Best 20 Things To Do In Keystone South Dakota

1. Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial

In South Dakota's Keystone stands the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. There are huge statues representing four former Presidents of the United States: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln among others.

The Black Hills have this well-known landmark carved in granite as an icon for America’s history and beliefs. A broad visitor center featuring extensive exhibits about building processes is located here; moreover, you can see tall cliffs offering magnificent perspectives on these fantastic sculptures.

2. Experience The Thrills At Rushmore Tramway Adventures

Keystone, South Dakota's Rushmore Tramway Adventures is a thrilling and picturesque place for anyone to visit. The tramway, which ascends the Black Hills, grants a breathtaking view of the landscapes surrounding it, including the great Mount Rushmore.

The summit offers a variety of outdoor activities such as; zip-lining through the air, hiking trails along steep slopes, or facing a ropes course amidst splendid natural beauty around. It is an incredible moment to behold when you ride the tramway because it takes you smoothly through extremely high rock faces with vast views.

3. Discover Keystone Museum

Keystone Museum, located in South Dakota’s Keystone offers a captivating view of the rich history and culture of the area. Featuring various archaeological and historic artifacts, themed displays from the gold rush era to local business growth show how the region was before.

People can see these exhibits including pictures taken a long time ago, mining tools, and souvenirs depicting settlers’ everyday life before 1900. In addition, its emphasis on flora and fauna makes it not just another attraction for tourists intending to discover the storied past or enjoy scenic views within the Black Hills.

4. Uncover The Borglum Story

Borglum Story at Keystone, South Dakota provides an enthralling insight into Gutzon Borglum’s life and legacy the sculptor who designed the huge Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

This captivating exhibition focuses on Borglum’s artistic development, presenting his dreams, hardships, and the elaborate procedure that went into constructing one of the most recognizable monuments in America. Additional displays and private memorabilia that bring out his creative processes are also available to tourists as they examine the objects themselves.

5. Enjoy At Keystone Fun Zone

Keystone Fun Zone has been around forever and is still the best place to go during your visit to South Dakota. There are so many activities to choose from here for all kinds of people. For example, there is mini-golf, go-kart racing, and even arcade games.

Furthermore, this amusement park provides an atmosphere where visitors can compete against each other in various competitions and ride numerous rides that terrify them as well as make treasured memories as well. Hence it is one of the best things to do in Keystone SD where anyone wishing to have fun away from home.

6. Walk The Presidential Trail

For tourists who want to visit the significant Mount Rushmore National Memorial closely walking on the presidential trail is a must-do in Keystone South Dakota. The walking route provides a unique view of gigantic sculptures, enabling us to see exceptional characteristic features behind the carved faces of the four presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

Various viewpoints and interpretive signs which are meant to help you understand more about the history and importance of this site, have been incorporated into the design of the track. Apart from that greenway offers an opportunity to enjoy the Indigenous splendor of the Black Hills while taking a casual walk along its well-manicured pathway.

7. Pan For Gold At Big Thunder Gold Mine

Keystone, South Dakota is home to Big Thunder Gold Mine, which provides a thrilling adventure into the mining history of the area. This original 1890s gold mine provides guided tours that take you deeper into the tunnels, where experienced guides tell enchanting tales about the gold rush and the lives of miners.

You will have an opportunity to learn about mining techniques that were utilized during that time and see actual mining implements at close quarters. In addition to mine tours, Big Thunder Gold Mine also has gold panning where one can make an effort to hit it rich as the previous prospectors did. Moreover, the site houses a museum containing sizable amounts of mining artifacts.

8. Step Back In Time At The National Presidential Wax Museum

In the little town of Keystone in South Dakota lies an incredible attraction called The National Presidential Wax Museum which brings American history to life through its incredible wax figures of U.S presidents and other renowned historical personalities.

As you walk around this museum, you will find informative displays about the lives, deaths, and careers of these leaders. Moreover, there are more than 60 realistic sculptures of American presidents including George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson to the current one that is Barack Obama.

The National Presidential Wax Museum is perfect for history fanatics as well as families; hence offering a different concept on how one can relate to the American president’s history while at the same time engaging in various activities.

9. Experience The Fun At Sprockets Fun Foundry

A family-oriented entertainment complex, Sprockets Fun Foundry located in Keystone, South Dakota guarantees fun for everyone. Some of the active amusement activities available at this vibrant site include arcade games, interactive attractions, and creative play areas.

Sprockets Fun Foundry is an endless source of amusement for those who are racing in a virtual reality game competing against their buddies in a classic arcade conflict or just venturing into imaginative play zones. It’s a perfect place to relax and have some family time together.

10. Step Into The Red Garter Saloon

The Red Garter Saloon situated in Keystone, South Dakota is an essential stop for people who want to have a taste of the rustic elegance and historic aura of the Old West. Making its home at the center of Keystone, this vibrant saloon has been designed to give you nostalgia with vintage designs together with lively acts.

Meaty diets, cool fluids, and live shows, transport visitors back to cowboy and miner years. With a Wild West theme, the Red Garter Saloon can be a perfect place where family or friends can go out for a night and have fun together.

