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Entire home

Right on the creek with amazing swimming hole!

Kids love the swimming hole! Kayaks included.

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6204.4 sq m

Popular amenities

Washer

Barbecue grill

Kitchen

Air conditioning

Dryer

Outdoor space

Explore the area

Rapid City, SD

Bear Country USA9 min drive
Reptile Gardens12 min drive
Fort Hays Old West Town & Dinner Show14 min drive
Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional)34 min drive

Most relevant reviews

10/10 Excellent

Very quaint and authentic home in a pleasant uniquely private setting.

Ben N.

Oct 21, 2023

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Art Room Bedroom w/ Creek View

1 Queen Bed

Creekside Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Heritage Room

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Outdoor play area

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

Fun Historic Cabin with the Best Swimming Hole on Spring Creek

Located in the historic Stratobowl, 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: 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.

Property manager

Ken Tomovick

Premier Host

Languages

English

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Mountain view

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Important information

You need to know

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

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. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Mount Rushmore. Putz n Glo - Black Light Mini Golf and Reptile Gardens are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Rapid City, SD

What's nearby

Bear Country USA - 9 min drive
Reptile Gardens - 12 min drive
Fort Hays Old West Town & Dinner Show - 14 min drive
Mount Rushmore National Memorial - 19 min drive
Black Hills Caverns - 31 min drive

Getting around

Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) - 34 min drive

Restaurants

‪Wings and Rings - ‬17 min drive
‪Black Hills Coffee Company - ‬15 min drive
‪Fort Hays Chuck Wagon Suppers - ‬14 min drive
‪Old MacDonald's Farm - ‬8 min drive
‪The Gaslight - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Where is Fun Historic Cabin with the Best Swimming Hole on Spring Creek located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 2.3 mi (3.6 km) from Putz n Glo - Black Light Mini Golf and within 9 miles (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).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Jo Anna E.

25 June 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Secluded Gem!

Such a stunning property! I was mesmerized by the beautiful creek in the backyard. We took a short hike that followed the creek. The house is very cozy. I didn't want to leave because it was so peaceful. Unfortunately,We were unable to swim in the creek because it was unseasonably cold for mid-June with highs barely reaching 70 degrees. We left 100 degree temps in St. Louis. So, the break from the head an humidity was exactly what we needed! I was only slightly bummed by the colder weather because the view of the creek and the mountains just took my breath away.

Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Emily C.

23 June 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Best Time

We had the most amazing time! The property was beautiful, super clean, with historical charm. The views and serenity of the StratoBowl are incomparable. Our kids LOVED the creek with the kayaks and could have spent an entire day out just doing that. We decided our stay was too short! We saw a ton of local attractions and would have loved one more day to spend exclusively at the cabin! Thank you!

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ben N.

21 Oct 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

One of a kind

Very quaint and authentic home in a pleasant uniquely private setting.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

7 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What a neat place!

We had a great time! The host was absolutely delightful and very helpful with our questions.

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lora H.

5 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Bonding Time

So convenient to everything we wanted to do. Ken and Cory are amazing people to get to know, and Bella too! If we go back to the Black Hills, we will definitely stay there again! We feel like family now!

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jacob L.

26 Aug 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to get away

This is a great place to get away and enjoy the outdoors all while being close to South Dakota’s attractions.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Breah K.

18 Aug 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wow!

Wish we would have stayed longer! Kids had an absolute blast in the swimming hole— kayaks and fishing. Explored the trails and cave nearby. A gem of a location! Didn’t realize the swimming hole is shared with another property but it wasn’t a problem at all. Also was a little unclear with the check in process— but was all sorted out quickly! Will definitely return— what a great spot!

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey

14 Aug 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hidden Gem in the Black Hills

I have been to the Black Hills/Rapid City multiple times and had I known this little jewel was available I would have never stayed anywhere else! Check in process was awesome, owner gave us a tour of the property with an excellent history lesson about the area, the home is immaculate with such awesome craftsmanship and excellent amenities with a retro/old school vibe. Love all of the decor. Map of the property with hiking trails and pictures are available. Quite simply the best part of this cabin is the quiet escape from the rush (especially during Sturgis) AMAZING views, the swimming hole was excellent, kayaks available, water was pristine, I just cannot say enough cool things about this place... Even my teenagers said it was the coolest VRBO they have stayed in! Thank you to the host and hostess for such an excellent stay!! Will be booking again!!!

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heather S.

