Keystone
Tiny Keystone, at the foot of Mount Rushmore (population 232; elevation 4,350 feet), belies its small population because summer tourists often swell that number to more than 10,000 per day while they stop and take in the many local attractions. Known also for its invigorating pine-scented mountain air and gorgeous scenery, rugged and rural Keystone provides the ultimate camping and recreation experience “out West.”
Keystone’s fortunes rose and fell with that of the mining booms, but because so many types of mining were carried on here, the town did not die.
Today’s Keystone is not far removed from its past; a number of historic sites and relics remain. Here, you can expect to find log cabins, rental tipis, horseback riding and even campfire storytellers. All of this accompanied by the night sounds of a lone owl or coyote — just like the old days. Tenderfeet can find modest to luxury motel rooms, too, and may be treated to the sight of majestic bald eagles soaring and gliding above them as they stroll modern sidewalks along Grizzly Bear and Battle creeks, which run through town.
Shopping and dining, specialty foods and American Indian crafts enhance the visitor experience, or you can stop at the local grocery in Keystone for picnic fixings and a daily newspaper.