Entire apartment

Romantic, Peaceful Getaway; Within 10 Mi of Mt. Rushmore & Custer State Park

Apartment in Hermosa with kitchenette and jetted bathtub

Photo gallery for Romantic, Peaceful Getaway; Within 10 Mi of Mt. Rushmore & Custer State Park

Interior - Romantic, Peaceful Getaway; Within 10 Mi of Mt. Rushmore & Custer State Park  (Keystone)
Fridge, microwave, coffee/tea maker, toaster - Romantic, Peaceful Getaway; Within 10 Mi of Mt. Rushmore & Custer State Park  (Keystone)
Dining - Romantic, Peaceful Getaway; Within 10 Mi of Mt. Rushmore & Custer State Park  (Keystone)
Dining - Romantic, Peaceful Getaway; Within 10 Mi of Mt. Rushmore & Custer State Park  (Keystone)
1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets - Romantic, Peaceful Getaway; Within 10 Mi of Mt. Rushmore & Custer State Park  (Keystone)
Experience the charm of McDonald Ranch Lodge’s Master Suite, designed and built by its owner. This cozy retreat features a private deck with outdoor seating and dining areas beneath a large oak tree. Enjoy views of the fields across the county road, unwind in your kitchenette equipped with essentials like coffee maker and microwave or relax in your spacious bathroom complete with jacuzzi bathtub.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire apartment

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2300 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking available

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About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire apartment to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Romantic, Peaceful Getaway; Within 10 Mi of Mt. Rushmore & Custer State Park

Located on the first floor, this area is the original master bedroom of the McDonald Ranch Lodge. The Lodge was designed and built by Richard McDonald, the current resident and owner. The suite has been slightly redesigned to become a lovely space for our guest’s enjoyment.

An entrance to the Master Suite has been added to the cozy, private deck. The deck has built in bench seating beneath a large oak tree. There is also a table with two chairs for outdoor dining.
The suite faces the front of the property, to the East, with views of the fields across the county road. A kitchenette has been added which includes a sink, dining and basic cooking utensils, toaster, drip coffeemaker, microwave, induction hot plate with cooking pans, and dorm size fridge. A large flat screen TV with a Roku stick and remote are included. We use Starlink satellite internet for our WiFi, free of charge for our guests.

This suite includes custom wood flooring, a vaulted ceiling with considerable windows, and a king size bed. The in-suite bathroom includes a large jacuzzi bathtub with windows, sink with expansive counter space, toilet closet, and a spacious walk-in shower.

This suite is ideal for a couple, or as additional space to the adjacent Carriage House Cabin. The Carriage House Cabin is located a few steps away, to the South.
I.E. Dad, Mom, and a couple of little ones in the Carriage House with Grandma and Grandpa in the Master Suite.

There is a three day minimum to reserve the Master Suite.

We do not have guest laundry facilities. There are laundromats in Keystone and Hill City. Garbage cans are located on the West facing part of the main house, where the parking area is.

Unfortunately, due to many considerations, we do not allow pets / animals on the property. No exceptions. If a guest arrives for their reservation with an animal they will NOT be given a rental key NOR issued a refund. Thank you for understanding.

Driving and Parking Info: The Ranch is located directly off of a well maintained and paved county road.  Our driveways are hard packed dirt and gravel.  We have limited parking near each of the cabins and suites. We have an additional parking area at the rear of the main lodge.  We have a large, well kept meadow beyond that for overflow parking of motorcycle trailers, side by sides, etc.  We ask that you please do not block the main driveways or the two car garage at the front of the property.  

Check in is at 4:00pm MST or later. Check out is by 11:00am MST.
Due to our small staff we do not offer early check in nor late check out.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the apartment: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • RV/bus/truck parking on site
  • Limited onsite parking (max 2 spaces)

Kitchenette

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Microwave
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Jetted bathtub
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Outdoor furniture
  • Porch/lanai

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • 2 steps to reach entrance
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • No elevator
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Unit size: 300 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights
Leave the door unlocked and key inside the rental.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Seniors-only community
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

About the neighborhood

Map
Keystone, SD

What's nearby

  • Custer State Park - 3 min drive - 2.6 miles
  • Black Hills Playhouse - 8 min drive - 5.2 miles
  • Center Lake - 8 min drive - 5.7 miles
  • Legion Lake - 9 min drive - 5.9 miles
  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial - 12 min drive - 8.1 miles

Getting around

  • Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) - 44 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Front Porch Restaurant and Bar - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪State Game Lodge & Resort Custer - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Carver's Café - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Cruizzers - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Ruby House Restaurant - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Romantic, Peaceful Getaway; Within 10 Mi of Mt. Rushmore & Custer State Park pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Limited spots are available.

