Lantern Inn

Property class: 2

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Lantern Inn

A building with a wooden entrance, a Coca-Cola vending machine, and a sign that says "Welcome".
A covered porch with wooden benches and a view of a parking lot and buildings in the distance.
A paved driveway leading to a building with a red roof, surrounded by trees and a wooden fence.
A view of the Lantern Inn with a pool area, surrounded by trees and a mountainous landscape.
A hotel room with two beds, a desk with a computer, a TV, and a bathroom visible through an open door.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
580 E. Main street, Hill City, SD, 57745
  • Place, Black Hills National Forest
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, 1880 Train
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Museum @ Black Hills Institute
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Airport, Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional)
    ‪39 min drive‬

Room options

Traditional Double Room, 2 Queen Beds

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(8 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Traditional Double Room, 2 Queen Beds

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(8 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Traditional Room, 1 King Bed

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(11 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Traditional Room

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(15 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the neighborhood

Hill City

Lantern Inn places you next to Major Lake Park and within a 10-minute walk of Civilian Conservation Corps Museum. The 18 rooms at this motel include coffee makers and flat-screen TVs.

What's nearby

  • Black Hills National Forest - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Major Lake Park - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • 1880 Train - 10 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Museum @ Black Hills Institute - 10 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • South Dakota State Railroad Museum - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles

Getting around

  • Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Grapes and Grinds - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Chute Rooster Sports Bar & Restaurant - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Lost Cabin Brewery and Beer Garden - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Alpine Inn - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Caboose Coffee - ‬7 min walk

About this property

Lantern Inn

Guests of Lantern Inn enjoy free WiFi in public areas, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a vending machine. You'll find limited parking. Friendly staff can provide front-desk service during limited hours, and also offer advice about sightseeing. Additional amenities include a picnic area and barbecue grills.
Flat-screen TVs come with cable channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Coffee makers are also included. Housekeeping is available on request.
Recreational amenities at the motel include a seasonal outdoor pool.

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 RV/bus/truck parking on site
  • Limited onsite parking (max 1 space per unit)

Things to do

  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Pool gate
  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Housekeeping (on request)

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Picnic area

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only

More

  • 2 floors
  • 3 buildings
  • Designated smoking areas (fines apply)

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Heating

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 3.75 percent for credit card payments
The front desk is open daily from 7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 8:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Guests arriving outside of regular check-in hours can use the exterior telephone number for check-in assistance.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 35.00 per night

Property payment types

  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

Important information

Optional extras

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

  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 35.00 per night
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 3.75 percent

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 and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers limited parking, along with free RV, bus, and truck 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 and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a smoke detector.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • The seasonal pool is open from June to September.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.

Property is also known as

Lantern Inn Hill City
Lantern Hill City
Lantern Inn Motel
Lantern Inn Hill City
Lantern Inn Motel Hill City

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at Lantern Inn?

Lantern Inn offers free cancellation on certain room rates. For additional details, review the cancellation policy on our site.

What can I see close to Lantern Inn?

Located steps from Major Lake Park, this motel is in Hill City, and within a 10-minute walk of 1880 Train and Civilian Conservation Corps Museum. You'll also find South Dakota State Railroad Museum and Sonja's less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at Lantern Inn?

Yes, there is free RV/bus/truck parking available. You'll find a max of 1 space per unit.

Does Lantern Inn include a casino on the premises?

No, Lantern Inn doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Lantern Inn?

No, this motel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool. The seasonal pool is normally open from June until September.

Does Lantern Inn have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this motel.

Does Lantern Inn feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

No, Lantern Inn doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Lantern Inn allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Lantern Inn though service animals are welcome.

Does Lantern Inn have connecting rooms available?

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

How far is the airport from Lantern Inn?

The closest major airport to Lantern Inn is Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), which is about 26.4 mi away.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Lantern Inn?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Lantern Inn.

Lantern Inn Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 239 out of 363 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 98 out of 363 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 18 out of 363 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 363 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 363 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was great close to everything
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was a great place to stay. The only thing was that the bathroom was a little small but other than that it was great! I would stay there again!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I loved my stay at the Lantern! The staff was so friendly, and the room was cozy and clean. As a solo female traveler, this was the perfect place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cute little motel! Staff were very friendly and helpful!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice and clean, helpful staff
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great little place! Great central location to see many of the sights. Rooms have been updated and are clean. Staff is super friendly! Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean. The staff was helpful with places to eat, coffee shops & things to do!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful spot with well-maintained, updated rooms and grounds. Close to downtown and Mount Rushmore. Super friendly staff and very helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is a well keep place.has everything a person needs
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Old hotel that is completely renovated--even the parking lot. Simple but clean and modern. Comfy bed, helpful staff, very convenient location.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
So cute! ...and clean! ...and friendly! We were super pleased with our comfy room. Great bed and bedding. Tidy property grounds. Such a charming place. Highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderful stay! Amazing location, great room!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent unable to fault
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The hotel room was nice, and we had a great check in experience. Unfortunately, our shower had no hot water and sprayed water out of the top of the shower head. We told the property owners when we checked out, and they said they’d fix it. We’d stay here again!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Room was well maintained. Quiet. We had a motorcycle but parking was available for car and trailer out of the way.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Convenient and clean lodging, would stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent old time motel with great owners!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rooms are clean, comfortable, and a good central local. Definitely would stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly and helpful staff. My only wish would be for more hooks or places to hang clothes and towels. Other than that highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cute cozy inn in a very convenient location. The bed was wonderful and room was very clean. Would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly staff and great location!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a extremely nice place to stay, very clean rooms and property. The owner, she was extremely nice and helpful, she made checking in and out very easy also. My only personal issue was as a tall and heavyset guy the bathroom fixtures were difficult to use comfortably. Besides that this was a very nice place to stay. It met all the needs of a couple wanting to sight see throughout the day then come back to a quite, clean place to sleep for the night.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed our stay - thank you
Stayed 1 night in May 2023
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Not too bad
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Love the black hills

Great place to stay. Very friendly owners
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025