Things to do & places to visit in Keystone, South Dakota, United States

Keystone city in South Dakota, United States. Timezone: America/Denver, current date and time: Saturday, May 04, 2024, 3:32.

Top things to do (26)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Black Hills Helicopters (954 reviews)
- Friendly staff, beautiful waiting area, impressive tour!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Helicopter Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Air Tours

This place was amazing! First of all, we had to be re-booked due to a thunderstorm during our initial booking time and the woman on the phone was very accommodating and kind about it. When we arrived the following morning for our tour we were impressed with the inside of the building. It was all very chic-western and had a small cafe where you could order coffee or snacks. All the staff we interacted with were beyond kind and friendly. One of the pilots even gave our two small children each their own little helicopter toy which they loved. While we waited our turn for a helicopter we could go outside to the balcony to see the other helicopters land and take off. The pilot during our flight was also very friendly and explained everything we were seeing out the window. We would highly recommend this is place to anyone looking to take a helicopter tour of the Black Hills! See more..
5.0 Holy Terror Antiques (18 reviews)
- Visit
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Antique Shops

A wide range of Antiques beautifully displayed. We are set up like a department store to help you find the special things you collect. The Candy Counter is full of old fashioned, hard to find candies. Plan to spend a while looking around. See more..
5.0 The Rock Shed (17 reviews)
- Great Little Rock Shop
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Fantastic place to spend a couple hours. We spent some time picking rocks outdoors then went inside. There is so much nice material. Employees were very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. It was a pleasure to meet the proprietor, Shawn. We returned a few days later when we were in the area. See more..
5.0 Dakota Leather Outlet (14 reviews)
- Love the smell of leather!
Factory Outlets

Dakota Leather Outlet located in Keystone, SD is well known for its extensive line of affordable quality leather products. "Affordable Leather for Everyone". See more..
5.0 Breezy Point Picnic Area (13 reviews)
- Peaceful. Beautiful.
Spent < 1 hour Lookouts • Scenic Walking Areas

My friend, who was our guide, made sure we stopped by her "secret stop." It's not really a secret, but it's a road less traveled, which makes it even more lovely. It's a simple path to a viewing area, with a few picnic tables, etc. It's just a beautiful place. See more..
5.0 Mount Rushmore Profile View (5 reviews)
- Just Wow!
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Mountains

Just outside the Mt. Rushmore National Monument and on the way to Custer National Park, your eyes will be treated to this stunning view. Do not miss it! You can park and take time to view it from different angles. Enjoy! See more..
4.5 Mount Rushmore National Memorial (11.8k reviews)
- Amazing evening show and monument in person is very memorable
Saturday: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours National Parks • Monuments & Statues

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. See more..
4.5 Rushmore Tramway Adventures (1.577 reviews)
- Amazing zip line adventure
Saturday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

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! See more..
4.5 Presidential Trail (1.465 reviews)
- THE PRESIDENTIAL TRAIL IS A MUST WHEN VISITING MOUNT RUSHMORE
Hiking Trails

Hiking trail at Mount Rushmore. See more..
4.5 Big Thunder Gold Mine (1.251 reviews)
- Family Fun!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Mines

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. See more..
4.5 Rush Mountain Adventure Park (707 reviews)
- Sawyer and Keilana Rock!
Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

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. Climb on the Wingwalker Challenge Course, or the Sky Tykes Challenge Course is perfect for the younger adventurer. 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. See more..
4.5 Red Garter Saloon (141 reviews)
- Super fun!
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM Comedy Clubs

Red Garter Saloon was established over 50 years ago and is under the same family ownership today. Red Garter is open seasonally from April to Mid-October. Our Bar features live music, comedy western shows from Memorial Day through September.(Admission fee applies to the 3x daily comedy western show only), great décor and atmosphere, along with a large selection of craft beer, wine, and cocktails. Red Garter Saloon is family friendly, and is a separate business connected with The Ruby House Restaurant for all food service. See more..
4.5 Horse Thief Lake (105 reviews)
- A Photographers Dream!
Bodies of Water

