Are you looking for something fun and entertaining to do during your vacation or free time?
Several cities in the United States are home to so many fun things. Situated in the very center of the Black Hills of South Dakota, Keystone is richly blessed with attractions that interest visitors.
While Keystone, SD, you can view the city from the magnificent Mount Rushmore, explore the Crazy Horse Memorial, and take a tour through the renowned Big Thunder Gold Mine, which is among the biggest mine in South Dakota.
You can also walk around the popular richly forested Iron Mountain Road, there indeed a litany of fun things to do in Keystone, SD, for kids, couples, families, adults, and for the weekend!
Where is Keystone, SD?
Keystone is a quaint city in the Black Hills area of Pennington County, South Dakota, United States.
According to the 2010 United States population census, it has a small population of 337. Created in 1883, the city is a mining town that has developed into a resort city.
As a resort town, it has continued to meet the needs of the various guests to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, lying just beyond city limits.
The city is notable as where Carrie Ingalls of Little House on the Prairie spent a considerable part of her adult life, alongside her husband, David N. Swanzey, and children.
It is home to several attractions and entertaining exhibitions like hiking, snowballing, and biking.
The city is also home to various museums, restaurants, and gift stores. Indeed! There is nothing you won’t find worth doing in this small but great city.
Below are some of the fun things to do in Keystone, SD.
See Also: Best Things to Do in Watertown (SD)
Fun Things to Do In Keystone, SD
1. National Presidential Wax Museum
Are you looking for a perfect place where you can spend time out of work? National Presidential Wax Museum is not just a place to while away time.
It is also a great place to learn about the rich history of its community. Located in Keystone, SD, this museum offers a place for visitors to admire its lovely artifacts.
National Presidential Wax Museum houses more than 100 wax figures built in almost flawless and various forms.
The most notables of the waxes you can find in this museum are the model of Mount Rushmore and the four U.S. Presidents. It also features 41 other U.S. presidents.
Apart from the above, it recognizes the works of wax artists that were members of the success stories of the displayed artifacts and acknowledges the job of other artists outside the museum, such as Harvey Dunn.
This museum also features video and audio activities, which both have stories to tell. For example, the audio tour talks about everything behind the sculptors and their historical value.
In the same way, the video sculptor reveals everything behind the creation of the individual sculptor.
In National Presidential Wax Museum, there are other incredible exhibits, including the voting booths from the various U.S. presidential elections, the death remains of presidents, and lots more.
This museum is undoubtedly a favorite of every art enthusiast.
Address: 609 US-16A, Keystone, SD 57751, United States
2. Black Hills Helicopters
Every adventure lover will surely jump at the idea of a visit to Keystone SD inside a Black Hills Helicopters, and it should be on your top list of things to do in the city.
Rather than take a walk alongside a tour guide around the city, this helicopter allows you to stay high up there and get the best views.
Thanks to the Black Hills Helicopters, you will enjoy the best sceneries of iconic structures and incredible rock formations.
The helicopters also make for one of the most amazing views in the Black Hills. Don’t worry, it’s very cheap, thus making it easy for you to tour around with tour guides and pilots with excellent knowledge of the city.
Address: 13. 108 E Main Street, Hill City, SD 57745, USA
3. Mount Rushmore National Memorial
If you are looking for a perfect adventure in the city of Keystone, SD, Mount Rushmore National Memorial offers you the best chance of that. It is an international center renowned by almost every local of Keystone and beyond.
Constructed in 1941 by Gutzon Borglum, an American Sculptor, and his beloved son, this center is a legendary sculpture occupying approximately 1,278 acres of land space. As it stands, the whole area has been converted into a park.
This monument is molded into a mountain portraying four legendary U.S. presidents such as Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, and Theodore Roosevelt. Mount Rushmore National Memorial is built with granite and lies 60 feet tall.
The structure is an excellent representation of the dawn of the state and shows how the four great ex-presidents influenced its growth.
It is also a source of great attraction to both locals and visitors; hence an enticing prospect to add to your itinerary.
Address: 13000 SD-244, Keystone, SD 57751, United States
4. Presidential Trail
Another fantastic adventure that ought to be on your list is the Presidential Trail. If you enjoy hiking, this one will surely interest you, as it is a great way to give your talent some freedom.
