Instead of Gatlinburg, This South Dakota Town Is Where You Should Take Your Next Trip

Keystone is a South Dakota town like Gatlinburg, Tennessee. While they are in different regions of the country, both are surrounded by lush, beautiful scenery and are havens for family fun. Having experienced both, I’m here to tell you that Keystone is the perfect alternative to Gatlinburg. With plenty of things to do with the family while surrounded by epic nature, Keystone offers all the activities and charm without the overcrowding and gimmicks of Gatlinburg. 

Why This Town Feels Like Gatlinburg

At first glance, Keystone feels reminiscent of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. You see families scurrying about, taking their old-timey photos and buying their airbrushed shirts. Surrounded by greenery, you’ll find sweet shops and rides vying for your attention. Yet, the activities and shops here feel elevated. First established as a gold mining town in 1883, there’s a rugged tale of survival that you can still feel pulsating through the streets. While Gatlinburg is technically older, Keystone has maintained more of its authentic identity over the last nearly 150 years. 

What You Can Do Here

I’ve loved visiting Keystone ever since I was a kid. Whether as a small child or the 30-something I am today, I always prioritize a stop in Keystone when I’m in the Black Hills. I used to work in nearby Hill City and often ventured to Keystone on my days off. My favorite activity in Keystone is taking a ride on the scenic chairlift operated by Rushmore Tramway Adventures. At the top of the lift, you can enjoy lunch with views of Mount Rushmore National Memorial. To get back down, you can choose to take the alpine slide. The attraction also offers an 800-foot zipline, a 25-foot jump tower, an aerial adventure park (basically a high ropes course), a family-friendly zip ride called the Soaring Eagle, a tubing hill, and a lot more. 

Another highlight is taking a ride on the authentic 1880 train. You can book an experience to take you between Keystone and Hill City, South Dakota. It's a very scenic ride and a true taste of history. Or, take a tour of Big Thunder Gold Mine for a first-hand look at the challenging life of Keystone’s early settlers. Of course, no trip to Keystone is complete without visiting  Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

Along the way, you’ll find fudge shops and themed restaurants that do feel similar to Gatlinburg. My favorite shop to explore is Dahl's Chainsaw Art. As a lover of all things Bigfoot, I always make sure to get a photo with Dahl’s latest Sasquatch artwork. 

Why It’s an Even Better Choice

The greatest appeal of Keystone is the smaller crowds. Gatlinburg is much more centrally located relative to the nation’s population centers. Keystone, on the other hand, requires more intentional effort to visit. While you’ll still see tourists walking around, it's a lot less crowded. Plus, because it is more remote than Gatlinburg, Keystone has retained more of its historic identity. Gatlinburg draws tourists on its own, while Keystone relies heavily on visitors to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. 

Plan Your Visit

Keystone, South Dakota, is extremely seasonal. June through August is the peak tourist season. As a result, everything is open. If you visit in the spring or early fall, stores and hotels may still be opening or closing for the season. Avoid winter, as many amenities and activities are closed. I also suggest avoiding a visit during the week of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August, as the entire Black Hills area becomes extremely crowded and it can be hard to find accommodations. 

Keystone is a hidden gem in South Dakota that offers something for everyone. With outdoor adventure, fun shops, and yummy eateries, it offers all the fun-filled activities of Gatlinburg without the crowds. Plus, you’re able to see a national treasure like Mount Rushmore. Additionally, you’re just a short drive away from incredible experiences like Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park, and Badlands National Park.