Hotels near Crazy Horse Monument

Are you planning on visiting South Dakota and looking for Hotels near Crazy Horse Monument? Then look no further than this guide on where to stay near Crazy Horse. With so many options, choosing the ideal town or city to explore the Black Hills area can be challenging.

This guide highlights the charming towns surrounding the Crazy Horse Monument, as well as Rapid City, located just 23 miles away, making it easy to plan your stay based on your travel preferences.

While Mount Rushmore is the biggest tourist attraction in South Dakota, Crazy Horse still has over 1.2 million visitors each year. It is a breathtaking site of its own, and this post will help you find the perfect place to stay for an unforgettable visit.

View of the Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota, a massive mountain carving still under construction. The sculpted face of Crazy Horse is clearly visible on the left side of the granite rock face, while a tunnel has been carved out beneath where the extended arm and pointing finger will eventually be. White outlines on the right side of the rock indicate where the horse's head and mane will be sculpted. The monument is set against a partly cloudy sky with sparse greenery at the base.

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Table of Contents

Custer SD Hotels

Custer, one of the larger towns in the Black Hills, is located just 5 miles south of the Crazy Horse Memorial South Dakota and west of Custer State Park, which makes it a great base for visiting Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and the Blackhills of South Dakota.

With a population of over 1,900, Custer offers more shops and restaurants than nearby towns of Hill City or Keystone, making it a pleasant spot for an evening stroll and some local dining options.

E O Bungalows

EO Bungalows in Custer, South Dakota, is a stylish 4-star hotel ideal for exploring the Black Hills. It is located just 5.5 miles from Crazy Horse and it offers allergy-free rooms, private patios with city views, and a garden.

Each suite includes a kitchenette, a seating area, and modern amenities like air conditioning and a flat-screen TV, ensuring you have a comfortable and convenient stay. The property also provides concierge services, making it a great base for both relaxation and adventure in the Black Hills.

There is no restaurant on site, but as it is in the heart of Custer, you will find many restaurants within walking distance. As every suite has a kitchenette you may wish to stay in and cook, if you choose to do that there is a supermarket just a short walk away.

EO Bungalows is a great option if you are deciding between Crazy Horse vs Mount Rushmore and are thinking of attending the Crazy Horse Laser Show or Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony. (NOTE: the Crazy Horse Laser Show stopped in September 2023 and has not been replaced by anything else).

Learn more about EO Bungalows

Rocket Motel

The Rocket Motel is located in the heart of Custer and offers rooms for 2-5 people. Breakfast is not available in the motel but each room does have a microwave and small refrigerator. There are many restaurants within a close walk to the hotel should you wish to eat out for breakfast and dinner.

The motel has a nice outdoor seating area with barbecue facilities and a fire pit and even a 6 person hot tub, for you to enjoy in the evening.

If you want a retro place to stay, that is clean and welcoming then this is the place to stay.

Learn more about Rocket Motel

Holiday Inn Express

This modern hotel, Holiday Inn Express, is on the outskirts of Custer and offers stunning views, with many rooms overlooking beautiful scenery and some featuring private balconies with mountain views.

Guests can enjoy an indoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center, plus a summer outdoor patio perfect for relaxation.

A complimentary breakfast is included within the price, though there is no restaurant for dinner, but just a short walk away in Custer you can find many restaurants.

This is a great option if you are planning to stay and do the Crazy Horse Memorial Volksmarch in either Spring or Fall.

Learn more about Holiday Inn Express Custer

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.

Hill City Hotels

Hill City is located just 10 miles north of Crazy Horse, it is the second-closest town to this iconic landmark. It is smaller than Custer and has a population of 922 residents. Established by miners in 1876, it is the oldest town in the region and has evolved into a vibrant arts hub, with galleries and festivals held year-round.

From Hill City, you’re only 3.5 miles from Needles Highway, 10 miles from the Crazy Horse Memorial, 12.2 miles from Mount Rushmore, and 28 miles from Custer State Park, making it a perfect base for exploring the Black Hills.

Comfort Inn Hill City SD

Exterior view of the Comfort Inn & Suites in Hill City, South Dakota, featuring a modern three-story building with neutral-toned walls and stone accents. The hotel entrance has a large covered drop-off area, and several parked cars line the lot. Pine-covered hills form a scenic natural backdrop.

The Comfort Inn is just a short stroll from Hill City’s vibrant center, and it combines convenience with modern comfort.

This hotel features an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, and a well-equipped fitness center, ideal for relaxing or keeping active during your stay. For entertainment, guests can enjoy a games room and a cozy TV lounge, while the outdoor patio provides a lovely spot to unwind, socialize, or soak up the fresh air in the summer.

A good breakfast is included, ensuring a great start to your day before heading out to explore the surrounding attractions.

Learn more about Comfort Inn Hill City SD

AmericInn 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.

The AmericInn Hill City is located close to downtown Hill City, putting you within easy walking distance of local dining spots and the historic Railroad Museum. Built in 2002, the hotel’s rooms carry a classic, homey charm, providing a comfortable and clean space with comfortable beds for a good night’s sleep.

