Lodge at Palmer Gulch

Family-friendly hotel with 2 restaurants and 2 outdoor pools

Choose dates to view prices

Where to?

Dates

October 2025

November 2025

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

Excellent

Popular amenities

Bar
Gym
Breakfast included

Explore the area

12620 HWY 244, Hill City, SD, 57745

Place, Needles Highway
‪5 min drive‬
Place, Mount Rushmore National Memorial
‪8 min drive‬
Place, Mount Rushmore
‪10 min drive‬
Airport, Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional)
‪54 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Wonderful

Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

Standard Double Room

Wonderful

Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Executive Cabin, 3 Bedrooms, Mountain View

Good

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

Executive Cabin, 3 Bedrooms, Hot Tub, Mountain View

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

Executive Cabin, 4 Bedrooms, Hot Tub, Mountain View

Exceptional

4 bedrooms
Mountain view
Sleeps 12
2 King Beds, 4 Twin Beds and 2 Twin Bunk Beds

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

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 - 5 min drive - 3.8 miles
Mount Rushmore National Memorial - 8 min drive - 5.3 miles
Mount Rushmore - 10 min drive - 6.2 miles
1880 Train - 10 min drive - 7.2 miles
Prairie Berry Winery - 12 min drive - 6.1 miles

Getting around

Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

‪The Peak Grill And Tap Room - ‬1 min walk
‪Alpine Inn - ‬9 min drive
‪Dairy Queen - ‬15 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 concierge services, 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

Pool
Hot Tub
Breakfast included
Pet friendly

$109 nightly

Oct 22 - Oct 23

Total with taxes and fees

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

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

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

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 Black Elk Peak within a short drive.

Is parking available on site 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.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Lodge at Palmer Gulch?

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

Are there hot tubs at Lodge at Palmer Gulch?

Yes, this hotel has a spa tub.

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.

Does Lodge at Palmer Gulch have connecting rooms?

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.

Are there rooms with balconies 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

8.8

Excellent

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness

8/10 Good

Daniel

Sep 25, 2025

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

Nice

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Jul 3, 2025

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

Great for kids

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Billi

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family

Jul 3, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities

I loved this place. The area is pretty and the kids could have been entertained for days without leaving. I would love to go back. We ended up being in the very far corner so bikes would have been handy. I didn’t look into renting anything there, this was a short stay for us. Next time.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Jul 2, 2025

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tyrone

Traveled with family

Jul 1, 2025

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

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn

Jun 30, 2025

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Traveled with family

Jun 29, 2025

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

Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Louise

Jun 17, 2025

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

Staff was very helpful and pleasant. The room was nice sized even with rollaway cot. Lots of activities for kids, teens, adults, and groups to enjoy with daily activity sheet available to help plan the stay. Camped here in one of the little cabins 30+ years ago and had so much fun with my kids. This year in Lodge with grandchild was even better.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christina, West Point

Traveled with family

Jun 16, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Great location and has everything you need to keep the family fed and busy.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Barbara

Jun 16, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Lovely location. Staff were wonderful, excellent customer service! Lodge is older but clean.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Waylon

Traveled with family

Jun 15, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Great staff and kids activates

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Candace

Traveled with family

May 29, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

What I didn’t like about the property is our hot tub did not work the first night and that’s why I got a cabin with the hot tub so we can sit in it for the full two nights. I rented it and they didn’t refund anything second thing that I didn’t like is you can’t even Get in 10 minutes early. You have to be right on the dot with these people.

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey

May 28, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Great place to vacation

Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shonna

Traveled with family

May 27, 2025

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

Great for family visit to Mt. Rushmore!

Stay in the Executive Lodge was nice. We had 5 people and needed 3 bedrooms. There aren't many options like this in the Keystone area... most accommodations suiting that many have a pull-out couch for 2 people. Executive lodges are nice and warm/heated. Living area is roomy with a dining table, fireplace, and sitting area. Master bedroom is nice & big. Other 2 bedrooms are smaller. Worked great for us BUT, for the price, I might have opted to stay another night in the Lodge which, also had really nice rooms.

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shonna

Traveled with family

May 27, 2025

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

Perfect family spot for Mt. Rushmore visit!

The rooms in the lodge are really nice! Was expecting something more worn/rustic and was pleasantly surprised. Continental breakfast was really pared down... we chose to pay for the pancake breakfast in the tent. Pool near the lodge and hot tub are heated, great on cold nights. Only a 10 minute drive to the Mount Rushmore entrance and Keystone came in handy b/c the weather wasn't great during our stay and we had to stop multiple times at Mount Rushmore before the fog/mist cleared.

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marcia

Traveled with family

May 23, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

This property was very nice and inviting. Staff was excellent and made great dinner spot in Hill City. Enjoyed the quiet cabin and fireplace. Recommend highly

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sheri, Mesa

May 19, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Beautiful property, friendly staff, very clean

Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cristian

Dec 28, 2024

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

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

Traveled with family

Oct 18, 2024

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

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dustin

Traveled with family

Oct 18, 2024

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

Everything was absolutely great, i didnt realize the resort was seasonal so that was a lil bit of a bummer but will absolutely go back.

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

H

Traveled with family

Oct 13, 2024

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

We stay right after the primary season closes. It is very quiet and pleasant. But even in the Executive Cabins, some items work fine, and others do not. For example, the gas fireplace did not work properly. I asked maintenance to check on it and they did so promptly. But the next day it failed to light again. I said the heck with it. There is not much hot water for showers or baths. The water heater could not accommodate more than two short showers. You needed to wait another 30 minutes for the water to heat up. Every TV remote had "worn-out" batteries. I bought replacement batteries. The TV's have two remote controls but our grandkids weren't there to show us how to operate the darn TVs. That was our problem. Nevertheless, we continue to return each after September. We enjoy the surroundings and the quiet. Finally, I believe that the off season should have a lower price point. The cost is high. Given the number of VRBOs in the area, we may consider one of those next year. Or maybe not.

Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Merle

Traveled with partner

Oct 11, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Great place will come here again and recommend it to all others that are going to the area.

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Robert

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with pets, Traveled with family

Sep 30, 2024

Liked: Staff & service

Disliked: Amenities

The place is decent, but they did not make it obvious that all the amenities are seasonal. Definitely not worth the price in the off season, its a mediocre hotel that is miles to the nearest anything. I would have thought at least the bar/restaurant would be open but no.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024