Holy Terror Mini Golf | Keystone

Holy Terror Mini Golf is one of the most distinctive and entertaining family attractions in Keystone, South Dakota, located just a few minutes from Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Set into a steep Black Hills hillside, this uniquely themed miniature golf course blends creative design, historical storytelling, and mountain charm into an experience that’s equal parts fun and scenic. Its name pays tribute to Keystone’s gold-mining past-specifically, the “Holy Terror Mine,” once one of the richest and most notoriously difficult mines in the region.

Setting and Atmosphere

Built into the rugged slope behind Keystone’s main street, Holy Terror Mini Golf feels more like a mountain adventure than a typical flat course. Wooden bridges cross bubbling streams, rock formations jut from the fairways, and cascading waterfalls provide a natural soundtrack as players move from hole to hole. The crisp scent of pine fills the air, and in the evening, the course glows under warm lights that reflect off the surrounding granite cliffs.

From certain vantage points, players catch glimpses of the town below and the forested ridges stretching toward Mount Rushmore. The combination of elevation changes, natural rock features, and clever design makes this one of the most scenic mini golf courses in the Black Hills.

History and Theme

The course’s name, “Holy Terror,” isn’t just a quirky title-it comes from a real mine discovered in the 1890s by miners prospecting near Keystone. The mine was said to have been named after one of the miner’s wives, known for her fiery temper. The name stuck, and the mine became one of the most productive in the area before closing decades later.

The mini golf course draws inspiration from that history, transforming the legend into a playful, gold-rush-themed landscape filled with wooden mine structures, mock ore carts, and rustic décor that evoke the spirit of Keystone’s frontier past.

Course Design and Experience

The 18-hole course is spread over multiple terraces carved into the hillside, each hole offering a different level of challenge and visual charm. Rather than relying on simple gimmicks, the designers used the natural terrain to create an experience that feels organic and immersive.

Highlights include:

Waterfalls and Streams: Several holes play alongside or across running water, adding both sound and motion to the game.

Elevation Challenges: Players climb wooden stairs and descend winding paths as the course zigzags up and down the slope.

Mining-Themed Features: Timber beams, rock tunnels, and a replica mine shaft add atmosphere to the round.

Panoramic Views: The upper holes offer excellent vantage points of Keystone and the surrounding pine forest.

The course is well-maintained, and the layout ensures a steady rhythm-no overcrowding, plenty of shade, and enough surprises to keep both children and adults engaged.

Family and Group Appeal

Holy Terror Mini Golf is designed for all ages, making it a favorite stop for families visiting the Mount Rushmore area. Couples often play a quiet round in the evening, while groups of friends compete playfully under the lights. The course is also known for its friendly staff, tidy facilities, and a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere.

It’s particularly enjoyable at sunset, when the surrounding hills catch the last golden light and the course’s small lamps begin to flicker on, giving the place a cozy, nostalgic glow.

Visitor Information

Location: 609 Highway 16A, Keystone, South Dakota

Season: Open seasonally from late spring through early fall

Hours: Typically from morning until late evening (extended hours in summer)

Holes: 18, with themed designs and varied difficulty

Facilities: Small gift shop, shaded rest areas, restrooms, and parking nearby

Accessibility: Some portions of the course involve stairs or inclines

Admission: Reasonably priced, with family and group discounts available

Closing Impression

Holy Terror Mini Golf captures the heart of Keystone’s playful, adventurous spirit. It’s more than a quick diversion-it’s an imaginative blend of local history, natural beauty, and good old-fashioned fun. Whether you’re laughing your way through a tricky slope, pausing to watch water tumble over the rocks, or simply enjoying a cool mountain evening with friends, the course delivers a memorable slice of the Black Hills experience-one that feels both handcrafted and full of character.