Here, you’ll pick up a challenge alongside other hikers to climb to the foot of Mount Rushmore.
After getting to the foot of this mountain, you will get a stunning view of the presidential sculptures and other historical carvings.
It offers you attractive lifelong opportunities to walk under the watchful eyes of the ex-presidents such as Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Jefferson. It is truly an intriguing experience.
Address: Mount Rushmore UT, SD 57751, USA
5. Red Garter Saloon
Have you ever heard of Red Garter Saloon in Keystone, SD? If you haven’t, you can stop by and see what the place looks like.
A visit to the Red Garter Saloon will get you wondering why you’ve been wasting so much time adding it to your list of things to do in Keystone, SD.
Co-owned by a family, the saloon has been running for nearly 40 years along a filthy road and features several exhibits open for visitors between April and October.
It also provides excellent refreshments such as tasty foods and drinks and fun-filled activities like incredible views and other unique shows.
There is always something for you to enjoy about this place, both as an indoor and outdoor personality.
The saloon also features live music, stand-up comedy shows, and other entertainment galore. You need to have this on your list of things to do in the great city of Keystone, SD.
Address: 208 Duval Street, Key West, FL 33040, United States
6. Custer State Park & Crazy Horse
Are you looking to engage in a private tour? As far as Keystone is concerned, you will surely find many things to explore.
You can go on an adventure from Rapid City to Custer State Park, where you will witness South Dakotan wildlife such as bighorn sheep, antelopes, and American bison.
Thanks to this park, you can enjoy watching every creature’s traits and characters and interacting with them.
You can go on from there to stop at the scenic Mount Rushmore before heading to the Crazy Horse Memorial, where you will pay homage to the Native American warrior.
Address: 13438 US Highway 16A, Custer, SD 57730, United States
7. Kemp’s Kamp
Are you looking for a place in Keystone to have a great time with your family or loved ones?
You should consider visiting Kemp’s Kamp, situated just at the center of Black Hills and features several facilities and prides itself in its unrivaled vantage.
Kemp’s Kamp lies off the Old Hill City Road and is just one and a half miles west of the Battle Creek Canyon National park.
The park features many nature-surrounding experiences and a place where you can connect with first-timers, old campers, and anybody who wishes to have fun and rest their nerves.
All you need is a five miles walk from Mount Rushmore and is not too far from Sylvan Lake, Peter Norbeck, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park.
Here, you will connect with friends to enjoy amenities like modern and clean cabins alongside R.V. structures to make your stay enjoyable.
Address: 1022 Old Hill City Road, Keystone, SD 57751, United States
8. Big Thunder Gold Mine
If you are looking for one of the most fun things to do in Keystone, SD, you must consider Big Thunder Gold Mine.
Of course, we’ll tell you why! Big Thunder Gold Mine is presently a museum showing neighborhood life and mining life in the gold mine age.
Here, you will experience a gold mill copy, various rock types, and varieties of artifacts that illustrate the gold mine age. This gold mine, meanwhile, was founded by two German residents in 1892 and is renowned as Gold Hill Lode.
If you are a first-timer, you will be given a chance to explore the mine at various points and even take part in gold panning to have a little knowledge of what mining is all about.
Apart from gold mining features, Big Thunder Gold Mine is also home to gift shops.
This gift shop deals with virtually everything you want at an affordable rate. There is an eatery, which provides top-quality services to visitors, and is a well-known attraction in Keystone.
Don’t miss out on the fun that this gold mine brings.
Address: 604 Blair Street, Keystone, SD 57751, United States
9. Powder House Lodge
You will indeed find so many fun things to do in Keystone, SD; among the best things to do is relax your stressful body in a very cozy lodge, one of which is Powder House Lodge. This lodge is rated among the best accommodation houses in the United States.
Lying in a wooded environment, the Powder House Lodge is a seasonal apartment with different cabins.
It also features nice simple rooms created in a pastoral way, thus giving them some realistic outlook to the point that you will hardly identify the best one from amongst them.
Besides, these rooms are nicely decked with amenities such as air conditioning, T.V.s, microwaves, coffee makers, and internet access.
The lodge offers its visitors unique and relaxed feelings. It also features an eatery that serves fresh and traditional American foods.
This will surely entice food lovers, who will have the opportunity to taste some of their recipes.