Breathtaking area and beautiful views! Perfect for photography! Stopped here to view and then did a loop around the area between Hill City and Keystone on Hwy 16A. Highly recommend driving this backroad at dusk…..so quiet. Drive very carefully cause we saw lots of deer and Elk everywhere! Some were in middle of road! What a treat to see these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat! Just be careful….. but enjoy nature as it was intended for us to view! See more..
4.5 Dahl's Chainsaw Art (56 reviews)
- Cool place.
Art Galleries

We stopped here to check out the giant big foot sculpture and we’re met by a friendly young man who offered to take Our pictures. He was starting to learn the trade. The wood carving were phenomenal! So fun to wander the grounds and check them all out. The young man was very friendly. See more..
4.5 Professor Samuel's Portrait Emporium (52 reviews)
- Best studio, costumes, and staff in the Black Hills!
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

What a great experience. We have taken classic portraits elsewhere and can say this is the best experience in the west. Huge shoutout to the staff and especially Kelsey! While waiting for our family's turn in the provided seating outside the studio, we noticed Kelsey leaving the studio having completed her shift. Half teasingly, I said to my family, "What, she's leaving? She's the photographer we wanted." Kelsey heard us, walking away, but stopped in her tracks and said with a big smile, "If you want me to take your photos, let's do it, get in here." LOL She and the other team members made the whole experience amazing, even while being very busy, and in Kelsey's case even while looking forward to going home. Looking forward to coming back soon. Thank you! See more..
4.5 Black Hills Wilderness Edge (44 reviews)
- Fun in the mountains
Spent More than 3 hours Gear Rentals

Don’t just see the Black Hills, experience it. Black Hills Wilderness Edge Adventures gives you the opportunity to explore the Black Hills off the beaten path with ATV/UTV rentals. Located near Mt. Rushmore, close to the trail system & scenic drives. 2, 4, & 6 seat ATV/UTV’s available for ½ or full day rentals. See more..
4.5 Halley's 1880 Store (36 reviews)
- Generations of Antiques and Junk!
Spent 1-2 hours Antique Shops

This is a must stop and see. Burger, Chips, and a Beer for $5.00. Three floors of Antiques and Junk. The owner, "Trig" is very interesting to visit with as well as the locals that hang out here. The bathroom is a must visit room. It's possible to get a surprise while in there, very funny! They have a small menu other than the burger, but would recommend the Burger! See more..
4.5 Goodtyme Photo (27 reviews)
- Indulge Your Old West Self
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Goodtyme Photo is an old time portrait studio located in the Keystone mall near the Tramway. We have the most sets in the area and can accommodate large groups up to around 35 people. We also allow access to have bikers bring in their own bikes and pose in front of our Goodtyme Saloon! Though we are a photo shop, the main thing we provide is fun. We are open everyday from 9 a.m. to about 8 p.m. See more..
4.5 Rushmore Mountain Taffy Shop (25 reviews)
- Sigh,... Heaven!
Speciality & Gift Shops

Hadn't run across taffy in over 10 years. Childhood memories came rushing back. The clerk was so nice and helpful. The help was needed because they have SO many different flavors. Nothing better than driving through the mountains eating taffy!! See more..
4.5 Avenue Of Flags (21 reviews)
- Patriotic Walk
Scenic Walking Areas

The pageantry of the walk up to the monument is accented by the Avenue of Flags. Will get your patriotic blood flowing as the backdrop is an amazing walk. Fun to watch as families and kids found their home state flag and took pictures along the way (so did we!) See more..
4.5 Sculptor's Studio (13 reviews)
- Mount Rushmore Display
Historic Sites

We made a brief stop at the Sculptor's Studio during our visit to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. They have a 1/12th scale model of how the sculpture was desiged that includes more than just the busts as completed. Apparently they hit "bad" rock and could not include the additional details. It's very cool (and a bit disappointing) to see what could have been. See more..
4.5 Visitor Information Center (10 reviews)
- First stop.
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 9:15 AM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

