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Road TripsAbout KeystoneKeystone was established as a mining town soon after William Franklin and his daughter Cora discovered gold. Particularly lucrative was the Holy Terror Gold Mine, discovered in 1894. The owner named the Holy Terror after his wife, who was disgruntled that the family mines were never named in her honor. She took the joke in stride when it began yielding $70,000 worth of gold per week.
Keystone's rugged mining community was the inspiration for Stewart Edward White's 1901 novels “The Westerners” and “The Claim Jumpers.”
Two bridges lead to the top of Iron Mountain, which offers excellent views, including Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Three tunnels along 17-mile Iron Mountain Road form perfect frames for the four presidents' faces. The tunnels are 13 feet, 6 inches wide by 12 feet high.
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The 1880 Train, which can be boarded at the Keystone depot on Winter Street, affords visitors the opportunity to experience rail transportation as it was in the 19th century.
Visitor Centers Keystone Chamber of Commerce 110 Swanzey St. Keystone, SD 57751. Phone:(605)666-4896 or (800)456-3345
Self-guiding ToursNumbered signs beginning on Reed Street at the Old Boarding House near Big Thunder Gold Mine provide a self-guiding walking tour detailing the history of Keystone and Mount Rushmore. The chamber of commerce can provide additional information.
Things to Do Big Thunder Gold Mine
National Presidential Wax Museum
Recreational Activities
Alpine Slides Rushmore Tramway Adventures
Keystone, SD
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