Discover the Serenity of Hippie Hole
Explore the tranquil beauty of Hippie Hole, a serene lake in South Dakota, perfect for relaxation, outdoor activities, and breathtaking sunsets.
Nestled in the stunning landscapes of South Dakota, Hippie Hole offers tourists a unique lake experience where nature meets tranquility. This hidden gem invites visitors to unwind, explore, and connect with the great outdoors amidst breathtaking scenery.
A brief summary to Hippie Hole
- Mount Rushmore Unorganized Territory, South Dakota, US
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning for a peaceful experience and stunning sunrise views.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy by the lakeside, as there are no food vendors nearby.
- Pack sunscreen and water, especially during summer, as shade can be limited.
- Plan to visit on a weekday to avoid larger crowds, particularly in the warmer months.
- Explore nearby hiking trails for additional scenic views and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Getting There
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Hiking
From the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, begin your journey by walking east along SD-244. You will pass through the parking area and then proceed on the paved trail leading towards the visitor center. Continue along the trail for about 0.5 miles until you reach the junction with the trail that leads to the Presidential Trail. At this point, take a right onto the Presidential Trail. After another 0.5 miles, you will come to the end of the trail where you can see the famous faces of the presidents. From here, you'll want to look for the trailhead that leads down towards the creek, where Hippie Hole is located. Follow this trail downwards for approximately 0.3 miles. The trail will become more rugged and less maintained. Be cautious as you navigate through rocky terrain. After descending, you will arrive at Hippie Hole, a serene swimming spot along the creek.
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Biking
If you prefer biking, you can rent a bike from a nearby rental service in Mount Rushmore. Start by biking along SD-244 east toward the visitor center. Then, continue on the paved bike path that runs parallel to the road. After about 1 mile, look for the bike trail that leads down to the creek area. The path will become less structured but will lead you towards Hippie Hole. It's approximately a 1.5-mile bike ride from the Memorial to the spot, with varying terrain. Make sure to wear a helmet and be prepared for some steep descents.
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Walking
For a leisurely walk, exit Mount Rushmore National Memorial and head south on SD-244. Walk along the road until you reach the footpath that leads towards the Black Hills National Forest. This path will wind through the trees and take you towards the creek area. Keep an eye out for trail markers that guide you to Hippie Hole. The walk will take around 30-40 minutes depending on your pace, and you'll encounter beautiful views of the surrounding nature along the way.
Discover more about Hippie Hole
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Abandoned Historic Keystone Mines
4.3 km
Explore the Abandoned Historic Keystone Mines, where the remnants of the gold rush meet breathtaking Black Hills landscapes in South Dakota.
Rushmore Helicopters Inc
4.4 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Black Hills with aerial tours from Rushmore Helicopters, showcasing iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore.
Under Canvas Mount Rushmore
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Discover the wild beauty of South Dakota at Under Canvas Mount Rushmore, where luxury meets nature for the ultimate glamping experience.
The Pig Tails
6.1 km
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Iron Mtn Rd Visitor Center Keystone, SD
6.5 km
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Turtle Rock
7.1 km
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Iron Mountain Picnic Area
7.1 km
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Mount Rushmore National Memorial
7.1 km
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Sculptor's Studio
7.2 km
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Mt Rushmore Information
7.3 km
Explore Mount Rushmore, an iconic American monument featuring the monumental faces of four presidents carved into the stunning Black Hills of South Dakota.
Mount Rushmore Gift Shop
7.3 km
Explore unique souvenirs and local crafts at the Mount Rushmore Gift Shop, your gateway to memorable keepsakes from America's iconic landmark.
Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center
7.4 km
Explore the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, your gateway to the history and beauty of South Dakota's Black Hills and Mount Rushmore.
Mt Rushmore
7.5 km
Discover the iconic Mount Rushmore, an awe-inspiring tribute to four great American presidents set against the stunning backdrop of the Black Hills.
Hall of Records
7.6 km
Discover the Hall of Records in Keystone, SD: A captivating historical landmark celebrating America's rich heritage and stunning architecture.
Mount Rushmore Profile View
7.8 km
Experience the breathtaking profile view of Mount Rushmore, where history and nature unite in a stunning South Dakota landscape.
