Anchoring in Keystone

A 4 day tour of South Dakota
from our Western issue,
Summer 2012.

	Photo: Jennifer L. Sovanski
	Scenery is abundant in and around Keystone, including Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park.

In architecture, a keystone is an essential element of a building. 

Placed atop an arch, the keystone provides support for the entire structure.

A destination can serve this same purpose on a tour. It provides the setting, a place to anchor and a place to call home for however many days a group plans to visit. 

In this four-day tour, Keystone serves as a keystone for a tour of the Black Hills. 

Just two miles from Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Keystone has a deep history as gold mining boomtown. 

After her time in the Little House on the Prairie, Carrie Ingalls moved to Keystone to make a life in this boomtown. Her older sister, Laura Ingalls Wilder, penned the beloved novel that told the story of the Ingalls family. 

On this tour, groups will also meet the visionary sculptors of Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. 

Day One

When you arrive in Keystone, take in some of the numerous attractions. 

In whichever order or combination your group would like, visit Mount Rushmore, tour Big Thunder Gold Mine, explore museums, step aboard a historic train, thrill to the alpine slide, ride the tram, explore nearby caves or zip down a zipline. 

Complete the evening with a meal and see the nightly lighting ceremony at Mount Rushmore. 

DAY TWO

Today is all about the scenery — and the scenic drives. 

This morning, take South Dakota 244 to Mount Rushmore. 

Tour Gutzon Borglum Historical Center. 

Next, continue on behind Mount Rushmore to South Dakota 16/385 south to Crazy Horse Memorial. 

The world’s largest mountain carving — still in progress — forms the centerpiece of the site, also home to several museums and exhibits celebrating the Lakota leader, Native American heritage, and the Ziolkowski family who continue to lead the charge to carve the magnificent mountain. 

Dine in Laughing Waters Restaurant.

Head north to Custer State Park and travel the Needles Highway. Take some time to travel the Wildlife Loop and continue through the Custer State Park to South Dakota 16A. Also known as Iron Mountain Road, this route returns the group to Keystone for dinner, shopping and other activities.

	Photo: Richie Diesterheft
	A warm welcome awaits groups who visit the Crazy Horse Memorial.

DAY THREE

Take some time to play.

The options include the chance to go horseback riding, play miniature golf, get lost in the mirror maze, take a walking tour of Keystone and/or visit rock shops. 

Be sure to take time to have an old-time photo taken, sample homemade candies and shop.

Complete the experience by exploring the area’s mining and carving history.

DAY FOUR 

If there is anything you haven’t seen or done, this is the day to do it. 

Take advantage of Keystone’s central location to easily access a wide variety of attractions and outdoor activities that a group can enjoy together.

GO
Keystone, Custer and Black Hills

SEE
Custer State Park
(605) 255-4515
http://gfp.sd.gov

Crazy Horse Memorial
(605) 673.4681
http://crazyhorsememorial.org

Gutzon Borglum Historical Center
(800) 888-4369
http://rushmoreborglum.com

Mount Rushmore National Memorial
(605) 574-2523
www.nps.gov/moru

President’s Slide at Rushmore Tramway
(605) 666-4478
www.rushmorealpineslide.com

STAY 
Custer State Park Resorts
(888) 875-0001
www.custerresorts.com

ASK
Keystone Chamber of Commerce
(800) 456-3345
(605) 666-4896 
www.keystonechamber.com

Tell us what you think or offer your culture & entertainment group travel itineraries to the editor.
Mail: 2465 112th Ave.
Holland, MI 49424
Fax: (616) 393-0085
Phone: 1-800-767-3489 between 8am - 5pm, EST.