The Best Place to Stay near Mount Rushmore

Are you planning on visiting Mount Rushmore and want to know the best place to stay near Mount Rushmore, it can be hard to decide where to stay, which is the best city if you are wanting to travel around and see some of the other amazing sites in the Black Hills area.

In this post you will find it broken down by the beautiful little towns that surround Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills, to the bigger city of Rapid City which is located just 23 miles from Mount Rushmore.

Mount Rushmore is one of the places in the USA that most people have heard of and over 2 million people visit it every year and I hope this post helps you decide where to stay near Mount Rushmore.

In the distance Mount Rushmore National Memorial under a blue sky, featuring the carved faces of four U.S. presidents, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, set into a granite mountain surrounded by pine-covered slopes and a rocky debris field at the base and a pine tree close up

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Hotels In Keystone SD Mount Rushmore

The closest town to Mount Rushmore is Keystone, it is small town covering an area of only 2.86 square miles and has a population of 246, with most of the population working in the nearby hotels, restaurants and museums. The town gets most of its business from people vacationing in the surrounding Black Hills and visiting Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park and Crazy Horse Memorial.

It originally started as a mining town in 1883 but is now a resort town meeting the needs of tourists visiting this beautiful area. It is quite surprising how many hotels and motels you can find in this small area.

Keystone to Mount Rushmore is just 3.2 miles, to Needles Highway is 12.3 miles, to Custer State Park 16 miles and to Crazy Horse Memorial 20.5 miles, giving you plenty to enjoy in a small area and to make it one of the best places to stay near Mt Rushmore national memorial.

If you are planning to watch the Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony then this is a great area to stay if you don’t want to drive far after the show.

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Under Canvas Mount Rushmore

If you enjoy the outdoors and want to be surrounded by nature, then Under Canvas Keystone is the place for you. Located just 1 mile outside of Keystone, you will find yourself in a luxury tent surrounded by trees on the site of an old gold mining settlement.

Some of the tents have bathrooms and all have heating for any cold nights, there is also an onsite restaurant so that you don’t need to venture back into town but can enjoy sitting out and admiring the beautiful night sky.

Learn more about Under Canvas Mount Rushmore

Enjoy a Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse & Black Hills Tour

If you don’t have a car, make sure to take a tour of Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park. It’s an area that you can’t miss. Click here to book your tour.

K Bar S Lodge Ascend Hotel Collection

Exterior view of K Bar S Lodge in Keystone, South Dakota, featuring a large three-story building with wood and stone accents, private balconies for each room, and a backdrop of dense pine forest and rocky hillsides.

If glamping isn’t your thing and you want to stay in a more luxurious hotel then the K Bar S Lodge is a great choice, just 0.75 miles from Keystone, but surrounded by trees and with a side on view of President Washington at Mount Rushmore this is a great choice.

Breakfast is included, but you will need to venture into Keystone if you want to have dinner as there is no onsite restaurant.

Learn more about K Bar S Lodge Ascend Hotel

Roosevelt Inn Mount Rushmore

Front view of the Roosevelt Inn near Mount Rushmore, featuring a large white multi-story building with a distinctive corner turret, rows of balconies adorned with red flower baskets, and a backdrop of tall pine trees under a dramatic cloudy sky.

If you are looking for something a bit more on a budget then the Roosevelt Inn is a great choice, it is located close to the centre of Keystone and close to many restaurants as the hotel just has breakfast included.

The Inn has an indoor pool which is open from April till the end of October and a games room where you play a few games of billiards. Some of the rooms also offer access to a balcony.

Learn more about Roosevelt Inn Mount Rushmore

Hill City South Dakota Lodging

Jagged granite spires of the Needles rock formations rise dramatically above the pine forest in Custer State Park, South Dakota, under a bright blue sky with a few scattered clouds.

Hill City is located 12 miles from Mount Rushmore and is the second closest town to Mount Rushmore.

Hill City covers a smaller area than Keystone, as Keystone is quite spread out, but it has a much larger population, with 922 people living there.

Hill City was first settled by miners in 1876 and it is the oldest city in the area. Since the Black Hills became a tourist destination it now caters more for tourists and Hill City has established itself as the arts centre for the area, with art galleries and festivals throughout the year.

Hill City to Needles Highway is 3.5 miles, to Crazy Horse Memorial is 12 miles, to Mount Rushmore is 12.2 miles and to Custer State Park is 28 miles meaning that there is lots to do if you are staying in this area.

AmericInn by Wyndham Hill City SD

Front view of the AmericInn by Wyndham in Hill City, South Dakota, showcasing a large, light-colored building with a peaked roof and arched windows. The hotel sits on a grassy slope surrounded by pine trees and features a prominent entrance with a covered drive and American flags on tall poles. A set of railroad tracks runs along the foreground.

The AmericInn Hill City SD is located close to the centre of Hill City, within easy walking distance of many restaurants and the Railroad Museum.

The hotel was built in 2002 and the rooms are a little old fashioned now, but they are clean and with comfy beds. The Inn also has an indoor pool, hot tub and hot tub.

