South Dakota’s Many Historic Sites

Corn Palaces, Vintage Trains & Gold Mines

If you’re looking to brush up on your South Dakota history, may we suggest a few points of interest for your itinerary? Check out these museums, historic sites and just plain quirky finds of the Mount Rushmore State.

Set along the Missouri River, the city of Chamberlain is home to the South Dakota Hall of Fame – a standing tribute to those who have contributed to South Dakota heritage in one way or another. Take a free tour of exhibits showcasing famed South Dakotans such as Crazy Horse and Tom Brokaw.

For more historical sites in the Mount Rushmore State, head east to Mitchell for a look at the well-known Corn Palace. This fun little stopping point – actually coated in decorative corn – is home to sporting events, musical performances, and the annual Corn Palace Festival. This icon of South Dakota tourism is free to visitors, and acts as a commemoration to the state’s agricultural heritage.

The Badlands region also encompass tributes to South Dakota's heritage and history. Visit Hill City – just west of Mount Rushmore and a short drive north from the Crazy Horse Memorial – for a ride on the Black Hills Central Railroad 1880 Train. This historic steam train takes its excited passengers through the Black Hills National Forest all the way to the city of Keystone.

Looking for another attraction in the Black Hills? Try the Black Hills Mining Museum in Lead, set just southwest of Deadwood. This cultural center was constructed as an accolade to South Dakota’s gold mining days, and encompasses the Homestake Gold Mine exhibit – a tribute to the largest gold mine in North America. Sign up for the 45-minute tour the Homestake Mine replica, or let the kids pan for gold – a fun activity with a gold guarantee.

Vintage trains, gold panning, and corn palaces – what more could you ask for in a vacation? Explore the many charms and historic draws of the Mount Rushmore state, and rest up at one of the many Best Western hotels in South Dakota.

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Best Western Hotels Along the Way:

Chamberlain Hotels

1

BEST WESTERN Lee's Motor Inn

220 W King Avenue, Chamberlain SD 57325-1560
Phone: (605) 234-5575  |  Fax: (605) 234-6555  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary continental breakfast with waffles

Casey's, on premises, Cafe, American, Open for: breakfast, lunch, dinner, Casey's has great burgers and homemade pies that will not disappoint.

Pets may be accepted. Please contact the hotel directly for full details.

Hot tub -Whirlpool

Deadwood Hotels

2

BEST WESTERN Hickok House

137 Charles Street, Deadwood SD 57732-1304
Phone: (605) 578-1611  |  Fax: (605) 578-1855  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Hickok House Restaurant, on premises, Full Service, American, Open for: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Hill City Hotels

3

BEST WESTERN PLUS Golden Spike Inn & Suites

601 E Main Street, Hill City SD 57745
Phone: (605) 574-2577  |  Fax: (605) 574-4719  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary full breakfast

Golden Spike Restaurant, on premises, Full Service, American, Open for: breakfast, lunch, dinner, Offers a very extensive menu featuring Certified Angus Beef, Mexican menu senior menu or something from the Little Conductor's Menu. Our espresso/dessert counter is here to tempt your tummy with desserts and espresso before or after your dining experience. It serves Seattle's Best coffee and espresso drinks, Cheesecake Factory cheesecake and Wells Blue Bunny ice cream. Kids eat free 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. off kids menu until October 31, 2011.

Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms. Up to 2 dogs per room with an 80 pound weight limit. Additional pet types (cats, birds, etc) may be accepted at the hotel's discretion. Pet rate is $15.00 per day for 1 pet and $20.00 per day for 2 pets with a $100 per week maximum.

Exercise facility open from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Indoor pool

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Mitchell Hotels

4

BEST WESTERN Motor Inn

1001 S Burr Street, Mitchell SD 57301-4730
Phone: (605) 996-5536  |  Fax: (605) 996-5535  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms. Up to 2 dogs per room with a 80 pound weight limit. Additional pet types (cats, birds, etc) may be accepted at the hotel's discretion. Pet rate is $7.00 per day with a $100 per week maximum. If damage occurs or excessive cleaning is needed, the deposit can become non-refundable and the hotel may charge additionally to cover the costs of repair/cleaning.

Outdoor pool, heated