The closest hotels to Mt. Rushmore are in the town of Keystone that sits at the base of the mountain. The town was founded by gold miner Dave Swanzey, the same man who named Mt. Rushmore. He was also married to Carrie Ingalls, little sister of Laura Ingalls Wilder who wrote "Little House on the Prairie." Some of the hotels in this tourist town do offer AAA discount rates.
The Roosevelt Inn is a family owned boutique hotel offering guest rooms and suites with AAA discount rates. Rooms range from economy singles to an 878 square-foot one bedroom apartment suite. Some rooms offer a view of the back of Mt. Rushmore. The Roosevelt Inn actually sits on an old mining claim that belonged to Dave Swanzey. The four story hotel with the off-white circa 1900 facade offers an indoor pool, hot tub, recreation center and on-site restaurant. The Visitor's Center at Mt. Rushmore is just over two miles away.
Roosevelt Inn
206 Old Cemetery Rd.
Keystone, SD 57751
800-257-8923
rosyinn.com
This seasonal property is open from May 15th until October 15th and is only three miles from the foot of Mt. Rushmore. Some of the guests room balconies of the Travelodge Mt. Rushmore/Keystone face the mountain. Senior, government and AAA discounts are offered on room rates. Take a swim in the heated outdoor pool or lounge in the bubbling hot tub. Challenge yourself to a rousing game at Holy Terror Mini Golf or try the real thing at one of 17 courses within a 12 mile radius of Keystone. The Café restaurant offers dining right next door. Sample some wine at the Creekside Dining and Wine Tasting room, also adjacent to the property. If you want to pack a picnic for your visit to Mt. Rushmore, Subway is just a few steps away.
Travelodge Mt. Rushmore/Keystone
522 S Hwy 16A
Keystone, SD 57751
605-666-4638
travelodge.com
(ref 2, see AAA rate plan on Check Rates box on left or if you want fill in the check rates box and ask for AAA rate and you will get more info)
Looking like an oversized mountain lodge poised against a background of tall trees, the Holiday Inn Express is an affordable property that extends discounts to a number of membership organizations including AAA. One of the most distinctive rooms in this property is the lobby, or Great Room. The chandelier is made out of deer antlers, the walls are covered with rough stones and a buffalo head gives you the eye as you walk in the front door. Carrying the theme into the indoor swimming pool area, one entire wall is covered with a mural of the four faces of Mt. Rushmore. Rooms and suites, some with in-room jetted tubs, are furnished in a clean-lined contemporary style. Paintings of the Black Hills accent the guest rooms but there are no mounted animal heads on the wall to watch you sleep.
Holiday Inn Express
321 Swanzey St.
Keystone, SD 57751
605-666-4925
hiexpress.com
