By Isabel Prontes
Keystone is a city in South Dakota's Black Hills region. Its past begins in 1883 as a mining town, though now it is a
resort town that is quite popular with tourists. There are many tourist attractions in Keystone, including cultural and historical sites. There is no shortage of fun and interesting things to do and see while in Keystone.
Black Hills Central Railroad
Black Hills Central Railroad is a heritage site. The 1880 train operates on this railroad line, going between Hill City and Keystone. It originated as a gold-mining railroad for the Black Hills region. Tourist excursions have been conducted on Black Hills Central Railroad since 1957. If you want to see restored train cars and locomotives from the early 20th century, this is a fascinating cultural and historical attraction to experience.
Black Hills Central Railroad
222 Railroad Ave.
Hill City, SD 57745
(605) 574-2222
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is one of the most famous and celebrated landmarks in the United States. Millions of tourists visit Mount Rushmore every year. Construction of this monument started in 1927 by sculptor Gutzom Borglum. All of the presidents' heads are more than 60 feet tall and made entirely of granite. When Borglum died in 1941, his son continued working on the monument.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
13000 Highway 244, Building 31, Suite 1
Keystone, SD 57751
(605) 574-2523
Rushmore Cave
Located just east of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Rushmore Cave is made entirely of limestone and is full of thousands of ribbons, helectites, salactites, stalagmites, columns and various other visually fascinating cave formations. The intriguing and stunning Rushmore Cave is a must-see natural tourist attraction in Keystone.
Rushmore Cave
13622 Highway 40
Keystone, SD 57751-6604
(605) 255-4384
Big Thunder Gold Mine
The Big Thunder Gold Mine was initially known as "Gold Hill Lode." This gold mine was discovered in 1892 by a pair of German immigrants, who used the mine until 1914. There are several guided tours of the gold mine. At the end of the historic tour, tourists receive a complimentary gold ore sample. There are also gold-panning activities at the mine, by Battle Creek.
Big Thunder Gold Mine
604 Blair St.
Keystone, SD 57751
(800) 314-3917
National Presidential Wax Museum
The National Presidential Wax Museum is in Keystone and displays figures of every past U.S. president. Not only do you get to see life-sized depictions of everyone from Teddy Roosevelt to Ronald Reagan, you can also enjoy several re-creations of pivotal historical scenes.
National Presidential Wax Museum
609 Highway 16A
Keystone, SD 57751
(605) 666-4455
About the Author:
Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.