Unmissable attractions to see
Rushmore Cave
3.6 km
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Rush Mountain Adventure Park
3.6 km
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Big Thunder Gold Mine
4.0 km
Explore the fascinating history of gold mining at Big Thunder Gold Mine while enjoying delightful food and unique shopping in Keystone, South Dakota.
Keystone
4.1 km
Explore the charming town of Keystone, South Dakota, your gateway to the breathtaking Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the stunning Black Hills region.
Keystone Museum
4.3 km
Explore the rich history and culture of Keystone, South Dakota at the Keystone Museum, a must-visit tourist attraction.
1880 Train - Keystone Depot
4.7 km
Discover the historic charm of the 1880 Train in Keystone, South Dakota, a heritage railroad offering scenic rides and a glimpse into the Old West.
The National Presidential Wax Museum
4.8 km
Experience American history at The National Presidential Wax Museum in Keystone, featuring lifelike figures of U.S. presidents and historical icons.
aerial adventure park
4.8 km
Experience the thrill of adventure at Rushmore Tramway Adventures, where exciting zip lines and mountain coasters meet stunning views in the heart of South Dakota.
Black Hills Carved Signs
4.8 km
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Rushmore Tramway Adventures
4.8 km
Experience breathtaking views and thrilling adventures at Rushmore Tramway Adventures in South Dakota, perfect for families and adventure seekers alike.
Maverick Trading Post
4.8 km
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Borglum Story
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Holy Terror Mini Golf
4.9 km
Experience the joy of mini-golf amidst scenic beauty at Holy Terror Mini Golf in Keystone, South Dakota, perfect for family fun and memorable adventures.
Cosmos Mystery Area
5.6 km
Discover the extraordinary at the Cosmos Mystery Area in South Dakota, where gravity bends and reality twists in a fun-filled adventure for all ages.
Doane Robinson Tunnel (Tunnel view of Mount Rushmore)
6.1 km
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Essential places to dine
Big Thunder Family Bar & Grill
4.1 km
Experience authentic American cuisine in Keystone's charming Big Thunder Family Bar & Grill amidst stunning Black Hills scenery.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mt Rushmore/Keystone, an IHG Hotel
4.3 km
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Keystone Pub Grub
4.5 km
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Baymont by Wyndham Keystone Near Mt. Rushmore
4.6 km
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Ramada by Wyndham Keystone Near Mt Rushmore
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The Front Porch Restaurant and Bar
4.7 km
Experience delicious American cuisine with stunning views at The Front Porch Restaurant and Bar in Keystone, South Dakota.
Peggy's Place
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Cruizzers
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Experience mouthwatering pizzas at Cruizzers in Keystone – the perfect dining spot after exploring South Dakota's beautiful Black Hills.
Red Garter Saloon
4.7 km
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Ruby House Restaurant
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Jane's Boardwalk Pizza
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Boss' Pizza & Chicken Keystone
4.7 km
Discover delicious pizza and chicken dishes at Boss' Pizza & Chicken in Keystone - a culinary delight amidst South Dakota's scenic beauty.
Boss' Burgers and Cheesesteaks
4.8 km
Experience delicious burgers and cheesesteaks at Boss' Burgers and Cheesesteaks in Keystone, SD - where flavor meets friendly service.
Sirloin Steak Tips
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Grapes & Grinds
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Keystone Country Store
4.2 km
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Deb’s Rugs
4.2 km
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Earth Treasures
4.2 km
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Vintage Exchange
4.2 km
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Halleys Store
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Rock Shed
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Usa Shop
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Iron Creek Leather & Gifts
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Emporium
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The Daisy Chain
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Gold Diggers - Black Hills Gold Retail Outlet
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Mountain Eagle Outpost
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The Indians
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Dakota Leather Outlet
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Keystone Custom T-Shirts
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Three Forks Bar & Grill
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Sick-N-Twisted Brewery
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79 Lounge & Casino
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Needles Eye Tunnel
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Needles
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BIN 605 Wine Beer & Tapas Bar
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HippieRockStar Boutique Wine & Beer Bar
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Silver Dollar Saloon
17.8 km
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Needles Highway
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Canyon Lake Pub & Casino
19.7 km
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Joe's Place Bar & Grill
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Rimrock Happy Tavern
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