Apartment

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

Apartment in Hermosa with kitchenette and jetted bath

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

This is your happy place!
Intimate dining in front of the propane fireplace.
Dining
New kitchenette, added Spring 2022.
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 227.9 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Parking available
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Mount Rushmore National Memorial
  • Place, Rushmore Tramway Adventures
  • Place, Mount Rushmore
  • Airport, Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional)

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Jetted bathtub · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchenette

About this property

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.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 3–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
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.

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
On-site 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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

About the area

Hermosa

Located in Hermosa, this apartment is in a rural area. Travellers eager for a bit of culture can stop by Mount Rushmore National Memorial, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore. National Presidential Wax Museum and Rushmore Tramway Adventures are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Keystone, SD

What's nearby

  • Big Thunder Gold Mine - 14 min drive - 12.3 km
  • Rushmore Cave - 16 min drive - 14.1 km
  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial - 16 min drive - 13.1 km
  • Rushmore Tramway Adventures - 16 min drive - 13.1 km
  • Mount Rushmore - 20 min drive - 15.8 km

Getting around

  • Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) - 44 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Front Porch - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪State Game Lodge & Resort Custer - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Ruby House Restaurant - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Carver's Café - ‬20 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 at Romantic, Peaceful Getaway; Within 10 Mi of Mt. Rushmore & Custer State Park ?

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 ?

Checkout 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 miles (10 km) of Black Hills Playhouse and Center Lake. Legion Lake and Grace Coolidge Creek are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy
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

Reviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hailey M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very peaceful and cozy stay, within 30 minutes of everything we came to do. Highly recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tim H.

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

A Peaceful Getaway

My husband and I stayed for 4 nights in the Master Suite! It was the perfect getaway! The place is very quiet and relaxing. We did stay on the go quite a bit, as we went to see the sights of the area (Mt. Rushmore, The Badlands, Crazy Horse). We ate at quite a few of the local restaurants and never had a bad meal. As far as the property goes, Doc and Mrs. Doc were awesome! The place was spotless! Thank you to Mr. McDonald for sharing his property with us.....and others!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

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

Collette J.

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

Simply amazing

Beautiful suite on an amazing ranch. Comfortable bed, well equipped for guests. So peaceful that you feel like you’re miles away from everything but you are actually not far from Rushmore and other places. Master suite was cozy, relaxing, well decorated for the ranch environment. Richard our host was welcoming, friendly and an absolute pleasure to sit and visit with. He made a wonderful place even better!! Highly recommended staying at this wonderful ranch. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to stay at a great location and enjoy the company of an amazing host named Richard.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

April B.

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

Quiet, beautiful setting

This property exceeded our expectations. The Master Suite is beautiful in a great setting. It was very quiet although we could occasionally faintly hear the owner next door. Having a king-size bed was something we were looking for. Nice shower and tub but we did not use the tub. Central location to the places we wanted to visit: Keystone, Mount Rushmore, Jewell Cave, Sylvan Lake.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gregory P.

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

paradise

As we drove up the narrow road, we were a little skeptical. Then we came upon a clearing in the valley and found the McDonald ranch. It was perfect. Very clean, which is important to us. King size bed, fireplace, tv, microwave, frig, sink and a huge bathroom including a walk in shower and jacuzzi tub. It was very quiet and private. Beautiful mornings on the front deck. Mr. McDonald is living in the main house, and loves to chat with his visitors. We sat with him twice, and enjoyed his stories very much. Not sure if we will ever be able to return to South Dakota, but if we do, we know exactly where we are staying. A very special place.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

About the host

Hosted by Richard McDonald

Host profile image

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests