K Bar S Lodge

The K Bar S Lodge has a mountain chalet feel, both inside and out. The buildings suit the character of the surrounding wilderness, the Black Hills, and the crags of Mount Rushmore in the distance. Many guest rooms have private balconies from which to enjoy the view, and the common areas feature large windows so guests can take in the mountain panorama from nearly every vantage point. 

The upscale rustic decor incorporates lots of stone and pine as well Native American touches, including artifacts and artwork; the lobby has cathedral ceilings and wood beams, as well as a large stone fireplace surrounded by couches for relaxing after a day of hiking or skiing. Outside, there are three decks furnished with wrought iron benches, tables, and chairs from which guests can watch deer, wild turkeys, and other wildlife wander the grounds. Kids and parents are likely to  be charmed by the railroad tracks at the back of the property and the old steam locomotive that runs on them. For chilly nights, there is a gas fire pit surrounded by comfortable seating. 

The Lodge caters mainly to tourists seeking to explore the area, including large groups, as well as business travelers and wedding parties; the grounds and meeting rooms are excellent settings for a special event or conference, and the staff offers complete wedding services. Overall, the K Bar S Lodge combines a cozy lodge vibe and unbeatable views with a moderate price tag.

The K Bar S Lodge is close to the town of Keystone, but feels secluded, being surrounded by several acres of lawns, hiking trails, and tall pines. The area’s major national parks, Mt. Washington, Custer, and Black Hills, are all within a short drive, while Mount Rushmore is about a nine-minute drive from here and can be seen from the lodge’s deck and some guest rooms. Rushmore Tramway Adventures and the National Presidential Wax Museum are a three-minute drive from the hotel. Big Thunder Gold Mine and Gutzon Borglum Historical Center are within a 15-minute walk. Rapid City Regional Airport is a 35-minute drive away, while downtown Rapid City can be reached in about 25 minutes.

Rooms at the K Bar S Lodge are spacious and clean, with a bit of a rustic feel courtesy of Western prints on the walls and heavy wood furniture with wrought iron hardware. Rooms feature warm earthy tones, with pale yellow walls paired with brown carpets and wooden furnishings, and accented by bright crimson bed runners atop white sheets. There are a variety of room sizes and styles to choose from, with either two queen or one king bed, as well as an assortment of views. Some rooms have private decks, and others have double hot tubs. Deluxe rooms have views of Mount Rushmore in the distance, and rooms facing the lodge’s lawns are great for watching the local wildlife. Bathrooms are clean and modern, with shower/tub combinations. Amenities include flat-screen TVs with cable channels, Keurig coffeemakers, radio alarm clocks with digital music players, mini-fridges, and free toiletries, but there is no in-room Wi-Fi, though the hotel can provide ethernet cables.

The K Bar S Lodge offers a free buffet breakfast daily, served in a rustic, glass-walled gazebo from which guests can enjoy the scenery and passing wildlife. Although there is no restaurant or bar on-site, there is a small convenience store in the lobby stocked with snacks, soft drinks, ice cream, frozen dinners, boxed wine, and beer available for purchase, plus there is free coffee, tea, and hot chocolate on offer. There is an outdoor fire pit with comfortable seating, and the lodge has three decks with tables, chairs, and benches for enjoying the fresh air and view. The hotel also offers a small fitness center with cardio machines. Meeting and event facilities include a large banquet hall as well as an outdoor gazebo that is a lovely setting for a wedding. Wedding and event planning services are available. Wi-Fi is free in common areas (plus ethernet cables are available for in-room Internet), and guests can use an on-site laundry room.