Not only is their food tasty, but they also offer great satisfaction. The Powder House Lodge is a perfect place to escape the area’s hustling and bustling.
Address: 24125 US-16A, Keystone, SD 57751, United States
10. Horse Thief Lake
Keystone is not just notable for its beautiful resorts and historical museums. It is also home to famous lakes in the United States, one of which is Horse Thief Lake.
Located along Mount Rushmore, this lake was initially known as an area paraded by many horse thief gangs, which was how it got its name.
Again, Horse Thief Lake is well-known for fishing exhibitions, especially ice fishing. Its underground is a venue that hosts visitors who are interested in night camping.
The lake features picturesque trails suitable for hiking and several sporting events.
If you are interested in hosting fun-filled recreational activities and brief get-togethers with family or loved ones, this lake provides a perfect venue. As you have fun moments, you will enjoy stunning views of blue water stretching far beyond.
Address: 10 miles south of Hill City, South Dakota
11. Iron Mountain Road
If you want an enjoyable thing to do in Keystone, South Dakota, you can add Iron Mountain Road to your itinerary.
You can drive through this road to get an unforgettable life experience. Lying 17 miles deep in beauty from any angle you watch, the place is also known as 16A.
Feel free to engage your eyes in many beautiful attractions along the road, as you will get to see other tourists on every side, getting amusing shots of the highway. Several of the tourists mix their experiences with laughter and memorable encounters.
Amazing sceneries of valleys and mountains surround Iron Mountain Road. At some point, it takes a curve and switches back to Western South Dakota.
You can decide to join some tourists to turn at a speed of 35 MPH to enjoy some attractive views of the road. It is regarded as a unique road, thanks to its stunning architectural designs on the road.
Address: U.S. 16A, Highway in South Dakota
12. Mount Rushmore Night Ceremony
Almost everyone loves Ceremonies; hence there is no way you won’t jump at the opportunity of taking part in the Mount Rushmore Night Ceremony.
If you have not visited this thrilling event before, you surely have a chance to do that, and you will find it interesting that you will be tempted to book more adventures in Keystone.
Mount Rushmore Night Ceremony will give you a great spot to view Mount Rushmore’s illumination scheduled every Friday eve of Memorial Day. Feel free to pay attention to the park ranger as he tells the stories of the history of this mountain.
The story is told every year in various ways that you can hardly be tired of listening to. Besides, you will barely have a great day without scheduling to visit the National Monument, giving you something interesting to make your day memorable.
Address: 13000 SD-244, Keystone, SD 57751, United States
13. Visitors Information Center
One of the places in the United States to immerse yourself in adventures and fun-filled activities in Keystone, SD.
Located just at the heart of the scenic Black Hills, Keystone city presents another stunning venue to add to your things-to-do itinerary, otherwise known as the Visitors Information Center.
Visitors Information Center provides so many outdoor opportunities for guests to partake and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the United States and other attractions therein.
In your tour of the many attraction centers in Keystone, the Visitors Information Center should start and end your enjoyable adventure.
Address: 110 Swanzey Street, Keystone, SD 57751, United States
14. Holy Smoke Resort Horse Rides
If you want an adventurous moment with your free time or vacation, you can consider Holy Smoke Resort Horse Rides, as it offers thrilling moments and laughter-filled encounters.
This will surely give you the best fun-filled adventure you have ever experienced.
Thanks to Holy Smoke Resort Horse Rides, you can spend another weekend or holiday exploring the town. You can ride on horseback through nature trails and enjoy unforgettable moments with experienced and cultured horses.
Address: 24105 Hwy 16A, Keystone, SD 57751, United States.
See Also: Best Things to Do in Brookings (SD)
15. Black Hills Wilderness Edge
Have you ever heard of Black Hills Wilderness Edge and have never visited the place? You indeed have an opportunity to do that on any of your visits to Keystone, SD.
As far as this venue is concerned, you can explore Black Hills using the ATV/UTV rentals.
Situated just near Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills Wilderness Edge lies close to the trail system; picturesque drives 2, 4, and 6 ATV/ATVs are available for the whole day and half-day rent services.
There are many places to visit and enjoy their top-notch activities with their substantial facilities that will help to give you an unforgettable experience.
