Frequently Asked Questions

What furnishings are provided?

All of our homes have quality furniture. In addition we provide all bed and bath linens for the maximum occupancy, all basic cooking and dining utensils for the maximum occupancy, and basic soap and paper products.

Can we bring our pet to the home?

We have a number of homes that are pet-friendly. As a rule, we do not allow cats, but will allow up to two house dogs under the following conditions: an additional $50 per pet refundable deposit is held, and the animal(s) may not be left unattended at the homes unless they are in a secure kennel. You can receive your deposit back if we find you have cleaned up pet hair, pet food, pet waste, and no damage to property or furnishings was done by the pet. If you bring a pet into one of our homes where pets are not allowed, you will be charged a minimum fine of $250.

Do any of your homes allow tobacco smoking indoors?

A resounding “NO”. All of our homes are smoke-free. Guests are free to smoke outside and dispose of butts in provided sand cans. If we find that a guest has smoked inside the home, there is a minimum fine of $250 charged to remove the smell from carpets and furnishings.

Where are these homes located?

The lovely Black Hills of South Dakota is an area about 100 miles north to south and 50 miles east to west, rather like a forested island in a sea of prairie. You can access all the area’s main attractions by an easy scenic drive of no more than an hour. We have rental properties both in town and out in the forest, including some within walking distance of the ski areas.

How far is it to Mount Rushmore?

This inspiring national monument is located in the central part of the Hills near the small town of Keystone. The areas listed on our website are mostly north of there, 45 minutes to an hour to drive. We have a handful of offerings in the central Hills open for spring, summer, and fall visits that are closed to rentals during the winter.

What dates are regular rate rent and which are holiday rate?

We have four holiday periods --- Martin Luther King weekend, President’s weekend, the Fourth of July holiday, and Christmas break (December 20 to January 2). The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally week has its own rate as well. The Rally is held the first full week of August every year. All other dates are at regular rate.

What extra fees can we expect?

Each home has a one-time cleaning fee that is based on its size. These run from $55 to $100. There is also a one-time hot tub maintenance fee of $30, sales tax of 5 to 8% (depending on location), and a processing fee of 5%.

Do you offer any discounts?

We offer our return guests a discount, and we apply a 10% discount to all stays of 5 nights or longer (rally week excluded). In addition, we occasionally run specials. Check our home page for current specials.

Is there a down-payment required to keep our reservation?

We require a pre-payment equal to one-night’s rent at the time you make your reservation. The balance of the charges will be due in full 60 days in advance of your stay. If you are reserving closer than that, we ask that you are ready to make payment arrangements.

What happens if we want to cancel our reservation?

If you have not made your payment, you can cancel your reservation with only a $50 fee. Once payment has been made, we do not offer refunds but will gladly help you reschedule your dates for any available time within a year.

How do we check in and pick up our keys?

Please try to check-in at our office at 744 Prospect Avenue, just off Main Street in Lead, SD between the hours of noon and 4:00 pm mountain time on the day your reservation begins. A number of our outlying properties are equipped with keyless entry systems --- for these we cheerfully provide you with directions and the current code numbers to access the home without requiring you to check-in at our office. We also have a system for picking up keys after hours and on weekends. Just phone us for instructions.

Can we arrange for early check-in or late check-out?

Check-in is 4pm and check-out is at 10am. If you want to check-in before 12 noon or check out after 12 noon, there will be an extra 1/2 day charge. If you wish to make other arrangements, you must call us prior to the time for any available options.

Do you require a damage deposit?

There are two options for damage protection for our homeowners. You can leave a traditional fully refundable damage deposit at the time of check-in. This will run from $250 to $750 depending on the home you are renting. Or we offer a damage waiver for sale for $40. This is more like an insurance option as it is not refundable but it covers any accidental damage you cause and report to us up to a maximum amount of $1500. Intentional or neglectful damage is not covered by these means, but dealt with individually and if needed by legal means. Neither option covers damage that was not reported to our office or excessive cleaning needed for home or hot tub.

What activities and attractions can we access?

Some of our cabins and lodges have recreation available right at the property in the form of pool tables, foosball tables, poker tables, air hockey tables, hot tubs, video game systems, and movie and board game collections. There are many outdoor activities available as well: down hill & cross country skiing, snowmobiling & ATV riding, snowboarding & snowshoeing, mountain biking & hiking, fishing & hunting, bird & wildlife watching, horseback riding & water sports, museums & art galleries, shopping & casino entertainment. We highly recommend making time to see Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Devil’s Tower. For lists and links to some of our dozens of area family attractions, please visit the “Things to Do” tab on our home page.

What are check-out procedures?

You will be given a sheet in your reservation packet with instructions for check-out. This same sheet is at each home in the 3-ring notebook. Check drawers, closets, and nightstands for personal items. Please make certain that the home is secure --- windows and doors closed and locked. Bring your keys back to our office, and drop them in the return slot next to the front door if we are not there.

If you have any immediate questions, feel free to phone or email us.