Guests can relax in the indoor pool or unwind in one of two inviting hot tubs, perfect after a day of exploring the Black Hills. Each room is equipped with a refrigerator and microwave.

A continental breakfast is included, though there is no restaurant in the hotel for dinner or room service.

Learn more about AmericInn Hill City

EverSpring Inn and Suites Hill City

Everspring Inn in Hill City, South Dakota, captured during sunset with a vibrant sky in the background. The hotel has a modern, two-story design with gray siding and large lit windows. A wooden covered entrance stands at the front with American flags on display, and several cars are parked in the spacious lot surrounding the building. A sign for the Everspring Inn is visible on the left side of the image.

The Everspring Inn, located in the outskirts of Hill City, offers a cozy and convenient stay, making it an excellent choice for visitors exploring the Black Hills region. Located within walking distance of Hill City’s attractions, shops, and dining options, it provides easy access to popular sites like Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park, all just a short drive away.

Known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere, the inn features comfortable rooms, with some rooms including kitchenettes. A complimentary breakfast is served daily, the staff are friendly, and it is in a peaceful setting.

The Everspring Inn is an ideal base for travelers looking to enjoy the area’s scenic beauty and rich history while staying close to Hill City’s charm.

Learn more about Everspring Inn Hill City SD

Hotels in Rapid City SD

Rapid City, is the largest city in the Black Hills region, it is located just 37 miles from Crazy Horse, making it around a 50-minute drive to the famous memorial. With a population of over 76,000, it’s the second-largest city in South Dakota, after Sioux Falls.

For visitors traveling from elsewhere in the U.S. or internationally, Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is the most convenient arrival point. Renting a car from the airport or from the city itself, as I did, makes it easy to explore the surrounding area.

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.

Rapid City is ideally situated for trips to Badlands National Park, the Black Hills, and other iconic sites like Deadwood and Spearfish Canyon. Keep in mind that attractions and amenities are spread out, so driving is essential for visiting sites and eating at restaurants during your trip.

Courtyard Rapid City

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.

The Courtyard by Marriott is a stylish and modern hotel on the outskirts of Rapid City, offering excellent value for budget-conscious travelers without sacrificing comfort. While it is slightly outside the city center, it’s conveniently within walking distance of several local restaurants, and it also features an on-site restaurant and bar for added dining and socializing options.

The hotel provides a well-equipped fitness center to keep up with your workout routine and a pleasant outdoor area, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. Though it doesn’t have a pool, the Courtyard by Marriott prioritizes comfort and convenience, making it an excellent choice for those seeking affordable accommodations with modern amenities.

Breakfast is not included in the price, but it can be added as an optional extra.

Learn more about Courtyard by Marriot Rapid City SD

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.

Just over a mile from downtown Rapid City, Staybridge Suites offers a contemporary and comfortable stay with a range of amenities that make it feel like a home away from home. This modern hotel features an indoor pool and hot tub, along with a fully equipped fitness center, ideal for keeping active or relaxing after a day exploring the Black Hills.

Staybridge Suites also has spacious communal seating areas both indoors and outdoors, providing cozy spaces to unwind or socialize. The outdoor area includes a fire pit and barbecue grills, perfect for a cookout with friends or family.

Breakfast is included in the price, but there is no on-site restaurant. If you prefer dining out and not using the barbecue, a variety of restaurants are within walking distance, offering plenty of options to enjoy local dishes.

Learn more about Staybridge Suites Rapid City SD

Best Western Plus Rapid City

view of the Best Western Plus hotel in Rapid City, South Dakota, taken during twilight. The modern four-story building features a mix of beige and dark brown tones with stone accents. The entrance is marked by a well-lit wooden canopy supported by stone pillars. Warm interior lights shine through the windows, creating a welcoming ambiance against the deep blue evening sky. The surrounding area is neatly landscaped with decorative rocks and minimal greenery.

The Best Western, situated on the outskirts of Rapid City, offers easy access to the city while enjoying a quieter setting. With many restaurants within walking distance, guests have a variety of dining options as there is no onsite restaurant, though a complimentary breakfast is included with every stay.

The hotel was recently built and is very modern and combines style with comfort and features inviting communal spaces indoors, perfect for relaxing or mingling with fellow travelers.

Guests can take advantage of the well-maintained indoor pool and hot tub for a refreshing swim or soak, as well as a fully equipped fitness center for a workout.

Learn more about Best Western

Things to pack for visiting Crazy Horse Monument

What you’ll need to pack for the Crazy Horse Memorial depends on when you visit.

Summer brings warm, sunny days that are perfect for lightweight clothing like shorts and t-shirts. However, it’s a good idea to have a light jacket or fleece on hand, as mornings and evenings can cool off quickly, particularly if you plan to stay until closing time.

If your trip to Crazy Horse falls in winter or the cooler months, be prepared by packing a few must-haves to stay warm and comfortable:

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