One of the unique features of South Dakota is a single area code for the entire state: 605. For a play on numbers, the entire state celebrates with all things South Dakota on June 5th (6/05) each year. And as the main hub of family entertainment and adventures, here are a few of our favorite ways to make the most of your 605 Day in Keystone this summer!
See Mount Rushmore
If you are visiting the Black Hills of western South Dakota, you will want to check Mount Rushmore National Memorial off your bucket list. This monumental icon of American history is one-of-a-kind and includes many things to do while you’re at the site. Take a tour through the museum, visit the Sculptor’s Studio, grab a scoop (or two) of Thomas Jefferson’s original ice cream recipe at the restaurant, and purchase a memento before you leave.
Do you feel like looping your Mount Rushmore experience in with other exciting adventures? Take a tour with one of the great travel companies in the Black Hills area like Affordable Adventures, GeoFun Trek Tours, Mt. Rushmore Tours, or Open Top Tours.
Pan for Gold
Although the bulk of the gold during the Black Hills Gold Rush was found in the Northern Hills, Keystone’s mining history is rich, as well. Take an 1890s gold mine tour at Big Thunder Gold Mine! After you see history first-hand, visit the onsite museum before panning for your own nuggets of gold.
Try Some Buffalo
Buffalo is a sacred animal too many in the Black Hills area for all it provides. One of the tastiest treats you can try during your stay in Keystone is the lean tenderness of bison meat. We hope you’re hungry! The top three places to try a buffalo burger, nachos, ribeye, and more are Big Thunder Family Bar & Grill (right next to the gold mine), Crazy Horse Memorial‘s Laughing Water Restaurant (on your way to Custer), and Ruby House Restaurant (a turn-of the century venue on the boardwalk). No matter where you decide to dine, you’re going to love the unique flavors each establishment brings to the table.
See the Wildlife
If eating meat isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the buffalo and other magnificent wildlife the Black Hills has to offer in and around Keystone. Yak Ridge Cabins and Farmstead is situated in a private mountain setting (only five miles from Mount Rushmore) with honey bees, chickens, and Himalayan Yaks. As you venture south of Keystone, Custer State Park is filled with buffalo, burros, and even prairie dogs! Take the Wildlife Loop for a scenic experience.
Take a Ride
Another way to enjoy your 605 Day (and your trip to Keystone) is by taking a ride—there are countless options here. Looking for an authentic Old West experience? Ride a horse at Ghost Canyon Ranch or Rockin R’ Trail Rides! Move a little faster as the 1880 Train heads to Hill City and back or rent a UTV at Black Hills Wilderness Edge Adventures. Looking for more of a thrill? Speed down the coaster and take a zipride at Rush Mountain Adventures, fly in the sky with Rushmore Helicopters, and take the slide or the zipline tour at Rushmore Tramway Adventures.
Visit the History
As with many places throughout the Black Hills area, Keystone is rich in history. Learn about characters and happenings as it relates to the small community at the Keystone Historical Museum. You’ll be able to see scenes from the Tin Rush, Little House on the Prairie’s Carrie Ingalls, and so much more! Then, head to the National Presidential Wax Museum to pose with your favorite presidents and even make a speech in the White House Press Room.
No matter where your adventures take you in Keystone and throughout the Black Hills, make your trip monumental!