Lantern Inn
A solid base in Hill City, with a pool and free parking.
A place to stay in Hill City
Lantern Inn sits in Hill City, South Dakota, a small town that puts the southern Black Hills within easy reach. Rates start from $164 per night, and the hotel is open year-round. The outdoor pool is available to all guests regardless of age, and free private parking is on-site. Every room has air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and shower. Free Wi-Fi runs throughout the property.
Who this stay suits
A straightforward hotel in Hill City with an outdoor pool, free parking, and clean, air-conditioned rooms — practical rather than flashy.
Best for
- Road trips through the Black Hills
- Families who need a pool
- Guests arriving by car
- Year-round travel to South Dakota
Less suited to
- Travellers wanting on-site dining
- Those seeking a full-service hotel experience
Outdoor pool, open year-round
The outdoor swimming pool is one of the main draws here. It's open to guests of all ages throughout the year, which is useful given Hill City's appeal across seasons for Black Hills visitors.
Parking and practical room kit
Free private parking is on-site — a real convenience for road-trippers. Rooms come with a refrigerator, air conditioning, flat-screen TV, and carpeted floors. The private bathrooms include a shower and hairdryer.
Standout features
Inside Lantern Inn
Amenities at Lantern Inn
Most popular facilities
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
Great for your stay
- Private bathroom
- Parking
- Air conditioning
- Free Wifi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free parking
- Flat-screen TV
- Outdoor swimming pool
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Hairdryer
- Shower
Bedroom
- Linens
Kitchen
- Refrigerator
Media & Technology
- Flat-screen TV
Getting to & from Mount Rushmore
Lantern Inn is 13.4 km (8.3 mi) from Mount Rushmore National Memorial, roughly 20 minutes by car. Free on-site parking makes early park starts easy.
Lantern Inn has a 4.5/5 guest rating across 56 reviews. Reviewers most frequently call out the staff, the location in Hill City, and the cleanliness of the property. No specific negative themes appear in the available review data.
- Staff9.6
- Facilities8.7
- Cleanliness9.2
- Comfort8.8
- Value For Money8.9
- Location9.5
- Free Wifi7.5
- Rooms and bathrooms are small, with very limited space
- No breakfast offered on-site
- Pool is very small
- Thin walls and noise carry-through via connecting doors
- Minor maintenance issues: loud AC unit, TV restarting, few outlets, windows that won't stay open
“A little gem close to Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore. Room and bathroom were small but clean and comfortable with nice colors and finishes.”
“The room felt more like a warm cabin space unlike a cold hotel room. The host was very accommodating.”
“Walls are a little thin. My room had those silly connector doors to the next room that helps carry the sounds. Hopefully your neighbors don't snore!”
“Very clean and friendly staff. No breakfast but grocery store was directly across the street. Will stay there again.”
Guest reviews summarised from Booking.com.
Good to know
Frequently asked
Where exactly is Lantern Inn located?
The hotel is in Hill City, South Dakota, a small town in the Black Hills region. It's a convenient base for exploring the southern Black Hills.
Is the outdoor pool open all year?
Yes. The outdoor swimming pool is open year-round and is available to guests of all ages at no extra charge.
Is parking free?
Yes. Free private parking is available on-site. You don't need to reserve it in advance or pay a fee.
Is Wi-Fi included in the room rate?
Free Wi-Fi is included throughout the property for all guests.
What's included in each room?
Every room has air conditioning, heating, a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, carpeted floors, and linens. Private bathrooms come with a shower, hairdryer, and toilet paper.
Is Lantern Inn suitable for families with children?
Yes, the hotel welcomes guests of all ages. The outdoor pool is also open to all ages, which makes it a practical option for families.
Are the rooms non-smoking?
Yes, all rooms at Lantern Inn are non-smoking.
What are the rates at Lantern Inn?
Rates start from $164 per night. For current availability and exact pricing, check directly with the hotel or through an online booking platform.
Is the hotel open year-round?
Yes. Lantern Inn is open all year, so it's a viable option whether you're visiting the Black Hills in summer or winter.
What language is spoken at the front desk?
The hotel operates in English.