Lodge at Palmer Gulch

2.0 star property
Family-friendly hotel with 2 restaurants and 2 outdoor pools

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Lodge at Palmer Gulch

2 outdoor pools
Free daily continental breakfast
Lobby
Exterior detail
Terrace/patio

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
12620 HWY 244, Hill City, SD, 57745
  • Place, Needles Highway
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Horse Thief Lake
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Mount Rushmore National Memorial
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Airport, Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional)
    ‪41 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Double Room

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(22 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Executive Cabin, 3 Bedrooms, Mountain View

7.2 out of 10
Good
(7 reviews)
  • Mountain view
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 8
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed, 2 Twin Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Executive Cabin, 3 Bedrooms, Hot Tub, Mountain View

  • Mountain view
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 8
  • 1 Queen Bed, 1 King Bed, 2 Twin Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Executive Cabin, 4 Bedrooms, Hot Tub, Mountain View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Mountain view
  • 4 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 12
  • 2 King Beds, 4 Twin Beds and 2 Twin Bunk Beds

Comfort Double Room, 2 Queen Beds, Fireplace, Annex Building

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

About the neighborhood

Hill City

Lodge at Palmer Gulch places you within a 10-minute drive of popular sights such as Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Mount Rushmore. This 61-room hotel has 2 outdoor pools along with a free water park and 2 restaurants.

What's nearby

  • Needles Highway - 4 min drive - 3.8 miles
  • Horse Thief Lake - 4 min drive - 4.0 miles
  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial - 6 min drive - 5.3 miles
  • Mount Rushmore - 8 min drive - 6.2 miles
  • 1880 Train - 8 min drive - 7.2 miles

Getting around

  • Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Alpine Inn - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Bumpin Buffalo Bar and Grill - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪1885 Steakhouse and saloon - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Carver's Café - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Lost Cabin Brewery and Beer Garden - ‬9 min drive

About this property

Lodge at Palmer Gulch

Family-friendly hotel with 2 restaurants and 2 outdoor pools
Guests of Lodge at Palmer Gulch have access to 2 outdoor pools, a free water park, and a children's pool. You can put free parking to good use if you drive. Front-desk staff can help with tours or tickets, and provide local restaurant recommendations. If you like to take your furry friend along on your adventures, this pet-friendly property offers an off-leash area. Other amenities at this family-friendly hotel include a gym, a sauna, and free WiFi in public areas.
Flat-screen TVs come with cable channels, and free WiFi keeps guests connected. Other amenities include free local calls, hair dryers, and ironing boards.
2 outdoor swimming pools are on site along with a children's pool. In addition to a seasonal outdoor pool, other recreational amenities include a complimentary water park, a hot tub, a sauna, and a fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM
  • 2 restaurants
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe

Restaurants on site

  • The Peak Grill & Tap Room
  • Turtle Town

Things to do

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Basketball
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Children's pool
  • Fishing
  • Free water park
  • Gym
  • Horseback riding/rentals
  • Hot tub
  • Mini golf
  • Playground
  • Sauna
  • Shopping
  • Volleyball
  • Waterslide

Family friendly

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Children's pool
  • Free water park access
  • Grocery/convenience store
  • In-room crib
  • Laundry facilities
  • Mini golf
  • Playground
  • Pool gate
  • Waterslide

Conveniences

  • ATM
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Grocery/convenience store
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • 4 meeting rooms
  • 500 square feet of conference space
  • Business center

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • In a national park
  • In the mountains
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Pool hoist on site
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

More

  • 1 building
  • 3 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Fireplace in lobby

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Free crib

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable channels

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Free local calls
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), key retrieval

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 25.00 per pet, per day
  • Dogs only
  • An off-leash area is available
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • Guests can request a pet-friendly room by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Up to 3 kids 1 year old and younger stay free when using existing bedding
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 10.00 per day
  • Free cribs/infant beds are available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Pet fee: USD 25.00 per pet, per day
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 10.00 per day

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
  • Check-in: 3 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • The seasonal pool is open from May to September.

Property is also known as

Lodge Palmer Gulch Hill City
Lodge Palmer Gulch
Palmer Gulch Hill City
Palmer Gulch
The Lodge At Palmer Gulch Hotel Hill City
Hotel At Palmer Gulch
At Palmer Gulch Hotel
Lodge at Palmer Gulch Hotel
Lodge at Palmer Gulch Hill City
Lodge at Palmer Gulch Hotel Hill City

Frequently asked questions

What's there to do within easy reach of Lodge at Palmer Gulch?

