Lodge At Palmer Gulch Hill City, Hill City - Reviews, Rooms Options & Prices 2025

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Key details

About the Resort

12620 Hwy 244, Hill City, South Dakota, United States of America, 57745

Mount Rushmore Lodge at Palmer Gulch combines captivating history with modern comfort, making it a distinct resort in the Black Hills. Established in 1925, the resort reflects a rich cultural significance, having transformed from a country club to a multifaceted destination. Designed with rustic log architecture, the Lodge features stunning stonework that resonates with its surrounding natural beauty. Additionally, it has garnered recognition for its unique offerings, including family-friendly activities and scenic views.

Location

Situated near iconic landmarks such as Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, the resort ensures easy access to various attractions. The breathtaking landscapes surrounding the lodge enhance the overall experience. The proximity to major routes also facilitates convenient transportation for exploring the wider Black Hills region.

Rooms

The resort offers a range of accommodations, including spacious guest rooms and luxurious suites. With a variety of layouts, guests can select rooms with king beds or queens, all equipped with modern amenities. Many rooms provide captivating views of the Black Hills, enhancing the serene atmosphere. Notable features include a two-story fireplace constructed from granite.

Eat & Drink

Onsite dining at the resort includes the Peak Grill & Tap Room, which serves gourmet Angus burgers and other regional dishes. Guests can also enjoy breakfast options at the Prospector's Tent, offering made-to-order pancakes and hearty fare. The diverse offerings cater to various tastes, ensuring that all families find something to enjoy during their stay.

Leisure & Business

The resort provides a variety of recreational activities, including horseback riding and panning for gold. Families can explore two heated pools, a climbing wall, and numerous games available in the Fun Zone. This extensive range of leisure options ensures that guests enjoy their stay while creating lasting memories.

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

King Room

Max:

4 persons

17 m²

Bed options:

2 Double beds

Mountain view

Shower

Heating

room details

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King Room

Max:

2 persons

17 m²

Bed options:

1 King Size Bed

Mountain view

Shower

Heating

room details

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King Room

Max:

4 persons

17 m²

Bed options:

2 Double beds

Shower

Heating

room details

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Getting around

Explore available ways to reach your dream destination

City Center

Hill City 3.0 mi

Airports

Rapid City Regional (RAP) 33.7 mi

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Fun Activities!

“The jumping pillow was a hit with the kids, providing hours of entertainment and joy right at the campground.” view full review

Exciting Amenities!

“We loved the variety of amenities available, especially the splash pad which was perfect for younger children to enjoy on hot days.” view full review

Pleasant Breakfast!

“The $3.50 pancake breakfast was a good treat, offering a tasty start to our day even with extra charges for drinks.” view full review

Great Play Area!

“The mini-golf course was fun and well-maintained, providing an enjoyable way to spend time outdoors with the family.” view full review

General

Non-smoking rooms
Wi-Fi
Free parking
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
Security
Elevator
ATM/Cash machine
Coffee shop
Vending machines
Fireplace
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness center
Hiking
Horseback riding
Cycling
Table tennis
Mini golf
Fishing

Guest Parking

Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

Paid shuttle service
Housekeeping
Car rental
Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance
Stores/Commercial services

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Outdoor dining area
Picnic area/ Tables

Business

Business center
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cribs
Water slides
Children's play area

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Seasonal outdoor pool
Beach umbrellas
Aqua park
Live entertainment
Sun terrace
BBQ facilities
Sauna
Jacuzzi
Public Bath

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Sitting area
Patio
Garden furniture
Dining table

