How to Find Cheap Hotels in Keystone, South Dakota

Keystone, South Dakota is a small town nestled at the base of Mount Rushmore. Abundant in woodland pines, historic attractions and rugged scenery, Keystone evokes the Old West as much today as it did in the past. Read on to learn more about finding cheap accommodations in this town.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access to make reservations

Know Your Destination

1. Get swept away by the Keystone Historical Museum, a one-room schoolhouse built in 1900. This building served as the full-time public school in Keystone until 1988. Today, the museum displays mining tools, photo collections, specimens of rocks and minerals and the personal memorabilia of Carrie Ingalls (younger sister of Laura Ingalls, author of the "Little House" books about life on the prairie). Among the collection is their father's hymn book.

2. Check out all the United States presidents in one place at the National Presidential Wax Museum in Keystone. The presidents are reproduced in life-sized wax figures that seem to spring to life, from the signers of the Declaration of Independence to George W. Bush as he visited Ground Zero.

3. Find your fortune at the Big Thunder Gold Mine, where you can pan for gold in the stream or just stock up on panning supplies. While you're here, visit the historical museum and restaurant, too.

4. Putt around Holy Terror Miniature Golf, a multi-tiered, 18-hole course with a gold mine theme that challenges players as it twists around the side of a mountain.

Choose Your Accommodations

5. To book accommodations, contact South Dakota Office of Tourism at (800) S-DAKOTA or visit their Web site (see Resources below).
   

6. Camp out to achieve that true Wild West feel, as well as score cheap accommodations. There are several campgrounds in the area offering tent and RV sites with very low rates.

7. Stay at a B&B in Keystone for just over $100 per night. Chip in a few extra dollars for a fireplace or a shared hot tub.

8. Book a room near the Triple R Ranch, situated in the 27,766 acre Norbeck Wildlife Preserve in the center of the Black Hills National Forest. Horseback riders will love this ranch. An orientation and safety program is required for riders of all levels.

9. Consider renting a cabin for cheap accommodations. Fees start at incredibly cheap rates, and you can choose to pay a little extra for housekeeping services if you want.

Choose Your Transportation

10. Fly to South Dakota. Keystone is 30 miles (about a 50-minutes drive) from the Rapid City Regional Airport in Rapid City, South Dakota. Rental cars are available.

11. Drive to Keystone, South Dakota via Highway 40 from Rapid City.