Location: Keystone
Top Things to do in Keystone
Top 10 Things to do in Keystone, United States
Keystone is a town in the Black Hills region of Pennington County, South Dakota, United States. The population was 337 at the 2010 census. It had its origins in 1883 as a mining town, and has since transformed itself into a resort town, serving the needs of the millions of visitors to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, which is located just beyond city limits.
Restaurants in Keystone
1. Presidential Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Hiking trail at Mount Rushmore.
Reviewed By Bharat A - Kuwait
Don't just stop at the grand view terrace. The Presidential trail offers great views. The trail is not difficult and can be explored in 30 min.
2. Black Hills Above and Beyond Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 62 reviews
#1 Best Value All Day Narrated Sight-seeing Tour! Daily tour to Mount Rushmore, pig-tail bridges, tunnels perfectly framing Mt. Rushmore, Custer State Park and free-roaming buffalo, wildlife loop, historic Custer State Park Game Lodge (the summer home of President Calvin Coolidge in 1927) featuring a free gourmet lunch buffet with its famous buffalo stew, spectacular Needles Highway featuring the Needle's Eye, Cathedral Spires and picturesque Sylvan Lake and Crazy Horse Memorial -home to the world's largest mountain carving in progress! One low price pays for all admissions, gourmet lunch buffet, complimentary beverages, Welcome Aboard Packet, free pick up and drop off at your hotel or campground. Lots of photo opportunities for wildlife and scenic views. Also, year-round custom tours available to Mt. Rushmore, Devils Tower, Badlands, Spearfish Canyon, Historic Deadwood's Wild West gambling town, one of the largest gold mines in the world, the Homestake Gold Mine and other Black Hills area attractions.
Reviewed By Linda P - Heathsville, Virginia
Elysia picked us up from our hotel in Sturgis right on time. She gave us excellent information about what we were seeing, and the places we were visiting. She was very knowledgeable about the area and courteous about answering any and all questions. She drove the large van competently and made us feel safe as well as informed. Above and Beyond served us well from when we first made our inquiry about their service to the moment we were dropped off back at our hotel. Above and Beyond lived up to their name in service as well as giving us our money's worth. We would highly recommend this tour to anyone.
3. Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Sculptor Gutzon Borglum created this famous mountainside carving of the visages of four great American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt.
Reviewed By Jason D - San Jose, California
There are a handful of things I think all folks should visit at least once in their life. Statue of Liberty (still on the list), Pearl Harbor and Mt. Rushmore.
It's just beautiful. I lived there as a kid and we'd inevitably drive up there when folks visited, and it was okay way back then. In the intervening 15 years or so, they're really updated the entire site and it's gorgeous.
It's really a nice and scenic walk all the way the avenue of the flags and presidents. All nicely done! We're planning a visit again several summers from now. It's nice with kids to spot your own state flag on the way up. It does get hot in the summer time, so wear shorts and a hat - it's sunny as hell most days and it shines off the granite like crazy.
All in all, a fantastic experience.
4. Prairie Berry Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 436 reviews
Experience our award-winning wines in a fun and relaxed setting in the heart of the Black Hills. Find us three miles northwest of Hill City on Highway 385, just a few miles from Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Crazy Horse Memorial. We’re Hill City’s only working winery and Sandi Vojta, our fifth generation winemaker, handcrafts each wine, often using old family recipes, just a few steps from our Tasting Room. Start your Prairie Berry Winery experience with a free wine tasting of up to five of our award-winning wines, including our Anna Pesa handcrafted traditional European wines, at our Tasting Bars. We produce a variety of wines in styles for every palate – from crisp, dry wines and robust, oak-aged reds to sweet, fruity varieties. Our Kitchen offers housemade menu items including gluten-free, vegetarian and kids’ options. Menu selections pair perfectly with our wines, vary with the season and many of our ingredients are sourced locally. Enjoy a meal on our patio with our beautiful views of Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak). Our brewery, Miner Brewing Company, is located next door.
Reviewed By Craig A - Ohio
We got to taste five wines during our tasting. Unfortunately, the winery was severely short-staffed and our server was very distracted by having too many customers to take care of. She was pleasant but we didn't get much of her attention...
We quickly found that, even their drier reds were on the sweet side of things. Their signature - Red A.. Rhubarb - wine is virtually undrinkable, I thought. But I saw people happily buying wine to take home so someone must like that sweetness.
There's a cute little cafe associated with the winery and the food we saw being delivered there looked very good. Might be worth a try?
5. Black Hills National Forest
Overall Ratings
5 based on 698 reviews
This empty expanse where Native Americans once roamed is now a national forest.
Reviewed By Gr8Trek - Garden City, Idaho
I will not name attractions in this overview, you can get on line to find them.