All rooms have refrigerators and microwaves and breakfast is included.

Learn more about AmericInn Hill City South Dakota

Spring Creek Inn Hill City

Spring Creek Inn with an American flag displayed on the sign. Cabins and parked cars sit behind the sign, surrounded by tall pine trees. A backdrop of forested hills stretches under a partly cloudy sky.

Located just over 1 mile from the centre of town along the main road, Spring Creek Inn is surrounded by nature with many trees surrounding it.

All rooms come with a fridge and a microwave and there are also barbecue facilities if you don’t want to visit Hill City for a meal.

If you are looking for somewhere a little quaint and are on more of a budget then this is a great option.

Learn more about Spring Creek Inn

Comfort Inn and Suites

Hotel room at the Comfort Inn Hill City featuring two large beds with wooden headboards, white linens, and red accent throws. A cushioned armchair with a red pillow sits to the side, while a flat-screen TV, desk, and dresser are positioned across from the beds. The room has warm lighting, beige walls, carpeted floors, and a large window with curtains letting in natural light.

The Comfort Inn is located just a short walk from the centre of Hill City and is quite modern with an indoor swimming pool, hot tub and fitness centre.

The Inn also has a games room, tv room and outdoor patio for you to spend time with family and make new friends. Breakfast is included in the price.

Learn more about Comfort Inn and Suites

Custer Hotels

Custer is one of the bigger cities in the Black Hills area, it is south of Crazy Horse Monument and to the west of Custer State Park. It is just 21 miles from Mount Rushmore which will take you about 30 minutes to drive and is a good base, especially if you are intending to visit Crazy Horse and Custer State Park too.

With a population of 1,949 you will find that Custer has many more shops and restaurants compared to Hill City and Keystone and can be a nice place to walk around on an evening.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Custer

A clear daytime view of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites near Custer, South Dakota. The hotel features a rustic mountain-lodge design with stone and wood accents, large balconies, and a welcoming covered entrance. An American flag waves prominently in the foreground against a deep blue sky.

The new and modern Holiday Inn Express on the outskirts of Custer has a beautiful backdrop and great views from many of the rooms, with some of the rooms having balconies with mountain views.

The Inn has an indoor swimming pool, hot tub and fitness centre as we as an outdoor patio for you to relax on in summer.

Breakfast is included, but you will need to walk into Custer to enjoy one of the many restaurants for dinner.

Learn more about Holiday Inn Custer

EO Bungalows Custer, South Dakota

A charming courtyard at EO Bungalows in Custer, South Dakota, featuring green cottage-style buildings with arched tan doors and white trim. The sunny outdoor space includes pink gravel landscaping, vibrant potted flowers, hanging baskets, and cozy gray wicker seating, creating an inviting and peaceful atmosphere for guests.

EO Bungalows is located right in the centre of Custer with many restaurant, bars and supermarkets within a minutes walk this is a great option.

All the rooms have a kitchenette, outdoor seating area and are very modern and clean.

This is the perfect place, if you want restaurants close by or even to make a quick breakfast or lunch for the day.

Learn more about EO Bungalows Custer

Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn

If you are looking for somewhere on a budget then the Best Western Inn is the place to stay. It has motel style rooms that are modern and clean.

It is located a short walk to the centre of town and the many bars and restaurants but also has an onsite restaurant and bar.

The Inn also has an indoor pool for guests to use during their stay.

Learn more about Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn

Hotels in Rapid City SD

Scenic view of the C.C. Gideon Tunnel along Needles Highway in Custer State Park, South Dakota. The narrow rock tunnel is carved directly through a massive granite formation, surrounded by pine trees and rugged cliffs. Sunlight filters through the opening, highlighting the road that continues on the other side.

The biggest city in the area is Rapid City and is only 23 miles from Mount Rushmore, which should take you about 30 minutes to drive to. Rapid City has a population of just over 76,000 and is the second biggest city in South Dakota after Sioux Falls.

If you want to visit the Black Hills from elsewhere in the USA or internationally then it would be best for you to fly to Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) and rent a car from there to travel around the area. Alternatively you can rent a car from the city as I did.

It is a great location to be based to be close to Badlands National Park and the Black Hills and also visit Deadwood and Spearfish Canyon, though you will find that things are quite spaced out around the city and you will need to drive to get to restaurants.

Staybridge Suites Rapid City

Outdoor patio area at Staybridge Suites in Rapid City, South Dakota. The scene features comfortable cushioned seating around a circular fire pit, surrounded by decorative rocks and vibrant flower beds. The building’s exterior is made of stone and features large windows with warm lighting inside. A wooden pergola can be seen in the background, providing additional shaded seating, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere for guests to relax.

Located just over a mile from the centre of Rapid City, Staybridge Suites is a very modern hotel with an indoor pool, hot tub and fitness centre.

It also has communal seating inside and outside, a fire pit and grills for you to cook on outside. If not, there are many restaurants within walking distance.

