Fun Historic Cabin with the Best Swimming Hole on Spring Creek
Located in the historic Stratobowl near Rockerville, this classic Black Hills ranch style home is right on Spring Creek in a rugged canyon. The back windows and deck look out onto the best swimming hole on all of Spring Creek. Surrounded by hiking trails along the creek and in the National Forest, this is the perfect location for families searching for adventure in the great outdoors or couples who want to get away from it all in an incredibly peaceful setting.
The house has been fully updated with all of today's conveniences including climate control, updated electrical system, and DSL internet. Located near Rockerville, this home is secluded, yet only 20 minutes from Rapid City or Mount Rushmore.
Sleeps 6. The master bedroom has a king size bed with large windows looking down to the creek. A second bedroom has a queen size bed also with views of the creek. The third bedroom is the heritage room with a king size bed built into the room. The home has a deck on the creek side where guests can enjoy their morning coffee or grill out later in the day. There is a well-equipped kitchen and a very comfortable living room with a 42" television. The bathroom has a walk-in shower with grab bars. The single level and attached garage make it ideal for anyone with mobility difficulties.
Enjoy the natural beauty of the Black Hills secluded in this classic home along Spring Creek. The home is located in a very unique and historic area, the Stratobowl - birthplace of the Space Age where the Army Air Corps and National Geographic Society launched manned balloon flights into the stratosphere to a record 72,395 feet in 1934-35. Note: New driveway concrete construction planned for May. You are still welcome to stay! Note: Between the hours of ~Noon and 6:00pm there is a chance that the swimming hole might be shared by the owner's grandson and one other adjacent vacation home.
In order to access the surrounding property (Stratobowl, trails along the creek, etc.), a hold harmless waiver will be available to sign at check in.
Check in time is 4:00 PM and check out is 11:00 AM.
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Spectacular setting, amenities, and centrally located to Mt. Rushmore and Custer State Park, and hiking. Wi-Fi. Excellent cell service (Verizon & ATT). Private campfire and fireplace. Off-season discounts. No extra fees.
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 3782667vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Rapid City
Located in Rapid City, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Travellers eager for a bit of culture can stop by Mount Rushmore National Memorial, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Mount Rushmore and The Black Hills. Travelling with kids? Consider Putz n Glo - Black Light Mini Golf, or check out an event or a game at Summit Arena at The Monument. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and water tubing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding and cycling.
Putz n Glo - Black Light Mini Golf - 3 min drive - 3.5 km
Bear Country USA - 6 min drive - 7.0 km
Reptile Gardens - 7 min drive - 10.9 km
Fort Hays Old West Town & Dinner Show - 8 min drive - 13.3 km
Hart Ranch Golf Course - 10 min drive - 15.1 km
Getting around
Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) - 34 min drive
Restaurants
Wild Sage - 15 min drive
Salt Block Burgers & Brews - 14 min drive
Wings and Rings - 17 min drive
Black Hills Blend - 15 min drive
Bin 605 - 15 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Fun Historic Cabin with the Best Swimming Hole on Spring Creek pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Fun Historic Cabin with the Best Swimming Hole on Spring Creek?
As of 6 August 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Fun Historic Cabin with the Best Swimming Hole on Spring Creek on 7 December 2026 start from NZ$1,792, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Fun Historic Cabin with the Best Swimming Hole on Spring Creek?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Fun Historic Cabin with the Best Swimming Hole on Spring Creek?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Fun Historic Cabin with the Best Swimming Hole on Spring Creek?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Fun Historic Cabin with the Best Swimming Hole on Spring Creek located?
This family-friendly Rapid City holiday home is located on the waterfront, 2.3 mi (3.6 km) from Putz n Glo - Black Light Mini Golf, and within 9 mi (15 km) of Reptile Gardens and Cosmos Mystery Area. Fort Hays Old West Town & Dinner Show and Hart Ranch Golf Course are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Great property and a great stay! The location was perfect, with easy access to Mount Rushmore and everything the area has to offer. The property was clean, comfortable, and exactly what we were looking for. The host was fantastic—friendly, responsive, and very accommodating. We really enjoyed our stay and would absolutely recommend this property to anyone visiting the Mount Rushmore area!
Fantastic property with equally great host! It is a destination location without even needing to leave the property. Hiking, kayaking, swimming, fishing, and playing games--we were very happy.
The cabin and property have an interesting history which was great to know. However we feel more attention could be made towards comfort. The king size bed mattress needs to be replaced as well as the pillows, more options available for tv use, and we were looking forward to kayaking but the water was too shallow to actually kayak. While the views were stunning, the grounds outside needed attention. Overall the location of this cabin is ideal in proximity to many of the parks, monuments and sights we visited.
