Black Elk Resort - Hill City

3-star nature-focused cottages with nightly campfires and an on-site taproom in Hill City

Cottages & Grounds

Black Elk Resort offers cottages with private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and seating areas, each opening onto a patio with garden views. The outdoor grounds include a children's playground, barbecue facilities, a picnic area, and a sun terrace. An outdoor fireplace and designated picnic areas provide spaces for gathering outside the guest rooms.

On-Site Activities

The property operates the Palmer Creek Taproom, serving local beers and frozen pizzas for guests who prefer to stay in. Each evening, staff build a bonfire in the outdoor fire pit where guests can sit, talk, and use s'mores kits sold at the front office. The shared lounge and garden area, along with yard games and a large covered patio, give guests easy spaces for socializing or relaxing.

Family & Children

The resort has a dedicated children's playground and outdoor play equipment for younger guests. Family rooms come in configurations such as one-bedroom cottages with two twins and a queen, or the two-bedroom Mammoth cabin with a separate living area and kitchenette. The daily bonfire and yard games, like giant connect four, keep all ages engaged on the property.

Location & Access

Black Elk Resort is 5 miles from Hill City and within 12 miles of Keystone and 36 miles of Rapid City. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Wind Cave National Park, and Custer State Park are all short drives from the property. The resort also provides easy access to the Samelius Trail section of the Centennial Trail, less than a mile away.

Services & Practicalities

The property offers free on-site parking with accessible spaces, express check-in/check-out, and free WiFi throughout. An on-site laundry facility is available for guest use, and the office provides free coffee and waffles each morning. The owners live on the property and are available to offer local sightseeing suggestions and help with any needs during the stay.

• Evening bonfires with s'mores kits
• On-site Palmer Creek Taproom with local beer and pizza
• Children's playground and yard games
• 5 miles from Hill City, close to Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park
• Free coffee and waffles each morning