Address: Old Hill City Road, Keystone, SD 57751, United States
16. Rush Mountain Adventure Park
Are you looking for the best fun experiences you can get in Keystone, SD? You can visit one of its top places, Rush Mountain Adventure Park. Here, you can schedule a day with your family to enjoy your free time and relieve your stressed body.
You have the opportunity to explore the thrills of the city through the Rush Mountain Adventure Park.
Here, you will also get enjoy an educational and explorative tour. You are free to come with your children and give them a fun time with many amusement rides.
They can enjoy rides on 7D-interactive mountain coasters, zip lines, sky tykes, and wing walker challenging lessons.
You are always free to visit the park to enjoy every fantastic moments, comfort, and fun it provides, whether you are a visitor or a resident.
Address: 13622 SD-40, Keystone, SD 57751, United States
17. Private Tour of the Badlands
Suppose you want something to do with your free time while on a short vacation in Keystone, SD.
You can consider booking a Private Tour of the Badlands through the Badlands National Park Private Tour. Here, you will have an adventure with your family or loved ones.
However, it is most enjoyable for those that like having a personal adventure and don’t like associating with strangers.
Despite how strange it may seem, it would be best to go out on an expedition alongside people you know than strangers.
You are free to make additional stopovers at the Wall Drug Store, Minuteman Missile Visitors Center, and the legendary South Dakota Museum of Geology. You can also decide where you wish to go and the guide will respect your choice.
Address: Keystone, South Dakota, United States
18. Dahl’s Chainsaw Art
You will only get more confused about what exactly you will do in Keystone, as the city offers many exciting things, ranging from attraction centers, museums, shopping centers, and picnic venues to mountain views.
However, one of the things that mustn’t go missing on your itinerary is Dahl’s, Chainsaw Art.
It is a beautiful area for you to shop for gifts, take fun photos, and enjoy the city’s local artists practicing their skills and artisanship.
There are several artworks on display in Dahl’s Chainsaw Art, ranging from the least to the best sculptures and attractive ones.
You can also witness the process of designing these artworks and take your camera with you, as you will love to take pictures for a stunning social media wall.
You will also climb its equally shaped buffalo copies. You will find an adventure in this art world fun.
Address: 121 Roy Street Highway 16A, Keystone, SD 57751, United States
19. The Rock Shed
It would be best if you didn’t miss out on an opportunity to stop by The Rock Shed during your visits to Keystone, SD. If you are looking to get fantastic gifts for your loved ones on your way back from this stunning city, you must enter The Rock Shed.
It is an exciting shopping center where you can get wedding and party souvenirs, as the store is famous for its handmade and uniquely crafted pieces.
The store features gemstones, minerals & fossils, candleholders, gemstone lamps, accessories, crushed rocks, wrapping tools, plastic items, decorative glasses, tumblers, and lots more.
Address: 515 1st Street, Keystone, SD 57751, United States
20. Keystone Fun Zone
It is a fun zone because it is a fun zone and one of the top places to visit in your free time in Keystone, SD. It is a big family fun center made so that you would mistake it for a mine.
Established in 2005, Keystone Fun Zone portrays the Home Stake Gold Mine artifacts, thus making it attractive and a center for fun.
The fun zone comprises three crucial attractions that greatly interest tourists and visitors. They include The Mirror Maze, which features corridors with mirrors challenging their sense of direction.
The arcade is where visitors can play games to win tokens and tickets, swapped for great prizes.
Then, the 3D air cannon game is housed inside the black light arena and Dragon Blaster.
Keystone Fun Zone features many significant centers you can explore during your tours, like the first brewery in the city, Fun Zone Restaurant, and the B.A. Coffee Shop, Last Mile Brewery, etc.
Address: 221 Swanzey Street Keystone, SD 57751, United States
21. Holy Terror Antiques
If you are looking for a perfect sightseeing adventure in Keystone, SD, you can trust Holy Terror Antiques to provide you with the stunning sightseeing exhibition you desire.
Situated at Mount Rushmore’s base, Holy Antiques is among the top stores you can trust for your antiques.
Established in 2005, the store is renowned for providing custom-made copies and designs of various edifices in Keystone SD.
This store also has a fantastic collection of extra items such as glass, pottery, furniture, and decorative items. Here, you find unique souvenirs for your family or loved ones.
Indeed! You won’t lack any fun things to do in Keystone, SD.
Address: 221 Swanzey Street, Keystone, SD 57751, United States