This national forest is 1.2 million acres of easily accessed fun of all kinds and we go here regularly to hike, bicycle, ride ATV's, scenic drives, fishing, boating, swimming, caving, and exploring places we have not been. The Black Hills contains South Dakota's high point of Black Elk Peak (7,241 ft) which is surrounded by granite mountains with lots of hiking and equestrian trails some of them rugged but most are easy. Climbing gear can be rented and instructors/guides are available. Grand scale mountain carvings of Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse are close to each other. A lot of the forest is less rugged and has abundant motorized recreation trails for ATV or Jeeps as are the well maintained roads for cars so you can drive to almost every attraction in a couple hours. There are areas managed for hiking and solitude. There is no end to the variety of flora and fauna and several guidebooks are available. Campgrounds ranging from resorts to primitive are so numerous there is no need to stay in town at any of the hundreds of motel/hotel and cabin establishments except for creature comfort or a few days of civilization. Winter sports and fall colors draw lots of visitors. Caves with many different formations are found in the limestone perimeter and include National Park, privately owned, and even primitive experiences if you ask around and know what you are doing to stay safe. Streams and various sized reservoirs for water based recreation provide opportunities for boating and have trout, perch, and sunfish. Everyone can find their favorite bicycling fun from rugged single track to unused roads to a 109 mile rail trail. Lots of private land inside the forest assures numerous private attractions and opportunities to keep kids and adults entertained like a drive through wildlife park, reptile zoo, historical venues, wax museum, art galleries, a several thousand piece teddy bear collection, wineries, helicopter rides, and much more. We are never at a loss for things to do here. Be aware of the Black Hills Motorcycle Classic in early August if you want to participate with or avoid hoards of motorcycles. Your best bet to have a great time is to do your internet research before you arrive and keep a flexible schedule for things you find to add to your itinerary. South Dakota Tourism or Black Hills Badlands and Lakes Association often have discount coupons available. Plan to come back because you cannot do it all.
6. Rushmore Tramway Adventures
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 845 reviews
Rushmore Tramway Adventures offers a little bit of something for everyone. From action-packed adventurers to enjoying the beautiful Black Hills with breath-taking views of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, people of all ages and abilities can find their inspiration. You just can't seem to go wrong with this family getaway during your summer vacation!
Reviewed By aarboc - Tucson A
It was fun taking the chair lift up but the ride down on the sled was kind of boring. Save the $12 and find something else to do. The staff were also pretty unfriendly.
7. Iron Mountain Road
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Willof72
Beautiful winding roads that ultimately lead to Rushmore. As you near, the monument can be seen through the tunnel which makes for the perfect photo op. The tunnels can be tight but are larger than you would believe them to be.
All in all, just a fantastic section of road that you'll love to drive.
8. Rush Mountain Adventure Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 499 reviews
At Rush Mountain Adventure Park, you will find fun on all levels! Rush Mountain is the home of famous Rushmore Cave. Come and explore the stalactite-filled caverns of this amazing natural wonder on a fun and educational cave tour. Spend the day enjoying great amusement rides. You can soar through the sky on the Soaring Eagle Zipline Ride or try your skill at the Gunslinger 7-D Interactive Ride. Feel the rush as speed down the hill on the area's only coaster, the Rushmore Mountain Coaster. You are sure to have a great time, full of affordable family fun. It's a total must-do attraction for anyone coming to the Black Hills. Cave and attractions are open daily May-October and weekends in March and April. Check website for hours and admission prices.
Reviewed By Anita B
We came for the cave only. Paid $16.00 each for the 1 hour tour. Felt rushed, and the guide seemed rushed also, 1 visitor commented that he could not hear as fast as the guide talks. The guides could use something to make their voices heard, since a lot of times you could not hear, and I am sure the ones in the back didn't get much out of it. This is a fast paced walk with steps and close quarters, so you can't really stop to look around much, because by the time the end of the line caught up the guide was moving along again. I was disappointed in this tour. The little café, ice cream shop was closed on Memorial Day. Great cave and the park seems to have a lot of fun things for family. $50.00 for an all day all items wrist band.
9. Needles Eye
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
A geological formation located in Custer State Park.
Reviewed By Chad R - Rapid City, South Dakota
This place is absolutely beautiful! We love coming her to snap shots of the landscape and wildlife. There's space to stop off but I'd recommend going during "off season" as during tourist time it can get packed. There are places to hike around and climb on rocks. Our kids enjoy it also which is very rare.
10. Big Thunder Gold Mine
Overall Ratings
4 based on 758 reviews
Big Thunder Gold Mine has an original tour which lasts 45-55 minutes and was founded in 1892. You see the largest display of mining equipment in the Black Hills and learn the history of the gold rush in 1876. We have two forms of panning: one is our commercial panning right on site. Guides will demonstrate theskill of panning, no time limit and we guarentee you will find gold. We also have claim panning where you will pan directly our of the creek 4 miles down the road on Forest Service property. Those exist in 4 hour trips.
Reviewed By Roberta K - Monroe
The history and just entering an actual Gold mine was thrilling, but add the panning opportunity, the gift shop, and the family restaurant you have a thrilling event to attend. Take your significant other, and/or family and enjoy at your leisure. Spend a couple of...MoreThank you for the monumental review...your input is phenomenal and thank you for the review and on the restaurant and giftshop. we pride ourselves in taking care of everyone. Sandi
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