Learn more about Staybridge Suites

Best Western Plus Rapid City

The Best Western is located on the outskirts of Rapid City though there are many restaurants nearby that you can walk to, though breakfast is included within the price.

The hotel is very new and modern and has communal spaces inside to hang out, including an indoor pool, hot tub and fitness centre

Learn more about Best Western Plus Rapid City

Courtyard by Marriot Rapid City

Exterior view of the Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Rapid City, South Dakota. The modern four-story building features a sleek design with contrasting white and dark panels, accented by green vertical window panels. A large covered driveway canopy marks the main entrance, with a clean, spacious concrete drive and minimal landscaping in front. The hotel appears well-maintained under a clear blue sky.

Courtyard By Marriot is a modern new hotel that is located on the outskirts of Rapid City, but within walking distance to nearby restaurants, though it does have its own restaurant and bar, it is the best hotel if you are on a budget.

The hotel has a fitness centre and a nice outdoor area to relax in, though there is no pool.

Learn more about Courtyard by Marriot

Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Black Hills

Enjoy a Hot Air Balloon Ride at sunrise over Custer State Park and the Black Hills of South Dakota. Click here to book today.

Hotels in Deadwood SD

Deadwood is located in the northern Black Hills and is 49 miles from Mount Rushmore. It is a historic town that dates back to 1876 when it was established due to the gold rush in the area. It once attracted outlaws, gamblers and gun slayers and you can see these people walking through the town as the theatre troup reenacts historic events.

The city is a national historic landmark district and has a population of 1300. Many of the buildings in Deadwood are over 100 years old with the Bullock Hotel opening in 1895, though a lot of buildings have burnt down in the past and have been rebuilt over the years.

This is a great place to stay if you want to experience the old wild west, there are many casino’s, restaurants and bars in the area, though you can also visit a Gold Mine Museum and learn the history of the town in various museums.

It will take you about an hour to drive from Deadwood to Mount Rushmore, but it is a good place to stay if you are planning on visiting Devils Tower, Spearfish Canyon or are travelling from Yellowstone National Park.

Martin & Mason Hotel Deadwood

Martin & Mason Hotel in Deadwood lit up at night, with its historic brick exterior, large windows, and vintage-style signage. The ground floor features Lee Street Station café with outdoor seating under warm streetlights, while the quiet cobblestone street adds to the old-town charm.

Dating back to the victorian times, the Martin & Mason hotel has been restored to how it looked in 1893. It is located right in the heart of the town within easy walking distance to the casinos and restaurants.

The hotel has just 5 hotel rooms and 3 suites and gets booked out fast and has been renovated with Victorian era lighting and antiques making this a unique place to stay.

Learn more about Martin & Mason Hotel

1899 Inn

The 1899 Inn was actually built in 1899 and is just a five minutes walk from the centre of Deadwood and all the bars, restaurants and casinos. The house though it feels quite modern, it has wooden floors throughout and is decorated with antique furniture, it is a joy to stay at, with that personal touch from the owners and a hot breakfast included.

There are 7 rooms in the main house and it is also possible to rent the cottage that sits just behind the main house. If you want that more personal touch during your trip with people who know and love the area then this is certainly the place to stay.

Learn more about 1899 Inn

Celebrity Hotel

Located in the centre of Deadwood, the Celebrity Hotel is located in 4 buildings. The original buildings were built in 1876 though have been rebuilt over the years to what we see today due to many fires and floods. Previously the buildings have been saloons, brothels and a dance hall.

The hotel we see today has been in operation since 1990 from just one building to the other 3 having been bought over the years. Nowadays it is a hotel, bar and casino.

It is a luxury boutique hotel where you can choose from luxury or Victorian rooms, with the Victorian rooms having replica Victorian furniture.

If you want to be in the heart of the action, in a building with lots of history and even a museum then this is the place to stay.

Learn more about Celebrity Hotel

What to pack to visit Mount Rushmore

What you’ll want to pack for Mount Rushmore depends on the season you visit.

In summer, you can expect warm, sunny days that are ideal for lightweight clothing such as shorts and t-shirts. However, it’s a good idea to pack a light jacket or fleece too, since the temperature can drop in the mornings and evenings, particularly if you plan to stay for the evening lighting ceremony.

If your trip to Mount Rushmore falls in winter or the chillier months, make sure to pack a few essentials to keep cozy and comfortable as you explore the monument:

FAQ’s about Places to Stay near Mt Rushmore

What is the Best City to stay in when visiting Mount Rushmore?

This really depends on what time you are planning on visiting Mount Rushmore, do you want to go early morning or stay until late at night, if yes to either or those, then you might choose to stay close by in Keystone, which is just 3 miles from Mount Rushmore.
If you are planning on visiting during the day and then want to explore some more of the Blackhills afterwards, then you may choose to stay in one of the other beautiful towns located in the Blackhills.
The closest city to Mount Rushmore is Rapid City and I would only stay there if you are planning on seeing a lot of the state, so that you can easily travel east as well as get to the Blackhills.

You might find these articles useful in planning what to do near Mount Rushmore:

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Best place to stay near Mount Rushmore