What time is check-in at Romantic, Peaceful Getaway; Within 10 Mi of Mt. Rushmore & Custer State Park ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Romantic, Peaceful Getaway; Within 10 Mi of Mt. Rushmore & Custer State Park ?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Romantic, Peaceful Getaway; Within 10 Mi of Mt. Rushmore & Custer State Park located?

Situated in a rural location, this apartment building is 2 mi (3.3 km) from Custer State Park and within 6 mi (10 km) of Black Hills Playhouse and Center Lake. Legion Lake and Grace Coolidge Creek are also within 6 mi (10 km).

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Romantic, Peaceful Getaway; Within 10 Mi of Mt. Rushmore & Custer State Park Reviews

Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 46 out of 50 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 50 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 50 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 50 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 50 reviews

10

Cleanliness

9.8

Location

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Matthew S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful place I would go there again!!!
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sheila L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful place and so close to everything. The host is charming and we just loved our stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dennis F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome place

Definitely a place we would stay again, our host Richard was a pleasure to speak with in the morning having coffee on his porch, before we would head out for the day, would highly recommend
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sandy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing vacation

We loved our stay at the McDonald farm . Perfect location. Peaceful would definitely recommend anyone coming to Custer /Rushmore to stay at this charming home .
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anne V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spring get away!

Absolutely wonderful trip. The location was perfect for both Mt Rushmore and Custer.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was perfect! Our place was clean and had lots of little added touches to make it warm and inviting. Great location to explore Custer State park, Keystone, Hill City, Mount Rushmore, caves and more.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hunter L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Was very peaceful and we loved being out in the country then bring in town
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tara S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
QuietClose Proximity to Everything
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Rolph H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
peaceful but not so quiet
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Garrett B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was beautiful as was it's setting. The space was well kept, clean, and very cozy. I was a little concerned when booking about it being too small, but it feels very comfortable for 2 people! Richard, and the neighbor's cat were both friendly and welcoming hosts. My only comment would be that there is some noise coming from the rest of the house through connecting doorways, but this was ultimately not a large issue. I would definitely stay here again and recommend it.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nina V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

SD trip

We had a really great stay here! So clean, private, and had all the things we needed for our long weekend! We would definitely choose to stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Terri V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was so great for our visit to Mt Rushmore, Keystone, Custer state Park and Crazy Horse, Needles Highway. So quiet after full days of tourism. It’s called the Master Suite. Wow I wish my bedroom at home was this. So Beautiful Comfortable and perfect for two people. We had a wonderful vacation. Thank you
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay!

It was the perfect place for rest and relaxation! We had everything that we needed and nothing that we didn't.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sue K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Anniversary Trip

My husband and I loved our little getaway! Place was very clean and comfortable. We would stay again. We had the chance to speak with the owner he was a wonderful host.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Linda K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just loved this place

Much better than the pictures. A magical getaway
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

pam m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful

We had a wonderful stay. We totally recommend this space for privacy and peace. Mr. McDonald was a wonderful host.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paige H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely little honeymoon getaway

The McDonald Ranch was truly the perfect place for my husband and I to get away and spend time together after our wedding. Mr. McDonald is a lovely man and does a fantastic job welcoming guests and ensuring that their stay is comfortable. We would certainly book again!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kim S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Buffalo roundup

This location was perfect for the roundup, Mt.Rushmore, etc. The drive over the hills from McDonald’s ranch to Keystone was stunning. The location is quiet and best stars ever. I highly recommend this VRBO.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathy R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Master Suite

McDonald Ranch Master Suite was a wonderful place to stay. It was clean, comfortable, peaceful and beautiful. My husband and I enjoyed our stay. Richard MCDonald, the owner was fun and interesting to visit with. We would love to stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Louise S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

Nice area

Everything was clean and available
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Madonna D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for exploring all the Custer State Park has to offer!

Nice, quiet, relaxing. You can tell the host thought about your comfort and needs.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dave P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mt Rushmore/Crazyhorse/custer State Park

Very nice property. Other than bad gps info from google maps, the only down size for me was the mattress was too soft. Close location to all attractions.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Western getaway!!

Very good..a little out of the way from some things but the beautiful setting & peace & quiet was great! The room we had was clean & very relaxing..beautifully done..everything you needed for a short stay! Must say best shower ever😂..Richard the owner very nice..Thank You for a very relaxing time!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephan K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay!

Had a great, too short, time in the area, to a great part also due to the suite. One tiny minus for some might be the small kitchen area. One stove and only a little spare between that and the sink. It was fully sufficient for our little meals. We would definitely stay here again when in the Black Hills area!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Donna S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Magical

Loved our suite. We were greeted by deer am and pm. Richard came to see us our first day. He is a very pleasant man. With a colorful history. We really enjoyed speaking with him. The house was close enough for us to visit 5 National Parks. And drive thru all our must haves on the list. We would stay here again!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024