Welcome to the Ranch!
McDonald Mountain Ranch is the ideal place to spend your time in the Black Hills. Come for privacy, beauty, and tranquility, but also take advantage of the central location. We are located on a pristine, forested, twenty acres touching forest service land in almost all directions. We are in the heart of the Black Hills, offering pleasant serenity, while still allowing quick access to almost all of the more inviting attractions. From our delightful ranch, you can see the grand shrine to liberty, Mount Rushmore, enjoy a manicured meadow that fills up with deer each evening, or take a hike to nearby Lakota Lake.
Available on the ranch are three rustic, yet boldly refreshing, modern “cabins”. The Carriage House, the Calamity Jane Cabin, and the Carol Jean Cabin. As of Spring 2022, we have also added two Suites. Each of the rental units have cooking facilities, private baths, and private decks for sitting, sipping, supping, and watching the local wildlife. All units are supplied with drip coffee makers and basic cooking accessories. We also supply bedding, bath, and kitchen linens.
Reservations:
Call Us, Year Round, Monday – Friday, between 9am-5pm MST: 605-666-4556
Email: BoogieForever@Gmail.com
SEASON DATES: May 1st through October 15th each year.
Reserve A Premium Cabin:
Carriage House
Calamity Jane Cabin
Carol Jean Cabin
Major Attractions:
Mount Rushmore
“Just down the road” Mt. Rushmore is something all Americans must see at some point in their lives. A true feat of mankind and a fitting tribute to our courageous founding fathers who risked everything to give us a Republic! Our property is situated up “on the mountain” and with a short hike to the high point on our property, you can see this historic and everlasting monument.
Chief Crazy Horse
A bold undertaking, and one that may never cease being a “work in progress”, the Chief Crazy Horse monument is awe inspiring. Any time a world famous artist decides to make a mountain his masterpiece, it is definitely worth taking an up close and personal look.
McDonald Mountain Ranch Attractions:
Lakota Lake
We call Lakota Lake “our” lake as it is one of those hidden gems of a place that few individuals seem to visit each year. Off the back end of the property we have access to endless acres of pristine forest service property. With a pleasant hike you can find yourself on the “private”, or inaccessible, side of Lakota Lake.
Our Own “Boulder Mountains”
These are hard to describe as they are not simply hills but to be fair, they are not mountains either. McDonald Mountain Ranch is tucked up against some classic boulder based mini mountains. These mini mountains are a blast to climb up and once at the top, you can see miles in all directions of incredible scenery. The last time we went up to the top, a full sized eagle came within a stone toss of us. As we viewed the incredible wilderness around us we realized we literally had a birds eye view of paradise.
Iron Creek Hiking Trail
Through forest, meadow, hill and many times over the creek, this lushly green trail will provide ample opportunity to lose yourself in the woods.
Custer State Park
The buffalo herd is often just “down the road” in Custer State Park. Many of our visitors have reported to us of being literally stuck in the middle of the herd while being stared down by the large bulls. Beside buffalo, enjoy the wild mules, mountain goats, deer, and birds of prey.
State Game Lodge
The Black Hills were famous for their mystique as well as their abundant game. Famous people and hunters would travel from all over the world to experience the plenty that the Hills provided. Almost at the heart of the thick wilderness was a true masterpiece of structure and architecture that is known as the State Game Lodge. Today it offers fine dining, wilderness tours, and a sense of wonder.
The Black Hills Playhouse
Each evening during our summer season on our almost non-traveled country road, we experience a veritable “rush” hour. Of course, our rush hour doesn’t last for three hours but is simply marks the end of the play at the nationally renown Black Hills Playhouse. These nightly shows have entertained thousands upon thousands of guests over the years right in the heart of one of America’s most scenic forests. Look into the Playhouse, you may find the perfect entertainment for you.
“World Class” Scenic Drives:
Needles Highway
Right up there with the Swiss Alps, Patagonia, and the Redwood Forests drives is the Needles Highway. Although lesser known than these other attractions, the boulder and rock formations of the Black Hills are truly unique to the region.
Iron Mountain Road
Grandpa Gideon, at the behest of Senator Peter Norbeck began work on designing the world famous Pigtail Bridges in February of 1932. The first of his plans was sent off to the Senator in April of that year, with subsequent bridges coming in later years. Norbeck and Gideon had laid out the newly created Iron Mountain Road and with Norbeck’s vision and Gideon’s ability to turn the vision into reality. Iron Mountain Road became one of the top scenic drives in the U.S. In 1922-1923 the two had worked together to lay out the world famous Needles Highway, which is now one leg of the Norbeck Scenic Highway Byway.
