$50–100

The Main Street Manor Hostel (515 W. Main St., 605/717-2044, www.mainstreetmanorhostel.com, $25 per person) has to be one of the best deals in the hills, although the rooms are not particularly suited to couples. There are four rooms with twin beds and one room with bunk beds with Wi-Fi access, shared bath, and a common room with cable television access. Family-owned and -operated, the hostel is decorated in “French chateau” style. It is in walking distance to local attractions and dining in downtown Lead.

A more traditional style of lodging can be found at the Golden Hills Resort (900 Miners Ave., 605/584-1800 or 888/465-3080, www.goldenhillsonline.com, $89–99). Located between Lead and Deadwood, the resort has 100 rooms; amenities include a free shuttle to Deadwood and free use of the Lead YMCA, which is connected to the resort. There is also direct access to the Mickelson Trail from the hotel grounds.

The White Tail Court Motel (11295 U.S. 14A, 605/584-9085, www.blackhills.com/whitetailcourt, $65–99) is located two miles west of Lead on U.S. 14A/85. There are seven cabins, some with kitchen units. The rooms aren’t fancy, but they are clean and spacious, and free wireless Internet is available. The property is really pretty, with lots of trees and a babbling brook, and has a great location for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. A shower house is provided for tenting/RV guests (sites are $12–27) and picnic tables are located throughout the property. The motel is located on White Tail Creek and at the base of trail 5W, a snowmobile-only trail. In the wintertime, the motel provides fuel and oil for snowmobilers, as well as a heated garage for repairs.

$100–150

Cheyenne Crossing (21415 U.S. 14A, 605/584-3510, www.cheyennecrossing.org, $95–135) is located at the southern edge of the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway. A three-bedroom, one-bath, pine-paneled apartment is located over the restaurant and is available for nightly rental. Guests can elect to use one, two, or three bedrooms; the rate varies based on the number of rooms used. This is not set up like a bed-and-breakfast, as the apartment is available for just one guest/family at a time. It’s a nice alternative for large parties traveling together. It’s a great location for sports enthusiasts wanting close access to Spearfish Canyon and great dining. (The downstairs restaurant serves one of the best breakfasts in the region, and great lunches and dinners, too.)

© Laural A. Bidwell from Moon Mount Rushmore & the Black Hills, 1st Edition