Keystone

Keystone is a small town in the Black Hills of South Dakota, located just a few miles from Mount Rushmore. Its main street runs through the center and is lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.

The mining settlement emerged in the 1880s during the Black Hills gold rush. After construction began on Mount Rushmore in the 1930s, the community gradually shifted toward serving travelers.

The National Presidential Wax Museum displays figures of United States presidents and Sioux Chiefs, showcasing American political and indigenous history.

The town sits directly on the access road to Mount Rushmore and sees heavy traffic during summer months. Parking is available along the main street but fills quickly on weekends and holidays.

An old steam railway connects the town with Hill City and runs through forests and canyons of the Black Hills. The trains operate multiple times daily and offer views of rock formations and river valleys.

Location: Pennington County

Inception: 1883

Elevation above the sea: 1,320 m

Address: Keystone, SD 57751, USA

GPS coordinates: 43.89361,-103.42611

Latest update: December 13, 2025 19:46