This hotel is located in Hill City, close to Mount Rushmore and Mount Rushmore National Memorial. You'll also find Black Hills National Forest and Needles Highway within a short drive.

How much does it cost to stay at Lodge at Palmer Gulch?

As of Feb 17, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lodge at Palmer Gulch on Feb 20, 2026 start from $393.3, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Will I be able to park at Lodge at Palmer Gulch?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel. Accessible parking is also available for guests.

Does Lodge at Palmer Gulch feature a casino at the property?

No, Lodge at Palmer Gulch doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Lodge at Palmer Gulch?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there are 2 outdoor pools and a hot tub. The seasonal pool is normally open from May until September.

Is Lodge at Palmer Gulch good for couples?

There are many amenities for couples at this hotel, including 2 outdoor pools and a bar plus some guestrooms feature fireplaces.

Does Lodge at Palmer Gulch have a hot tub?

Yes, guests can enjoy a spa tub at this hotel.

Does Lodge at Palmer Gulch feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Lodge at Palmer Gulch has 2 restaurants, and serves free continental breakfast each morning.

Does Lodge at Palmer Gulch allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, dogs are welcome at Lodge at Palmer Gulch for a fee of USD 25.00 per pet, per day. The property also provides an off-leash area.

Are there connecting rooms at Lodge at Palmer Gulch?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

How close is the airport from Lodge at Palmer Gulch?

The closest major airport to Lodge at Palmer Gulch is Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), which is about 25.7 mi away.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Lodge at Palmer Gulch?

Yes, some guestrooms at Lodge at Palmer Gulch offer a deck and may feature mountain views.

Lodge at Palmer Gulch Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 520 out of 911 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 247 out of 911 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 96 out of 911 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 29 out of 911 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 19 out of 911 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice location
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

L

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay on vacation. It was easy to get to and easy late check in. Very friendly staff & clean.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Holly

Liked: Staff & service
I stayed at the Lodge and my room was on the main floor, just two doors away from the Lobby. I could hear the people talking in the Lobby and also the people above me. Next time, I am going to stay on the top floor. Everything else was good and the staff was friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Heidi

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
clean, nice room in a pretty, quiet setting. Laundry machines were a long walk from the lodge and several driers were not working, so it took a long time to get our clothes done.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Phillip

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Did not have any kids or pets. Staff was great. Limited Continental Breakfast, muffins, bagels, cereal, coffee/juice, yogurt, great coffee, some fruit
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great staff. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Levi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great accomodations & wondeful helpful staff!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maretha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Kevin H

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed three nights, the location was convenient to Mt Rushmore and Custer State Park areas. The only complaint was the remote cabins were difficult to find in the dark. One more sign at the last fork in the road would be an asset.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Greg

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyed our time there. Close to trails and wildlife.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ronald

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Breakfast was just cereal, granola bars and muffins. We were not informed until we arrived the bar and restaurant's were closed for the season.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steve

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
!0 minutes from Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Mountain. Excellent
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cam

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Overall the room was clean, however there was hair on the toilet and also a gob of it on the floor. I still would rate it as excellent because of the cleanliness of the rest of the room. I would definitley stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Liza Marie, Lakemoor

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
some services like the outdoor pool,shops and activities outside is close coming the winter season
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Rand

Liked: Staff & service
They don’t make up the rooms
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Denise

Traveled with family
We could not get wifi at all. The guest site would not work. The tv would not work. It would let you watch about 5 minutes then give you three dots and you would have to wait and then you missed part of the show. It improved the last day. Drive way retained rain water for 3 days making it difficult to park. Wished we had known everything was closed down the second week in September. Cabin rooms were never cleaned and when i called you were supposed to put trash out after 9am. Our excursions were earlier.Wanted a receipt they said they would email and i never got it. Loved the peace and quiet. Nothing was a huge deal just wish we had known up front.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Randall

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
layed back in the hill quiet and clean
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a beautiful place and the location was great. We enjoyed our stay very much and would highly recommend to others.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Allen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alice

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Such a relaxing stay!! Close to everything! Hated to leave
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect place for a much-needed night away from home. It was peacefully quiet at our cabin, our kids loved the pool and mini golf, and the parents enjoyed a little downtime.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Russell

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice place

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025