It’s the ultimate summer road trip most Midwesterners take: Visiting Mount Rushmore. So, the question comes up each year – where should we stay near Mount Rushmore? Based on my experiences and that of my travel writing friends, I came up with a great list of recommendations. Whether you want a cabin or airbnb near the national monument, or you’re looking for the amenities of a hotel, you’ll find the perfect accommodations on this list.
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Here’s the best hotel to stay at near Mt. Rushmore: Roosevelt Inn Mount Rushmore in Keystone, S.D.
- One of the closest hotels to Mt. Rushmore National Memorial that offers suites for larger families, plus an indoor pool. Mt. Rushmore is about 2 miles from the hotel. The Crazy Horse Memorial is about 22 miles from the hotel.
- Located in Keystone, a touristy area with shops and attractions. It’s within walking distance to Rushmore Tramway Adventures with zipline and alpine slide. The National Presidential Wax Museum is also within a walkable distance. 🙂
- The hotel also includes complimentary breakfast.
- Pet-friendly.
Best time to visit Mount Rushmore
Before we jump into hotels near Mount Rushmore, it’d be good to point out the ideal time to visit. Early fall, particularly September and October, are regarded as the best time to visit. It’s typically a dry time of year in that part of South Dakota, and it’s not as hot.
Besides the weather, fewer tourists mean there’s less demand for hotel rooms. And that typically means lower prices for reservations. Win-win. The summer months – June, July and August – is the peak season to visit the monument but it’s not the best time. Besides the crowds you’ll likely encounter, it’s also very hot in South Dakota that time of year.
From experience, if you’re planning a summer trip because that’s life with kids in school, just be sure to avoid going during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. It’s 10 days each August. I kid you not, my mom planned a trip for our family that timed out perfectly with the world’s largest motorcycle rally. It was kind of funny, now that I think of it, but I’m sure it was frustrating for my parents trying to park our big ol’ conversion van.
Related post: Rapid City is one of the largest cities near Mt. Rushmore. Add a day to your itinerary to explore the city, and include a few items on this list of fun things to do in Rapid City!
Awesome Places To Stay Near Mt. Rushmore
From lodges to glamping, the South Dakota towns near Mt. Rushmore offer a variety unique places to stay. Here are a few of the top recommended places to stay near the landmark!
Roosevelt Inn
Where: Keystone, S.D.
Distance from Mt. Rusmore: 2 miles
Why: One of the highest rated hotels in Keystone, Roosevelt Inn has an indoor pool, suites, and a pool table.
Best for: Families
Historic Grizzly Gulch Cabin
Where: Keystone, S.D.
Distance from Mt. Rushmore: Less than 3 miles
Why: This is actually two cabins in one! One cabin has three bedrooms, the other has one. And the best thing? The location is really near Mount Rushmore because it was originally built as a cabin for those who were working on Mount Rushmore.
Best for: Large families or groups
K Bar S Lodge
Where: Keystone, S.D.
Distance from Mt. Rushmore: 3 miles
Why: Location, location, location. The K Bar S Lodge, part of the Ascend Hotel Collection, is located in the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve, putting it so close to Mount Rushmore, guests get a profile view of the presidents. Well, a view of George’s forehead, at least.
Best for: Couples, small families
Under Canvas Mount Rushmore
Where: Keystone, S.D.
Distance from Mt. Rushmore: Less than 4 miles
Why it’s great: Under Canvas Mount Rushmore is the perfect spot for families who want to try glamping. According to my friends at We 3 Travel, this “glamorous camping” resort offers upscale, comfortably-appointed tents, including those with bathrooms and multiple beds for families, just a short drive from the park and even offers a distant view of those famous faces. The fun camping resort environment included a lodge, restaurant, and daily activities.
Best for: Families, couples
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High Country Guest Ranch
Where: Hill City, SD.
Distance from Mt. Rushmore: 17 miles
Why it’s great: Liberty at B4 and After has been eyeing this ranch for some time. “I haven't been there yet, but I want to go. I like it because they have horses for my daughter, and atving for my husband, and various cabin options for different sized families.”
Best for: Families
Bavarian Inn
Where: Custer, S.D.
Distance from Mt. Rushmore: 19 miles
Why: Besides a pretty exterior, the inn has an indoor pool, small playground, fire pits, and a daily cookie happy hour. One reader, Tobe, said it’s “nestled into a hill making it seem much more secluded than it was.”
Best for: Families
Custer State Park Cabins
Where: Custer, S.D.
Distance from Mt. Rushmore: 20 miles
Why it’s great: Diana at Let’s Camp More says her favorite place to camp in the area is Legion Lake at Custer State Park. “It is centrally located in the park so there is easy access to hiking, the Wildlife Loop, Needles Eye Tunnel, and of course, Mt. Rushmore."
Best for: Large groups
Comfort Inn & Suites Rapid City
Where: Rapid City, S.D.
Distance from Mt. Rushmore: 22 miles
Why: We stayed at this Comfort Inn & Suites on our trip to Mt. Rushmore, and it was great for us because Rushmore was only one of our many planned things to see. The plan was to explore a lot more of Rapid City, as well as visit the monument. Plus, it's always great to find a hotel with a pool when traveling with kids.
Best for: Families
Gayle's Cottage
Where: Rapid City, S.D.
Distance from Mt. Rushmore: 23 miles
Why it’s great: Erin at Des Moines Parent recommends this charming Airbnb because it provided space for her family and had plenty of fun things for her kids to enjoy. She says staying at places like this cottage helps save money on trips because you don't have to eat out as much.
Best for: Families
Best Western Ramkota Hotel
Where: Rapid City, S.D.
Distance from Mt. Rushmore: 27 miles
Why: The draw of this hotel is the indoor waterpark and pool, though it's going to appeal to younger children than older children since it's not too big. Its proximity to the interstate is also a great feature, making it quick to get places.
Best for: Families with young children
Related post: Looking for more national parks with glamping options nearby? There are a few western parks on this off-the-beaten path in western U.S. list!
mary
Monday 26th of April 2021
i would like to visit yellowstone this fall can you give us any place to state in cabin our r favorites
Kim
Monday 26th of April 2021
Of the two cabins we stayed at in and near Yellowstone, our favorite was actually just outside of the south entrance - Headwaters is located at Flagg Ranch on the far north end of Grand Teton National Park. We stayed at Canyon Lodge & Cabins inside Yellowstone and it was OK, too, but I had to reserve that over a year in advance.