How far are you from Mt. Rushmore?

Pine Rest Cabins is roughly 9 miles from Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument and the entrance to Custer State Park at Sylvan Lake.  ( Black Elk Peak Trail #9 trailhead ) 

What shall I wear?

Summer days are generally cooler in the hills with temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s, while nights can get as low as the 30’s, so it is wise to bring sweatshirts and jeans as well as your summer clothes. You will be glad you brought comfortable shoes for hiking and walking. A bathing suit is required for use of the hot tub and sauna or if you plan to visit an area  pool, lake or waterslide park.

Are the cabins air conditioned?

Our cabins are nature cooled, but fans are available should nature need a little help. With the windows open you will breathe fresh mountain air and wake to the scent of pine. Resting on the shady side of the mountain at approximately 5000 feet above the sea level, heat and humidity are usually held in check and the cabins have good ventilation. 

Cottage Suite #10 receives air conditioning by way of Lodge & Coffee shop.   Our  vaction home – Alice’s Black Hills Cottage on the Mick-   has air conditioners in the main and upstairs bedrooms & the main floor living room, while the lower level bedroom stays cool naturally with fans provided should the need arise. 

Do the cabins have heat or fireplaces?

The Aspen, Birch, Cedar , Dakota and Three Pines cabins , open year round are heated with a cozy gas fireplace . Historic old  cabin #5, open spring through fall, has both woodburning and free standing gas fireplace.  Small Cabins 1 & 2, Medium Cabins #4 & #8 , open spring through fall , have electric heat.  Alice’s Black Hills Cottage on the Mick, has radient heat as well as a gas log fireplace on the main floor and electric fireplace in lower level the family room .

Do you provide breakfast?

We leave most of the cooking up to you, however you may want to come up to the Perky Pine Cafe in the morning to see what we’ve baked up!    Local coffee beans and a variety of  teas are available for purchase at the Perky Pine .  The kitchenettes are equipped and you’ll find everything you need in the way of groceries at the local shops and grocery store right in Hill City.  If you’d prefer to dine out, we’d be happy to refer you to some of our favorite eating places. 

Is there hiking nearby?

Feel free to truly hike and explore the natural beauty of the Black Hills National Forest directly adjoining our property. There are also numerous mapped and marked trails in the Black Hills National Forest and Custer State Park within an easy drive. The Mickelson trail access is less than one mile. We are happy to share with you those we’ve hiked or provide a source of information on those we haven’t. We find the Black Hills to be very accessible hiking for all ages and abilities.

Where to fish?

There are several public lakes in the Black Hills, mainly stocked with trout.  Our nearest fishing ponds are within a half to one mile from Pine Rest and we are happy to point you in the right direction.  Spring Creek runs through Hill City and Rapid Creek is popular for fly fishing.  Major Lake is a small lake right accross from the grocery store in Hill City.  Sheridan, Pactola and Deerfield are the larger lakes nearest us.   Temporary fishing licenses are available at the local gas station and hardware store. 

Do you have a pool or hot tub?

We do have a hot tub for older kids ( 12 & up)  and adults, but no pool .  You’ll also want your suits to enjoy a sunny day at one of the area lakes. We are happy to point you in the right direction. Some of the marinas rent pontoon boats and fishing boats, or paddle boats and canoes. 

We are also happy to have the naturally heated indoor and outdoor pools at Hot Springs’ Evans Plunge about an hour from us. Custer, 11 miles, has a public pool and there are several in Rapid City – 27 miles. The Watikii Water Park in Rapid City, less than an hour from us, is also open all year. Our favorite swimming lakes with restroom facilities are Center Lake in Custer State Park, Agostura Lake near Hot Springs, and Sheridan Lake, just 7 miles north of us off of Hwy 385.  Day use Permits or Park stickers are required for these swimming areas. 

Why don’t  you allow pets?

 An occasional “Granddog” and their  forest friends freely roam the property and they prefer to have the place to themselves.  We have many local deer, chipmunks, squirrels, turkeys and rarely, an elk herd passing through.  Out of respect for our neighbors, and, living along the highway,  to protect the health and safety of our animal friends and yours,  we do not allow  pets.   