11. Hop On The 1880 Train At Keystone Depot

Keystone, South Dakota is home to the 1880 Train at Keystone Depot, an attraction that takes you back in time through the beautiful Black Hills. This steam-powered train ride lets travelers experience a 20-mile round-trip journey from Keystone to Hill City.

When riding on the antique train, one can hear the whistle of a steam locomotive that has been around for ages as it pulls some of its last passengers into days gone by. During this narrated tour, visitors learn about the area’s past including some of its most captivating moments, such as gold rushes and railroad building periods.

12. Unearth Treasures At Holy Terror Antiques

If you’re really into antiques or just love all things vintage, then Holy Terror Antiques, Keystone, South Dakota is the place to go. The shop is stocked full of various items such as collectibles from different periods, historical monuments, and classic furniture.

Meanwhile, visitors will have a chance to see relics from several generations; every item has its tale that helps narrate our collective past. Holy Terror Antiques has been creating an exciting place to shop for years now enabling shoppers to find little treasures they never knew existed and carry some part of history back home.

13. Explore The Historic Scovel Johnson Tunnel

For those who are interested in exploring South Dakota, Keystone has one little-known but incredibly interesting attraction-the Scovel Johnson Tunnel with its rich mining history. This historic tunnel was carved from solid rock in the Black Hills and was once part of the mining activities in the area.

A present-day visitor will encounter an entrance showing how challenging mines were dug during the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. As visitors walk inside the dark, cool tunnel they will feel a sense of adventure since it is completely different from outside bright and sunny world.

14. Experience The Thrills Of Rush Mountain Adventure Park

This adventure park offers a wide range of thrilling activities that are suitable for people of all ages. Visitors may enjoy ice-cold slopes on Rushmore Mountain Coaster or explore Rushmore Cave – an impressive natural wonder filled with interesting forms.

The park also boasts the Soaring Eagle Zipline, where adventurers soar high above it all as they take in the spectacular scenery. The other attractions within the park include gemstone mining, 7-D interactive rides, and others that keep one entertained.

15. Venture Into The Depths Of Rushmore Cave

Rushmore Cave located in Keystone, South Dakota is an iconic destination for those who want to experience the natural beauty of the Black Hills. Through Rush Mountain Adventure Park, this cave offers an exciting underground experience that features incredible rock formations, meandering passages, as well as an enriched geological history.

Here, guided tours allow tourists to go inside the cave where they can view floor-to-ceiling icicles hanging from above, mini mountains rising from below, or any other astonishing natural structures. The expert tour guides shed light on how this particular cave came about and why it matters thereby transforming it into an educational moment too.

16. Check Out The Sculptor's Studio

The Sculptor's Studio is a captivating site for anyone who wants to know how Mount Rushmore National Memorial was made; this relates to the sculptor Gutzon Borglum's vision that created the Sculpture. It was once the place where Gutzon Borglum sculpted his dream.

Today, it is an interpretative center with original tools, scale models, and displays describing the project’s history and artistry. Ranger-led talks offer engaging insights into Borglum’s methods and difficulties encountered throughout the carving process.

17. Marvel At Dahl's Chainsaw Art

Keystone, South Dakota is home to an interesting experience for both art lovers and visitors who are curious. Dahl's Chainsaw Art shows the amazing skills of Jarrett Dahl, a chainsaw artist who turns huge logs into amazing sculptures that appear as though they were alive.

As you walk through the outdoor gallery, you will be fascinated by the details of each piece as well as their creativity- from wildlife figures to personalized items. In addition, there are also live demonstrations where the artist can be seen cutting out his wooden carvings with such precision that it makes them seem almost human-like in movement or voice.

18. Shop At Dakota Leather Outlet

Dakota Leather Outlet is one of the attractions in Keystone SD that bring home a unique and high-quality souvenir. This charming store specializes in leather products, including jackets and belts as well as accessories that are intricately designed.

Every single piece has been crafted meticulously, reflecting the artistry involved in working with this material plus their lastingness which is loved by just about everybody who likes leather. If you’re looking for something practical for day-to-day life or an odd present, then you can choose from a variety offered at Dakota Leather Outlet that is sure to appeal to you.

19. Tour Grand View Terrace

If you ever plan on traveling toward Mount Rushmore National Memorial, then one stop that should be on your itinerary is Grand View Terrace located in Keystone, South Dakota. This large platform has stunning panoramic views of the famous presidential statues.

Located right at the base of the monument itself, Grand View Terrace offers perfect spots for photography and contemplation. Here, visitors can use this easily reachable terrace which has several features such as plaques with information and benches so they can know more about both Mount Rushmore’s past and importance alongside its awe-inspiring visual charm.

20. Enjoy A Day At Breezy Point Picnic Area

Located in Keystone, South Dakota, Breezy Point Picnic Area is a beautiful place where you can relax outside among the great beauty of the Black Hills. This quiet picnic area provides picnic tables and grills for visitors to spend time having lunch or barbecuing with their families.

Breezy Point is surrounded by dense pine forests that give way to breathtaking views of the hard-scrabble land around here that offers a tranquil haven where you can take time out to listen to yourself and be one with the earth. In addition, it provides an excellent starting point for hiking and exploring nearby trails thereby being immersed in all scenic wonders of this region.