CLOSED FOR THE SEASON. THE VISITORS CENTER WILL REOPEN IN MAY. Tucked deep away in the breathtaking Black Hills, Keystone, South Dakota is the perfect destination for travelers looking for fun and adventure. Boasting a plethora of outdoor adventures, opportunities to learn about our country's rich history, and family-friendly attractions, the Keystone area offers excitement around every corner for those of all ages. Located right in the center of the Black Hills, and featuring world-class hotels and restaurants, Keystone is the perfect home-base for your vacation, located within an easy scenic drive to national monuments such as Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Crazy Horse Memorial. Make your first stop our Visitors Information Center and allow us to fine-tune your visit. See more..
4.5 Grand View Terrace (8 reviews)
- Breathtaking View
Lookouts

At the end of the Avenue of Flags at Mt. Rushmore National Monument is the Grand View Terrace. It is below the monument and above the tiered seating for the nightly lighting ceremony. Perfect location for photos. See more..
4.5 Lakota Lake Picnic Area (6 reviews)
- Peaceful spot. Please do not tell your friends.
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

I asked for a water feature of the beaten path without tourists. Lakota Lake is the perfect place. Crawfish, turtles, fish, and other wildlife to watch. Beautiful rock features and an easy path to walk around. Less than ten other people at the lake. Great spit if you are wanting a place of contemplation. See more..
4.5 Scovel Johnson Tunnel (6 reviews)
- Another Great Attractions on the Iron Mountain Rod
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Driving in the Black Hills toward Keystone on the Iron Mountain Road, this is the first tunnel you will come to. It is not much of a tunnel, but after passing through the tunnel, you will see a tunnel of trees cut to line up with the Presidential carvings on Mount Rushmore. It is one of the attractions that makes this road so fun to travel. Personally, I liked the Doane Robinson tunnel best as it lines up Rushmore while you ar in the tunnel. However, this is a cool effect with the trees. See more..
4.5 Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center (2 reviews)
- worth to visit
Visitor Centers

The visitor center is informative, there are some exhibit, a museum, and it has a theater, you can see the movie about the Mt. Rushmore. You can view the 4 president heads through the glass window of the visitor center, of course you can go out to see them as well. kids can get ranger book and ranger badge when finished the requirement in the book. There is also a gift shop, we also bough something inside. See more..
4.0 National Presidential Wax Museum (387 reviews)
- Worthwhile Experience
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Located only minutes from Mount Rushmore in the town of Keystone in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, the National Presidential Wax Museum is an exciting patriotic experience for the whole family. Meet over 100 lifelike wax figures, including all 46 U.S. presidents, all depicted in stunning visual recreations of iconic moments in U.S. presidential history. Explore the stories behind the faces with a self-guided audio tour narrating the context and history of each scene. Witness the intricacies of the wax sculpture process with a seven-minute theater video showcasing the museum’s ten artists as they create America’s leaders out of wax and bring a vision to reality. Play the part of the White House press secretary and give a speech from a teleprompter podium in a spot-on recreation of the White House press briefing room! The National Presidential Wax Museum also boasts a huge gift shop filled with unique and quirky gifts that can’t be found anywhere else in the Black Hills. See more..
4.0 Gutzon Borglum Historical Center (176 reviews)
- Must see before Mt. Rushmore
Speciality Museums • Art Museums

The Borglum Historical Center tells the best story about the man and his passion to carve these 4 men on granite. The experience at Mt. Rushmore is elevated to a new level when you feel like you knew this man and his commitment to honor history. This Center is a treasure just as much as Mt. Rushmore. See more..
4.0 Keystone Historical Museum (42 reviews)
- Local History on Display
Saturday: Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks

*Closing for 2022 season on October 1st.* The museum is located in the old Keystone School. The school was built in 1899. Keystone is home to Carrie Ingalls Swazney. Carrie is Laura Ingalls Wilder's little sister. The museum has many artifacts from the Ingalls family. The museum also has local, mining, and Mount Rushmore history. Upstairs there are two classrooms for the children as well as adults to experience what school was like many, many years ago. The museum is free, but we do take "milk money" donations. See more..
3.5 Keystone Cemetery (2 reviews)
- Should be a great view in winter…
Cemeteries

Just a short trip from downtown Keystone. The view of Mt Rushmore is obscured due to the leaves on the trees. The view we took pictures from is behind the flag stand at the end of the road in the cemetery. See more..