Are your cabins secluded?

As with most private property situated within the boundaries of the Black Hills National Forest , we are right along the main road. Pine Rest Cabns has three short gravel driveways, just off of highway 16/385 allowing quick and easy access for those who like to be out and about during the day and return in the evening to unwind. In the winter time our road is well maintained and very quiet. Our home for over  26 years, we love it here among the mountains and pines, yet having everything so handy. However, if you prefer to be further from it all, we understand. Let us know, and we’d be glad to link you to other possibilities that may better suit your needs.

What about Campfires?

Being  in the center of the national forest, we are cautious about open fires .  Each cabin does have a charcoal or gas grill.    You are invited to use the chiminea at the bathhouse patio during low fire danger.   We are located in the Black Hills National Forest Fire protection district and are subject to the rules and regulations thereof.

What is provided in the cabins ? 

Cabin and Vacation home  Kitchens Include:

• Microwave
• Electric coffee maker
• Toaster
• Dishsoap and dishtowels
• Basic cooking utensils
  • Pots and pans
  • Dishes
• Silverware
• Cabins # 1, 2, 4, 5, 8 and Suite #10 have a charcoal grill.
• Aspen, Birch, Cedar, Dakota Cabins and Alices’ have a gas grill.           
• Small Cabins  #1,  #2 and Medium Cabins #3,  #4, #8 and Alice’s have a gas range with oven 
• Aspen, Birch, Cedar, Dakota  & Large Cabin #5
  • Electric skillet (for frying or roasting)
  • Chef’s pot (for boiling, frying or slow cooking)
  • No ovens

Linens & Sundries Provided:

• All bedding, plus extra blankets and pillows on request
  • Sheets are provided for you to make your own bunk beds and  single sofa beds in Aspen, Birch, Cedar and Dakota  and full futons in Cabins #1, #2, #3, #4 , #5  and  #8
• Bath towels,  hand towels, dish towels and washcloths
  • No maid service – at the cabins  fresh towels are available daily for pick up at the towel window. 
• Hand soap & dish soap
• Toilet paper
• Electric fans
• Irons 

What should  I bring?

Bring for your Kitchen:

• Paper plates
• Paper towels
• Napkins
• Aluminum foil
• Food storage bags
• Mixing bowls & large pots or pans
• Charcoal, lighter fluid  & utensils for grill
• Coffee and other groceries

We have a full service grocery store, Krulls Market, located in Hill City as well as two convenience stores and a Dollar General. 

Bring  personal linens & sundries 

• Shampoo
• Lotion 
• Sunscreen
• Facial tissue
• Hair dryer ( we do have a loaner , Alice’s has a hair dryer) 
• Beach towels or “outside” towels or picnic blankets
• Bathing suit
• First Aid Kit

• Flashlight

Where can we do laundry?

Laundromats are located at the two gas station/convenience stores – Conoco & Exxon – in Hill City.  Our vacation home rental –  Aliice’s Black Hills Cottage on the Mick – has it’s own washer and dryer. 

Do the cabins have phones and wi- fi? 

There are no phones in the cabins.  Generally speaking cell phone reception is good here at Pine Rest Cabins and in Hill City.   Be prepared for pockets with “no service” as you travel around the Black Hills. You may want to check with your service provider about your particular phone coverage and plan for extra data usage.   It is good to remember that when a call won’t go through out in the hills , sometimes a text will ,and a paper map in the car is an old reliable method of navigation. 

We have good wi-fi connectivity from  the coffee shop and most of the cabins which you are welcome to use. We remind you that we are rural and with the dramatic increase in usage, especially in the summer months, service may be patchy or slow here and other parts of the Black Hills . Our mountain weather also occasionally has an effect.  It’s a good idea to plan for using your own data if you are counting on  downloading or streaming a lot of information.  We do not provide a printer – printing and wi-fi are available at the public library in Hill City.