It’s not hard to find outdoor attractions in South Dakota; from the desolate beauty of the Badlands to the stunning views of the vast prairies, our state has endless recreational opportunities. There’s one tiny town, though, that offers visitors both natural and man-made beauty.

Keystone is one of South Dakota's most-visited towns.
TravelingOtter/Wikimedia
Fewer than 400 people call this little town home, but it's well-known all over the world because of its most famous outdoor attraction.
Mount Rushmore is South Dakota's most popular attraction, and it's right here in our own backyard.
CameliaTWU/flickr
Millions of visitors flock to Keystone every year to witness the majestic, magnificent Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The 60-foot-tall faces of Presidents Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt were carved from granite over a span of 14 years. It's a sight that every South Dakotan should see at least once.
One of the best ways to see Mount Rushmore National Memorial is along the Presidential Trail.
Víctor C/Tripadvisor
We recently wrote a feature on the short, sweet Presidential Trail. Read it here.
You can easily spend an entire day at Rushmore Tramway Adventures.
Sanhamura/Tripadvisor
Test your mettle at the Aerial Park...
Soar on the 800-foot zipline...
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...and speed down the hill on the Alpine Slide.
Erika H./Tripadvisor
The bravest South Dakotans will also give the Jump Tower a try...and the less adventurous will enjoy the scenic chair lift. 203 Cemetery Road.

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Stop and enjoy lunch with a view at Breezy Point Picnic Area.
Susan L/Tripadvisor
This scenic little area offers five picnic sites and an overlook with views of pine-covered hills and granite spires. You'll find it along SD Highway 244.
Challenge yourself at Holy Terror Mini Golf.
Clay K/Tripadvisor
You've probably played mini golf before...but never like this. Holy Terror Mini Golf's course is laid out on a hill, and you'll navigate the steep terrain up 50 feet and back down. This 18-hole course offers some unusual challenges and a scenic setting. 609 Highway 16A.
Big Thunder Gold Mine will take you back to the gold rush days.
misterwilson93/Tripadvisor
Take a tour of the mine, where you'll learn all about gold mining and the history of this unique place. Then, try your luck at panning for gold. This attraction is fun for the whole family. 604 Blair Street.
You'll want to spend another full day at Rush Mountain Adventure Park.
Rush Mountain Adventure Park/Facebook
This incredible park has the most thrilling mountain coaster in the state.
Tour Rushmore Cave for a fascinating look at stalactites, stalagmites and other underground wonders.
camaronz/Tripadvisor
Rush Mountain Adventure Park also has a zipline, gemstone mining and more. 13622 Highway 40.
Surround yourself with natural beauty at Horse Thief Lake.
smileyj/Tripadvisor
smileyj/Tripadvisor
This pretty lake is a popular place for fishing, and you'll also enjoy exploring it in a kayak or canoe. Take the 2.4-mile loop trail around the lake for some spectacular scenery.

Have you visited Keystone lately?

Here’s another small South Dakota town that should be on your bucket list.

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