Exploring Keystone: Mt. Rushmore, Hiking, Scenic Drives & More

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a word-famous mountain in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, with an iconic large-than-live sculpture depicting U.S. presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln carved into the vertical granite mountain side. The carving of the sculpture was completed in 1941 directed by Gutzon Borglum and his son Lincoln. It is about 60 feet high. The site also has a museum with a range of interactive exhibits. The four chosen presidents represent the nation’s birth, growth, development, and preservation. The area around the monument is declared a memorial park and it covers 1,278.45 acres.

Address: 13000 SD-244, Keystone, SD 57751

Big Thunder Gold Mine, also called Gold Hill Lode, was a gold mine discovered near Keystone, North Dakota in 1892 by two German immigrants. The mine has been converted into a museum which allows visitors to relive the adventure of the gold mining era. The museum contains a replica 1895 gold mill, the types of rocks found in the mine, structures native to the area and many artifacts from the era. The museum offers tours of the mine, and lets visitors try their hand at gold panning. The museum also includes a full-service restaurant and a gift shop. Reservations for the tours are necessary and take place from April to October.

Address: 604 Blair St, Keystone, SD 57751, Phone: 605-666-4847

National Presidential Wax Museum is an exhibition of life-sized wax replicas of U.S. presidents, each in appropriate historic context. The Museum is located in Keystone, North Dakota, near Mount Rushmore. There are more than 100 lifelike wax figures, and that includes all 45 U.S. presidents, all representing some iconic moments in U.S. presidential history. A self-guided audio tour tells the story about each scene. A seven-minute video explains the intricacies of the process of making wax sculptures and introduces ten artists who created America’s leaders out of wax Other exhibits in the museum include original oil paintings by renowned artist and illustrator Harvey Dunn, Florida voting booths from the 2000 presidential election, and a number of life and death masks of presidents, historical figures, and movie stars.

Address: 609 Hwy 16A, Keystone, SD 57751, Phone: 605-666-4455

Holy Terror Antiques is an antique store located in Keystone, South Dakota, in the shadow of Mt. Rushmore. The store opened its door in May 2005, in a custom designed the building, a replica of an old mine building. The 6000-square foot store is flooded with sunlight through skylights and windows. It offers an eclectic collection of furniture, glass, pottery, country store items, advertising, and more. More than 40 years in the trade allowed the owners to put together a beautiful collection not ofte seen in one place. The shop floor is designed in such a way that shoppers can easily picture each item in his or her home. The name "Holy Terror" was the name of a local working mine.

Address: 1201 Old Hill City Rd, Keystone, SD 57751, Phone: 605-666-5005

Powder House Lodge is a seasonal motel with a number of log cabins located in a lovely forested area near Keystone, South Dakota, about five miles from Mount Rushmore. The rooms are simple and rustic and include air-conditioning, cable TV, microwaves, mini-fridges, coffee makers, and free Internet access. Upgraded cabins have fully equipped kitchenettes and covered porches. Some have separate bedrooms, and one cabin has a hot tub. The guests enjoy a heated outdoor pool and a kids’ playground. The lodge has its own relaxed restaurant that offers classic American fare specializing in prime rib, buffalo, fish, wild game and pasta.

Address: 24125 US-16A, Keystone, SD 57751, Phone: 800-321-0692

Keystone has an abundance of gorgeous natural landscapes to explore, but one of the most iconic areas is undeniably Mt. Rushmore. For those who want to create memories that will last a lifetime while enjoying adrenaline-pumping activities amidst the gorgeous greenery of Mt. Rushmore, then a trip to the Rushmore Tramway Adventures is definitely in order. This family adventure park is consistently voted as one of the top three sites to visit in Keystone alongside the Presidential Trail and the Mt. Rushmore National Memorial. Guests can speed down a 2,000-foot Alpine Slide on wheeled sleds and their desired speed and thrill levels, or take get a one-of-a-kind bird’s eye view of the mountain via the Scenic Chairlift, which takes visitors to the park’s Summit Oasis.

Address: 110 Swanzey Street, Keystone, South Dakota 57751, Phone: 605-666-4896

You’re literally in for a mountain of fun at the Rushmore Mountain Adventure Park, home to the Rushmore Cave, and several family-friendly attractions perfect for all ages. At the Rushmore Cave, guests can discover an incredible world of natural formations, stalactite-filled areas, and learn about the unique geology of the famous Black Hills cave systems. In addition to the cave, the park is also home to the Rushmore Mountain Coaster which winds through the mountainside at up to 35 miles per hour, the Wingwalker Challenge Course, a 2-level obstacle course perfect for adventurous youngsters, and Soaring Eagle Zipride that’ll make all riders feel like their flying.

Address: 13622 Highway 40, Keystone, South Dakota 57751, Phone: 605-255-4384

What better way to explore the famous Black Hills than aboard a gorgeous historical steam train? At the 1880 Train - Keystone Depot , this is the exact experience that they have to offer, as the train invites railroad lovers of any age to hop on and take a relaxing two-hour round-trip journey from Keystone to Hill City via the gorgeous Black Elk Peak. While on the train, guests will be treated to information and tidbits about the area and the Black Hills Central Railroad itself. As the country’s oldest continuously operating railroad tour, there's a lot of interesting information to pick, in addition to lovely scenery to behold.

Address: 103 Winter Street, Keystone, South Dakota 57751, Phone: 605-574-2222

Literally carving a name for themselves in the eclectic chainsaw art community, the Dahl brothers invite art enthusiasts and curious travelers to see their works at their gallery, Dahl’s Chainsaw Art. Both brothers, Jarrett and Jordan, have been recognized around the world for their exceptional carvings, and have also won many awards for their pieces from their 15 years in the business. Their one-of-a-kind carvings are often made from Black Hills Pine and similar local woods, which add to their uniqueness and charm. Come see popular works like their carving of Big Foot, or their famous Freedom Eagles at the gallery alongside dozens of other breathtaking carvings. One of the gallery’s showstoppers includes a 36,000-pound archway and a huge Saxon solder carving.

Address: 121 Roy Street, Keystone, South Dakota 57751, Phone: 612-834-1149