RAPID CITY, S.D. – With the summer travel season winding down across the Black Hills, Rush Mountain Adventure Park is ending the year on a high note. Owner Tom Hagen says visitor numbers this season slightly outpaced last year, helped by mild fall weather that kept the park open well into October.
Haunted cave tours wrap up the season
While the park’s outdoor attractions close for winter, Rushmore Cave remains open for the final dates of the annual “Haunting of Keystone.” Now in its tenth year as part of the community‑wide Halloween event, the cave has been transformed into “Down the Rabbit Hole,” an eerie, Alice‑in‑Wonderland‑inspired experience. The haunted tour is part of a joint pass that also includes Big Thunder Gold Mine’s classic horror haunt, “Through the Veil,” and a walk through the historic Keystone Schoolhouse.
“Each of the three haunts has its own personality, and it’s three haunts for the price of one. It’s really a good time,” Hagen said.
Centennial celebration planned for next summer
After the haunted tours conclude, staff will turn their attention to preparations for a historic milestone. Next year marks the 100th anniversary of continuous operation for Rushmore Cave, which first opened to visitors as Hermosa Crystal Cave in 1927. Hagen announced a centennial celebration weekend scheduled for June 4–6, featuring special flashlight tours, commemorative apparel, and property‑wide festivities.
During the winter months, the park’s operations will pivot to the Sprockets Fun Foundry in Keystone. The indoor arcade, duckpin bowling lanes, taproom, and virtual‑reality rides will remain open year‑round, providing a family‑friendly destination even when the weather turns cold.
Tickets and information
Tickets for the final nights of the Haunting of Keystone can be purchased online at hauntingofkeystone.com. Individual cave haunt admissions are also available at the door.
Rush Mountain Adventure Park’s blend of outdoor thrills and indoor entertainment continues to draw visitors from across the region, supporting local tourism and offering families a safe, fun environment as the season changes.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