1 Aug 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise!!

Hands down BEST place I have ever stayed!!! Will hopefully be going back!!!

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carrie G.

30 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best Vrbo ever!

This cabin was incredibly clean, well stocked and comfortably appointed. It was exactly as pictured and more. This rental was one of the best we've ever had, and our family thoroughly enjoyed our stay here and hope to only stay here when we visit SD from now on. Thank you for sharing this incredible property and giving our family lasting magical memories.

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joseph M.

4 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Property!

The property was everything it was promised to be. It was very clean, and the river was fantastic. The entire family loved our stay.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristin F.

3 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful

Our family of 4 loved the stay. The location is very private and the pictures don’t do it justice. It exceeded our expectations.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie K.

16 June 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Felt like home

I'm super sensitive to the feeling in homes & this home felt so good; like I was staying at my Grandparent's 1911 home that my dad & his dad were raised in. I loved every inch of this home. So did the kids. It was spotless, incredibly well maintained, an unbeatable location, peaceful, kind & gracious host. Just book this place. You won't regret it. Well stocked, clean, comfortable, & if you're lucky, you'll get to spend some quality time with Ken learning the his history & the history of the area. Then you'll want to move to the Black Hills after staying here. Best place we've stayed in. Thank you Ken!

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristin P.

15 June 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful family getaway

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!

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mark B.

8 June 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exceeds Expectations

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.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey C.

31 May 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Little slice of Heaven!

We loved our stay in the Stratobowl. My children loved swimming in the creek and riding the kayaks down the rapids. The hiking on the property was incredible! Ken, the host was so hospitable and we loved hearing all about the history of the area. We will definitely be back!

Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Virginia S.

29 Sept 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Passing through on long trip

This place was perfect for our long road-trip. We loved the serenity and history of the Strato bowl. The proximity to Mt. Rushmore was convenient. Ken was very helpful and we enjoyed talking with him about how his grandparents built the house. The house is well stocked and well maintained. We appreciated the craftmanship of the woodwork, beams and fireplaces. The creek and swimming hole were nice. We woke up to deer grazing near the creek. It would have been nice to spend more time here.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Thomas Z.

15 Sept 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful and quite

We had a great time in South Dakota including staying at this house. The house was fully stocked and suited our family well. We all enjoyed the property and the wonderful swimming hole. Would book it again in a heartbeat if coming anywhere near Rapid City.

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Alex H.

6 Sept 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Access to trails and charming creek right out the back door

A lovely location that is close to some major attractions in the area but with access to private hiking trails and no traffic.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

KAREN K., Little River, SC

22 Aug 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

SD Vacation

Loved the location and the house. We felt very much at home. Kitchen had everything you needed. Loved the swimming hole and the kayaks. The kids had so much fun!

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

22 Aug 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Incredible Find!

We loved our 5 days in the Badlands area. The location of this house cannot be beat: right in the secluded Badlands National Forest, with incredible views. Our kids loved the swimming hole, and a short hike provided a view of the entire property, which is breathtaking. It’s a quick drive to Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Bear Country, etc, yet offers a quiet, peaceful home base. The house itself had plenty of space for our family of 5 and the amenities include all you’d want and need. The owners and their daughter were quick to respond, very friendly and helpful.

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Marie S.

10 Aug 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Black Hills SD

We loved the spring creek house! We went to SD for a quick trip before school started. This house sits right by the Strato Bowl and spring creek. We loved the running creek and swimming hole. My daughter and I enjoyed the hiking trails too. Ken and Cory were great hosts. I really enjoyed learning the history of this family property too. Would highly recommend, you don't need to go any where else, just hang out in the back yard and enjoy the beautiful scenery. And if you do want to go to area attractions they are very close as well. Thank you again Ken and Cory!

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Staci H., Omaha

1 Aug 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best House Ever

I have always looked forward to going home after a vacation but this time I never wanted to leave. This house and location is something special. The spring out back was amazing after a long day of hiking. The owners are amazing, kind and helpful. I will definitely be booking this house again for next year.

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Julie B., Ankeny, Iowa, USA

26 July 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Quiet, secluded and restful

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tracy A.

18 July 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect family spot!

We had a wonderful stay. The setting is beautiful and our kids loved the swimming hole and kayaks! The house is clean and comfortable with ample kitchen supplies. We didn’t do a lot of cooking since we were on the go a lot, but we would have had everything we needed. We all wished we had one more day to relax and enjoy this beautiful property!

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

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.