This home offers all that you'd need for a wonderful vacation in South Dakota. Ken was prompt and very kind in answering questions we had prior to our arrival. Shortly after our arrival Kens daughter greeted us and in conversation we learned the history of the family home which we found very interesting. This home is the most well stocked home we've ever rented and included many things other rentals do not have. There were plenty of towels (bath,hand & washcloth), beach towels, shampoo, conditioner & body soap dispensers in the shower, hand soap, paper towels, toilet paper and even kleenex were provided. Despite the homes age it has central air which my husband was very appreciative of as the temperatures were in the 90's. It's central to many places to visit in South Dakota yet also offers so much to do if you choose to spend a day at the house. The kids enjoyed the swimming hole, kayaks and trails on the property, while we enjoyed sitting on the deck and watching them have fun. My husband and I enjoyed early morning walks on the trails while the boys slept in. Thank you Ken & family for sharing your home and property with us.
Tammy K.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2026
From our family to yours, thank you. We are fortunate to be “stewards” of this very special place and adore this cabin. It brings us great joy to be able to share with others who appreciate the experience.
Great relaxing property with lots of hiking in a convenient are in the Black Hills. Really enjoyed Kayaking in the river and just sitting outside relaxing to the sounds.
Great experience! Did have to check in personally with host to sign waivers, which was unexpected, but helpful to get info about the property and area. Was such a great property to stay at with the swimming hole and trails. Location to all of the things to explore in the area was also good.
Property was amazing!! The house was clean and the swimming hole was so much fun for my kids! It was very centrally located to all the attractions we wanted to see and the trails accessible right from the house were beautiful!! An amazing spot!!!
Close to all the tourist attractions, but could have totally spent the whole weekend on this gorgeous property without leaving! Exceeded our expectations!
Loved this location. Property was beautiful with the swimming hole and stream. Hiking trails to overlook the area was amazing. Close to places we wanted to visit. Would stay there again!
This property is such a hidden gem! It was immaculately clean and we could have stayed on the property for our entire stay. The kids loved swimming, diving, and fishing in the creek. We explored the cave, hiked, and enjoyed evenings on the deck. Ken and his family were such great hosts - we were treated like family. We would love to be able to stay again next time we're in the area!
My boys and I had the trip of a lifetime! The property was absolutely stunning—far beyond what we imagined. We highly recommend it for anyone looking for a relaxing outdoor getaway. Ken and his family were incredible hosts, and the space was spotless and perfect for the whole family. We’ll definitely be back for more!
Our family stayed here in early July. It was beautiful! The kids had an amazing time in the swimming hole. Every small detail planned by the host was appreciated. There were games for adults, toys for children, beach towels and extra toiletries if you forget something! Great host, great house, great history!
Outstanding home stocked full of all the necessary household items and supplies to make my stay with four grandsons (one 17 yrs old, three 16 yr old) in an idyllic stream-runs-through-it wooded property in the StratoBowl historic and scenic area just outside of Rapid City. We enjoyed hiking, fishing, swimming, and panning for gold. Great proximity to local ATV trail rentals and to Mt. Rushmore, Custer State Park, and The Badlands National Park.
We had a wonderful stay at the Creekside House. The house is charming, very well cared for, and hands down the cleanest vacation rental I've stayed at. The hosts are quick to respond to any questions. Great location for relaxing or seeing the sights.
seeingsights.requeiries.
Our family loved this location so much it was hard to get the kids to want to leave the cabin to see nearby attractions. Canyon, creek, swimming hole, and hiking trails were simply amazing.
Words can’t describe this cabin/location. It was breath taking and peaceful. My boys spent hours upon hours fishing and kayaking in the swimming hole. The hikes were beautiful. The cabin fit us all perfectly. We will be back. Thank you for an unforgettable experience.
Our family of 4 loved the stay. The location is very private and the pictures don’t do it justice. It exceeded our expectations.
Kristin F.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
About the host
Hosted by Ken Tomovick
About the owner: We live in the Black Hills of South Dakota in a place known as the Stratobowl. This geological wonder is carved from the combined effects of water erosion and the uplift of a fault line in the rugged Spring Creek canyon. Secluded and idyllic, the property is reminiscent of another era. Maybe it is the silence, the old limestone cliffs, or the song of the creek meandering through the seasons. As these ancient voices surround us, we breathe in all the natural beauty. Peace melts into our being and comes out as creative expressions. When the moon is full, the canyon becomes an illuminated, mystical experience. That is why, at one time, this place was named 'Moon Valley'. Then, in 1934 and 1935, the Army Air corps and National Geographic Society launched manned balloon flights into the stratosphere from here. It was then, that the family field acquired its new name of 'The Stratobowl' while becoming the birth place for the space age.
Why they chose this property
This specific home was built by our grandparents, Lawrence and Betty Jacobson in 1950. It has recently been renovated. With great pleasure, we share this property with guests from around the world.
What makes this property unique
This home is one level. It has an attached garage to protect your vehicle, and the swimming hole in the backyard is one of a kind. This is truly THE Black Hills experience.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
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