Classic Black Hills “Mining” Towns:
Keystone
Our “local” town, just minutes “down the mountain” is quite possibly the cutest and most quaint of the “tourist” towns in all of the Black Hills. Keystone boasts a family friendly yet edgy boardwalk that complements its historical mining background and role as the gateway, or keystone to Mt. Rushmore.
Hill City
Each of the seasonal based towns in the Black Hills have their own spirit to them. Hill City, not unlike Keystone, has a fun and prospering board walk, great food and restaurants, and entertaining shows.
Deadwood
Famous as the place that proved to be the end to “Wild” Bill Hickok, Deadwood may be said to be the destination for a bit more adult or mature travelers. Not without its family charm, it boasts authentic feeling saloons, casinos and other places to stop for thirsty travelers. Attractions include Tatanka: Story of the Bison, founded by Kevin Costner; Days of ’76 Rodeo in mid July, shootouts in the street, and big name concerts are fairly regular.
Hot Springs
Hot Springs is on the southern end of the Black Hills. A town with great old western charm. Waterfalls, swimming holes fed with warm mineral healing waters from the many hot springs in the area. An indoor mammoth dig and a national treasure. One of our favorite attractions is the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary.
Mountains, Lakes, and Rivers:
Black Elk Peak
Black Elk Peak is the highest point in South Dakota at 7,244 feet and is absolutely stunning. Begin at the Sylvan Lake trailhead to enjoy the day hike up to the old fire lookout tower with a view of the Hills as far as one can see. As you look out from Black Elk Peak, you will see why they are called the “Black Hills”. You will gaze upon the majestic sight of thick forests of Ponderosa pine, which appear black in color from a distance, growing next to vast plains.
Sylvan Lake
Making its national debut in the movie “National Treasure 2” Sylvan Lake is a place worth visiting. With a public beach, boulder islands, unique formations and enjoyable trail going around the lake, it is a lake for the photo books.
Center Lake
Although Center Lake is not necessarily a world class destination, it is another wonderful lake within a few minutes of McDonald Mountain Ranch. It has beautiful landscapes and scenery including a fun beach and day picnic sites.
Caves:
Rushmore Cave
Our local cave, this is a world class cavern just down the mountain.
Wind Cave
Designated as part of its own national park system, this is a cave that few will ever get to see the entirety of given its many miles of caverns and extensions. We could dedicate an entire page to Wind Cave, but it is definitely one that should be on top of the list of wonders to see in your quest to explore the country.
Major Black Hills Tourist Attractions:
Reptile Gardens
A world class “zoo”, well more like “better not be afraid of snakes” land, those who travel the country are astonished to discover that the Black Hills is host to one of the most interactive, up close and personal reptile and bird exhibits in a uniquely built dome shaped structure including stunning outdoor gardens. This is a destination for family and solo travelers alike.
Bear Country
The phrase “don’t feed the animals” has never meant more than it does at Bear Country. Other than its sister location in Arizona, there is literally no other place like it in the country. From the comfort of your vehicle, you will be up close and personal with more bears, elk, deer, wolves, cougars, etc. than any other “zoo” you will ever be a part of. A “I Survived Bear Country” shirt will be sure to inspire interesting conversations.
Cosmos Mystery Area
A fun stop and not as high powered as the others on this list, but most tourists agree, this is a mind bending experience. According to the mythos of the experience, there is a gravitational vortex at this location that early prospectors discovered by accident. Watch as balls roll up hill, daughters become taller than fathers, and children sit on seemingly square walls! A fun stop for the family.
Local Attractions
Big Thunder Gold Mine
As mining was the core foundation of the existence of the small town of Keystone, it is fun to go to the mines and see the hard, glamour-less conditions these early pioneers employed themselves in to earn a living. After the tour of the mine, enjoy a chance to do some real life prospecting with gold pans and gold flaked dust.
Black Hills Aerial Adventures
A different way to tour the scenic vistas of the Black Hills is with one of our local businesses providing private helicopter tours.
Classic Train Ride
A great way to spend a day is to stroll the festive boardwalk of Keystone, SD, and to board a classic steam engine train for a relaxing journey through the thick of the Black Hills. The “1880’s Train” regularly travels between Keystone and Hill City, SD during the summer season. Hill City has its own unique feel and flavor with wonderful dining and shopping options.
