Keystone, SD

Quick City Facts

County: Pennington
Population (2019): 343
Population (2010): 337

Data provided by US Census Bureau (2019)

A small South Dakotan town with a rich mining heritage, Keystone was established in 1883, several years after the 1876 Black Hills Gold Rush. In addition to gold, the first settlements in the area were found to be rich in tin, feldspar, quartz, and other commercial minerals. After the mining boom waned, the city became a hub for the millions of tourists drawn each year by the Mount Rushmore Memorial and the Black Hills National Forest. One of the city’s claims to fame is the longtime residence of Carrie Ingalls, younger sister of Laura Ingalls Wilder of Little House on the Prairie distinction.

Attractions

Built in 1900, the Black Hills Central Railroad is still in operation today, its original steamer engines powering several passenger cars. The 1880 Train also runs through Keystone on its two-hour scenic route. The Rushmore Cave is a popular tourist destination, as is the Big Thunder Gold Mine. Relics of the area’s rich culture and history are exhibited in several museums, including the Keystone Historical Museum and Wounded Knee Museum. The nearby National Presidential Wax Museum commemorates some of the nation’s most celebrated leaders in a unique way.

Recreational Activities

Keystone’s scenic trails and mountain summits, including Mckkelson Trail and Harney Peak, promote picturesque and challenging hiking. Old Keystone can be explored on foot via a network of preserved walking trails maintained by the Keystone Area Historical Society. Plentiful water reservoirs, such as Horse Thief Lake, offer copious fishing. A variety of spectacular cave formations, including Wind Cave, Rushmore Cave and the Black Hills Caverns, are ideal for spelunking. Other popular outdoor pursuits of Keystone include horseback riding, hunting, and biking.

Shopping & Dining

Catering to the steady influx of tourists, Keystone offers a rich selection of shopping opportunities. The Indians, a shop located at the foot of Mount Rushmore, peddles handmade crafts and artwork of the North American Indians, while Roughriders Leather & Gifts offers only the finest quality leather goods. At Black Hills Glassblowers, visitors can shop for beautiful, handmade decorative accents. Merchants of Black Hills gold and bronze jewelry are also prevalent. To satisfy big appetites after sightseeing and shopping, a smorgasbord of dining establishments are available, from the Ariba Mexican Grill to the Ruby House Restaurant to the Executive Order Grill near Mount Rushmore.

Popular Attractions

Fernson Downtown Taproom & Kitchen

Fernson Downtown Taproom & Kitchen

Sioux Falls

MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub

MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub

Sioux Falls

Al’s Oasis

Al’s Oasis

Oacoma

One-Legged Pheasant Brewery

One-Legged Pheasant Brewery

Aberdeen

Mavericks Steak & Cocktails

Mavericks Steak & Cocktails

Aberdeen

Blue Rock Bar & Grill

Blue Rock Bar & Grill

Sioux Falls

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame

Sturgis

The Alliance

The Alliance

Sioux Falls

Wounded Knee: The Museum

Wounded Knee: The Museum

Wall

Swift Family Enterprises

Swift Family Enterprises

Burke

Phnom Penh Restaurant

Phnom Penh Restaurant

Sioux Falls

Dave’s World Tours & Shuttle Service

Dave’s World Tours & Shuttle Service

Custer

Minervas Restaurant & Bar

Minervas Restaurant & Bar

Rapid City

The Sled Haus

The Sled Haus

Lead

Lucky’s 13 Pub

Lucky’s 13 Pub

Spearfish

Ken’s Pro Shop

Ken’s Pro Shop

Aberdeen

Wrangler Inn & Windjammer Lounge

Wrangler Inn & Windjammer Lounge

Mobridge

Charlie’s Pizza House

Charlie’s Pizza House

Yankton

Great Faces. Great Places.

South Dakota is an incredibly unique state in that each region offers a completely different experience then the others. Check out each of the regions to see what each has to offer!

Badlands

Western South Dakota

Featuring the Black Hills, Badlands, the Sturgis Rally. This region tends to be the most popular.

CENTRAL REGION

This region of South Dakota offers some of the best hunting and fishing in the entire central US. 

Eastern Region

The eastern region is home to the largest city in the state and provides visitors with a true "prairie" experience.