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From128US$ /night
Check-in
31Dec2025Select date
Check-out
01Jan2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

12620 Highway 244, Hill City, South Dakota, United States, 57745
-
Near Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Great
8.7
8.8
/10
3.9
4.3
/5

Lodge At Palmer Gulch - A historic Black Hills resort with mountain cabins, pools, and extensive outdoor activities

Nestled in the Black Hills, this 3-star Hill City hotel combines the Mount Rushmore Lodge's 61 spacious rooms with the Mount Rushmore KOA Resort facilities. The lodge features a grand two-story fireplace built from Crazy Horse Memorial granite, while accommodation options range from royal and presidential suites to mountain cabins sleeping up to 12 guests. Two pools, two heated spas, and a waterslide form part of the central Fun Zone entertainment area. The resort offers horseback riding, a 26-foot climbing tower, mini-golf at the Kowboy Kountry Club, and a stocked fishing pond. Dining venues include The Peak Grill & Tap Room, serving Angus burgers and steaks, plus the traditional Chuck Wagon Dinner Show in a mountain meadow. Located 2.5 miles from Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Lodge At Palmer Gulch provides direct access to Black Hills National Forest trails.

Pros

The property features an authentic Chuck Wagon camp offering traditional Dutch oven breakfast cookouts

Extensive outdoor activities including gold panning, climbing wall, and GaGa ball

Three on-site stores provide camping supplies, groceries, bike rentals and regional products

Multiple dining options from gourmet burgers to cowboy-style outdoor cooking

Cons

Wi-Fi service is limited throughout the property

Cell phone coverage is very restricted in the area

“This property stands out as a hub for family vacations centered around outdoor adventure. The variety of lodging, from standard rooms to larger cabins, suits different group sizes, though extra costs for activities should be anticipated. Dining options like the Chuck Wagon Dinner Show add a unique, cowboy-themed element.”
Hotel logo
Isabella MooreSenior Editorial Director at Petfriendlyhotels
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Select your room type

Cozy rooms, spacious suites, and family-friendly homes, all with flexible cancellation policies & special deals
Standard Double Room Balcony
4 persons
17 m² 
2 Double beds
Shower
Heating
King Room Balcony
2 persons
17 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Standard Double Room
4 persons
17 m² 
2 Double beds
Shower
Heating
Cabin
4 persons
17 m² 
2 Double beds
Shower
Heating
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Price and room availability calendar

Check availability and rates for your selected dates!

Facilities

Enjoy premium amenities for a relaxing stay with your pet

General

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

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Cycling
  • Table tennis
  • Mini golf
  • Fishing

Guest Parking

  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

  • Paid shuttle service
  • Housekeeping
  • Car hire
  • Laundry
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Shops/Commercial services

Dining

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

Business

  • Business centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • 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
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Dining Onsite

At Lodge At Palmer Gulch, delightful dining experiences await among stunning natural surroundings. Guests can gather for hearty meals infused with American flavors, catering to all dietary preferences, from gluten-free to vegetarian options. Each venue promises a warm, family-friendly atmosphere that enhances the indulgence of satisfying culinary moments.
Lodge At Palmer Gulch Hill City Restaurant photo
Lodge At Palmer Gulch Hill City Restaurant photo

The Peak Grill & Taproom

American
Ambiance
Family friendly, Modern
Key Offerings
Savor an array of American classics during lunch and dinner, complemented by craft cocktails. The inviting atmosphere is perfect for families and gatherings, where guests can enjoy both hearty meals and lighter fare.
Reservation
Not needed
Open for Lunch and Dinner, Cocktail hour.

The Prospector Tent

American Breakfast
Ambiance
Family friendly, Modern
Key Offerings
Start the day right with a wholesome breakfast in a cozy tent setting. Diners can enjoy delicious dishes in a welcoming space, perfect for families seeking comfort food to fuel their adventures.
Reservation
Not needed
Open for Breakfast.

Location

12620 Highway 244, Hill City, South Dakota, United States, 57745
Map view
12620 Highway 244, Hill City, South Dakota, United States, 57745
Explore Hill City
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
5-minute drive
Iconic sculptures of four presidents carved into granite. Offers a visitor center and guided tours showcasing its history.
Bear Country USA
10-minute drive
Drive-through wildlife park featuring North American animals. Unique for its close-up animal encounters and gift shop.
South Dakota State Railroad Museum
South Dakota State Railroad Museum
10-minute drive
Museum dedicated to railroad history with exhibits featuring artifacts and model trains. Ideal for train enthusiasts.
Art Forms Gallery
Art Forms Gallery
10-minute drive
Gallery showcasing local artwork, including paintings and pottery. Hosts occasional art shows and events.
Hiking at Black Elk Peak
22-minute drive
Challenging hikes with stunning vistas at South Dakota's highest point. Accessible with guided tours and maps available.
Relaxation at Horse Thief Lake
10-minute drive
Picturesque lake for fishing and picnics, perfect for unwinding. Ideal for families with shallow swimming areas.
The Alpine Inn
10-minute drive
German-American cuisine with a cozy, rustic vibe. Signature dishes include wiener schnitzel and bratwurst.
Hill City Café
5-minute drive
Casual atmosphere serving American comfort food and daily specials. Great for breakfast with vegetarian options.
Black Hills Central Railroad
Black Hills Central Railroad
10-minute drive
Historic steam train rides featuring scenic views of the Black Hills. Family-friendly adventures with themed rides.
The Little White Church
10-minute drive
Venue for local events and live performances, hosting regular concerts and community gatherings in a charming setting.
Getting around
City Centre
Hill City8 min  ·  4.8 km
Airports
Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)82 min  ·  54.3 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
is available in for free.
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
67
Former name
The Lodge at Palmer Gulch
FAQs
About Lodge At Palmer Gulch
What are the check-in and check-out times at Lodge At Palmer Gulch?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 11:00.
How far is Lodge At Palmer Gulch from the nearest airport?
The hotel is 53 km from Rapid City Regional Airport, which is approximately a 54-minute drive.
What dining options are available at Lodge At Palmer Gulch?
The hotel features two on-site restaurants: Peak Grill Taproom for American dinner and Prospector Tent for American breakfast.
Is there a pool available at Lodge At Palmer Gulch?
Guests can enjoy a seasonal outdoor swimming pool on-site.
What recreational activities can be enjoyed at Lodge At Palmer Gulch?
Available activities include mini-golf, table tennis, hiking, cycling, and a children's playground.
Does Lodge At Palmer Gulch provide parking facilities?
Free private parking is available on-site without a reservation.
What room amenities can guests expect at Lodge At Palmer Gulch?
Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, and private bathrooms with free toiletries.
Are pets allowed at Lodge At Palmer Gulch?
Pets are allowed at the hotel, with possible charges applicable.
What wellness facilities are offered at Lodge At Palmer Gulch?
The hotel features a hot tub, sauna, and a fitness center for guests.
How close is Lodge At Palmer Gulch to Mount Rushmore?
The hotel is located 10 km from Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
Are there opportunities for business services at Lodge At Palmer Gulch?
A business center is available on-site for guests to use.
What entertainment options are provided at Lodge At Palmer Gulch?
Evening entertainment options include live music performances and movie nights.
Is there internet access at Lodge At Palmer Gulch?
Free Wi-Fi is available for all guests throughout the property.
What nearby attractions are within reach of Lodge At Palmer Gulch?
The hotel is 17 km from Black Hills National Forest and 43 km from the Journey Museum.
Does Lodge At Palmer Gulch have a children's play area?
Yes, there is a children's playground available on-site.

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