summercreekinn.com/

monpetit

If you like bed and breakfast, the Buffalo Rock Bed and Breakfast is not far from any attraction and near a small lake, lakota Lake where it's possible to swimm.
www.buffalorock.net
State game lodge is nice for dining but the rooms are small in the lodge itself, the rooms of the motel are...motel's room : clean, large but without charm.
Legion lake lodge had nice cabins, but without AC.
Erik

HotWheels

Blue Bell Lodge would be very near Custer, as would both Jewel Cave(call a day ahead to make tour reservations) and Wind Cave (within Custer State Park). Blue Bell also has a small bar/restaurant that has good food - it's located a short drive outside of Custer. Crazy Horse/Mt. Rushmore are an easy drive (1/2 hr?) away. Hill City would also be a good,centralized location - just a note; Alpine Inn in Hill City has VERY good food - Keystone would also be a nearby choice, although busier with more gift shops, etc.

stnmnfn

Just returned from Keystone. Had a good experience at Presidents View in Keystone. Brother in law has taken his family there numerous times. No breakfast, but o.k. coffee. 89.95 plus tax of around $7.00. I would stay there again. Mt. Rushmore in A.M. is best for pics.