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
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Rushmore Helicopters Inc
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Under Canvas Mount Rushmore
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The Pig Tails
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Iron Mtn Rd Visitor Center Keystone, SD
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CC Gideon Tunnel
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Turtle Rock
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Iron Mountain Picnic Area
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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
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Mount Rushmore Gift Shop
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Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center
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Mt Rushmore
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Hall of Records
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Unmissable attractions to see
Rushmore Cave
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Rush Mountain Adventure Park
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Big Thunder Gold Mine
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Keystone
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Keystone Museum
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1880 Train - Keystone Depot
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The National Presidential Wax Museum
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aerial adventure park
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Rushmore Tramway Adventures
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Borglum Story
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Holy Terror Mini Golf
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Doane Robinson Tunnel (Tunnel view of Mount Rushmore)
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Scovel Johnson Tunnel
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Norbeck Overlook
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Essential places to dine
Big Thunder Family Bar & Grill
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Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mt Rushmore/Keystone, an IHG Hotel
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Keystone Pub Grub
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Baymont by Wyndham Keystone Near Mt. Rushmore
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Ramada by Wyndham Keystone Near Mt Rushmore
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The Front Porch Restaurant and Bar
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Peggy's Place
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Cruizzers
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Red Garter Saloon
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Ruby House Restaurant
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Jane's Boardwalk Pizza
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Boss' Pizza & Chicken Keystone
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Boss' Burgers and Cheesesteaks
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Sirloin Steak Tips
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Grapes & Grinds
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Keystone Country Store
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Deb’s Rugs
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Earth Treasures
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Vintage Exchange
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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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Mountain Eagle Outpost
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The Indians
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Needles Eye Tunnel
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Needles
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Silver Dollar Saloon
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Needles Highway
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Canyon Lake Pub & Casino
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Joe's Place Bar & Grill
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Rimrock Happy Tavern
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