Bathroom

Free toiletries
Sink

Self-catering

Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Location

12620 Hwy 244, Hill City, South Dakota, United States of America, 57745

Map view

12620 Hwy 244, Hill City, South Dakota, United States of America, 57745

City landmarks

13000 Hwy 244

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

2.6 mi

Black Elk Peak

2.4 mi

Bear Country Usa

2.5 mi

Gallery

Insideout

2.7 mi

Museums

South Dakota State Railroad Museum

2.8 mi

Sunday Gulch

2.7 mi

Black Hills National Forest Hwy 385 South

Horse Thief Lake

2.9 mi

280 Main St

Art Forms Gallery

2.9 mi

Gallery

Jon Crane Gallery & Custom Framing

2.9 mi

Gallery

Warrior's Work & Ben West Gallery

2.9 mi

Museums

Civilian Conservation Corps Museum of South Dakota

2.9 mi

Church

The Little White Church

2.7 mi

Gallery

Dakota Nature and Art Gallery

2.9 mi

Train stations

Black Hills Central Railroad

2.9 mi

117 E Main St

The Museum @ Black Hills Institute

3.0 mi

Church

Saint Rose Of Lima

2.9 mi

Black Hills Institute of Geological Research

3.0 mi

156 Main St

Sonja's

3.0 mi

Museums

Museum: Black Hills Institute

3.0 mi

Patriarch

3.0 mi

23863 Palmer Gulch Rd

Dakota Stone Rock Shop

3.2 mi

Museums

Wades Gold Mill

3.7 mi

Custer State Park

Needles Highway

4.1 mi

SD Highway 87

Mount Coolidge

4.2 mi

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience

76%

liked the resort and would come back again

Variety of family activities

Acceptable cabin switch

Initial cleanliness issues

Limited dining options

7.6/10

Very good

Rooms

6.6

Location

9.6

Service

8.0

Dining

6.6

Geoffrey

United States of America, December 2024

7.4/10

We visited this lodge and had a mix of experiences. The location is perfect for accessing major attractions, and the variety of activities for families is impressive. However, the cabin we initially booked was cramped and not clean, which was disappointing. We did appreciate that we were offered a better cabin after addressing our concerns.

Rooms

5.0

The first cabin we checked into felt cramped and was poorly maintained, with cleanliness issues and inadequate supplies. After moving to an executive cabin, our experience greatly improved.

Service

8.0

The staff were very accommodating, especially when we brought up our cleaning concerns and were able to switch cabins.

Location

9.0

The lodge’s location is a major advantage, being close to various tourist attractions and activities. It was also centrally located between Hill City and Keystone.

Dining

6.0

Dining options were quite limited. We found the breakfast plan could add up quickly if you wanted extras, and the quality didn’t match the lodge's charm.

Facilities

9.0

The lodge offered a great variety of activities, including mini-golf and swimming, which kept the kids entertained.

Variety of family activities

Initial cleanliness issues

Guy

United States of America, December 2024

8.6/10

I had an amazing time at this lodge! There were tons of activities for the kids, and we all enjoyed horseback riding, fishing, and hiking. The clean and cozy room added to the experience. However, I wish the Wi-Fi was better. Overall, it was great for families looking for fun and adventure.

Rooms

9.0

The room was nice and clean, offering a comfortable space to relax after a day of activities.

Service

8.0

The staff was very accommodating, helping us find our way around the lodge and answering any questions we had.

Location

10.0

Perfectly situated between Hill City and Mount Rushmore, it made visiting those attractions super easy.

Dining

7.0

While the dining options were decent, I found the pricing a bit on the higher side, especially for drinks.

Facilities

9.0

The facilities were impressive, with pools, playgrounds, and a variety of organized activities for the kids.

Timothy

United States of America, October 2024

6.6/10

We had a mixed experience at this campground. On one hand, there were endless activities that kept my kids entertained and it was close to popular attractions like Mount Rushmore. However, the facilities were often crowded, especially the bathrooms, and the place felt overwhelmingly large. The value for money was questionable considering the additional fees.

Rooms

6.0

The tent sites were nice, but the overall bathroom access was frustrating with long waits and cleanliness issues.

Service

7.0

The staff were available and helpful, although the campground was definitely busy.

Location

9.0

Being located near key attractions made it very convenient to explore the Black Hills.

Dining

6.0

Dining options were available, but prices seemed on the high side for what we got.

Facilities

5.0

Facilities like pools and kids' activities were impressive, but bathrooms were insufficient for the number of guests.

Variety of activities

Crowded facilities

Donald

United States of America, September 2024

8.0/10

We had a wonderful week-long vacation at this KOA. The location was fantastic for exploring nearby attractions, and my family loved the variety of activities available. However, we encountered some issues with our room's condition, which dampened the experience a bit. Overall, this KOA offers good value and a fun family-friendly environment.

Rooms

6.0

While the room had great amenities, it unfortunately smelled of smoke and cleaning products.

Service

9.0

The service was gracious and welcoming, making our arrival smooth and enjoyable.

Location

10.0

The location was perfect, just minutes away from Mt. Rushmore and other major attractions.

Dining

7.0

We enjoyed the on-site Tap House, especially the nachos, but found some menu items overpriced.

Facilities

8.0

The variety of facilities, such as the pool, mini-golf, and horseback riding, kept our family entertained.

Matthew

United States of America, August 2024

8.2/10

Our family loved the variety of activities available at this campground, which made it a fantastic family destination. The scenic beauty of the surroundings was breathtaking, although the campsite itself had some overcrowded areas. We had a great time, especially with the numerous options for keeping the kids entertained, but a few improvements could be made in terms of site sizes and Wi-Fi availability.

Rooms

7.0

The accommodations were comfortable and suited our needs, but the sites were quite small, especially with our setup.

Service

8.0

Staff were helpful and responsive, though there were a few instances that could have been managed better, like our parking issue.

Location

10.0

The campground has a fantastic location, close to major attractions like Mt. Rushmore, making it perfect for family vacations.

Dining

7.0

We found the breakfast offerings to be good, especially the pancakes, but the prices for some dining experiences were higher than expected.