Keystone Travel Guide

Today in the United States: Confederate Memorial Day (10 May)

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the scenic Black Hills of South Dakota, the charming town of Keystone is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by travel enthusiasts. With its rich history and breathtaking natural beauty, Keystone offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation.

One of the main attractions in Keystone is Mount Rushmore National Memorial, an iconic symbol of American history. Carved into the granite face of the mountain, the larger-than-life sculptures of four US presidents - George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln - leave visitors in awe of their grandeur and significance. Take a guided tour to learn about the fascinating stories behind this remarkable feat of artistry and engineering.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Keystone is the gateway to the magnificent Custer State Park. Spanning over 71,000 acres, this picturesque park is a haven for wildlife and offers a plethora of recreational activities. Embark on a scenic drive through the park to spot bison, elk, and pronghorn roaming freely in their natural habitat. Hiking trails wind through stunning landscapes, leading to serene lakes and cascading waterfalls. Don't miss the iconic Needles Highway, which winds its way through narrow tunnels and towering granite spires, providing breathtaking views at every turn.

If you're seeking a dose of history and culture, the Keystone Historical Museum is a must-visit. Housed in a former 19th-century schoolhouse, the museum showcases artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Keystone's past, from its humble beginnings as a mining town to its transformation into a vibrant tourist destination. Immerse yourself in the local history and gain a deeper understanding of the town's heritage.

After a day of exploration, unwind in the heart of Keystone's downtown area, where you'll find a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries. Discover unique handcrafted souvenirs, taste local cuisine, and admire the work of local artists. As the sun sets, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the streets, taking in the quaint charm and friendly atmosphere that Keystone has to offer.

Alternative names: Area: 2.86 mi²Elevation: 4364 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 43°53'32"N, 103°25'34"W

Location

South DakotaUnited States

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Keystone Top Attractions

Keystone Attractions - What to See and Explore

Keystone offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Lincoln Borglum Museum, Horse Thief Lake, The National Presidential Wax Museum, Keystone Historical Museum. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

History museum • Museum • Art museum
Lincoln Borglum Museum
The Lincoln Borglum Museum is located in the Mount Rushmore National Memorial near Keystone, South Dakota. It features two 125-seat theaters that show a 13-minute movie about Mount Rushmore. A view thought by many to be one of the best is located at Grandview Terrace, above the Museum.
Natural attraction • Body of water • Park
Horse Thief Lake
Horse Thief Lake is a lake in Pennington County, South Dakota. It is approximately two miles northwest of Mount Rushmore, the closest lake to the monument. The lake's name is derived from the fact a gang of horse thieves operated there.
43°53'18"N • 103°25'34"W
The National Presidential Wax Museum
Specialty museum • Museum • History museum

43°53'44"N • 103°25'12"W
Keystone Historical Museum
Specialty museum • Museum
43°53'28"N • 103°25'37"W
Borglum Historical Center/Rushmore Borglum Story
Specialty museum • Museum • Art museum
43°52'50"N • 103°27'7"W
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Historical place • Park
43°53'42"N • 103°25'1"W
Big Thunder Gold Mine
Mine • Historical place • View point
43°52'43"N • 103°27'32"W
Mount Rushmore
Monuments and statues • National park • Park
43°53'14"N • 103°25'34"W
Zip Line and Aerial Adventure Park
Theme park • Park

Day trips

Keystone – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Keystone, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Crazy Horse Memorial (Custer), Sylvan Lake (Custer State Park), Reptile Gardens (Rapid City).

11 milesW
Mountain carving in progress since 1948
Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer
The Crazy Horse Memorial, located in the Black Hills near Custer, South Dakota, is a monument of profound historical and cultural significance. This colossal mountain carving, dedicated to the Lakota leader Crazy Horse, stands as a testament to the spirit and endurance...
7.6 miSW
Natural attraction, Body of water, Park
Sylvan Lake, Custer State Park
Sylvan Lake is a lake located in Custer State Park, in the Black Hills of South Dakota, United States. It was created in 1891 when Theodore Reder built a dam across Sunday Gulch Creek.
10 milesNE
Sanctuary for slithery creatures
Reptile Gardens, Rapid City
Reptile Gardens is an animal park located south of Rapid City, South Dakota, on the road to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The park is open the first Saturday in March through November 30 each year.
16 milesNE
Park, View point, Monuments and statues
Dinosaur Park, Rapid City
Dinosaur Park is a tourist attraction in Rapid City, South Dakota, United States. Dedicated on May 22, 1936, it contains seven dinosaur sculptures on a hill overlooking the city, created to capitalize on the tourists coming to the Black Hills to see Mount Rushmore.
32 milesS
Museum, Geologic formation, Science museum
The Mammoth Site, Hot Springs
The Mammoth Site is a museum and paleontological site near Hot Springs, South Dakota, in the Black Hills. It is an active paleontological excavation site at which research and excavations are continuing.