Our History
Holy Smoke Resort in the early years.
Photo courtesy of the Holy Smoke Resort family archives.
Where the Story Began
Long before Holy Smoke Resort welcomed vacationing families, this peaceful valley in Buckeye Gulch was part of the excitement of the Black Hills Gold Rush. Located just one mile northwest of Keystone, the land was first settled in the 1870s as prospectors searched the surrounding hills for gold, silver, and copper. What is now a quiet mountain retreat once echoed with the sounds of mining equipment, horses, and hardworking miners seeking their fortunes.
Why It's Called "Holy Smoke"
The name “Holy Smoke” dates back to the Black Hills mining era. Colonel James A. “Big Hat” Clark, one of the region’s best-known mining experts, named his mining claim “Holy Smoke” after the nearby and famous Holy Terror Mine. Over time, the property grew to include mining shafts, boarding houses, stables, and other buildings that supported the hardworking miners who lived and worked here. Today, while the sounds of mining have long since faded, the name “Holy Smoke” continues to honor this remarkable chapter in Black Hills history.
Historic entrance to Holy Smoke Resort.
From the Holy Smoke Resort family archives.
A Family Legacy
Through the years, Holy Smoke became more than a collection of cabins in the Black Hills. It became a place cared for by families who welcomed guests, maintained the property, and helped preserve its rustic character. Generations of visitors came to enjoy the quiet setting, the pine-covered hills, and the feeling of being at home in the mountains. That spirit of personal hospitality remains an important part of Holy Smoke Resort today.
The Nugget: A Cabin with a Story
One of Holy Smoke Resort’s most treasured landmarks is The Nugget, its one historic log cabin. The cabin is closely associated with author Stewart Edward White, who spent time on the property during the mining era while working as a mining paymaster. His experiences in the Black Hills later influenced his writing. Today, guests can still stay in The Nugget and experience a genuine piece of Holy Smoke Resort’s past.
The Nugget, Holy Smoke Resort’s historic log cabin.
Photo courtesy of the Holy Smoke Resort family archives.
From Gold Rush to Getaway
For more than a century, the land that became Holy Smoke Resort has evolved from a rugged mining settlement into one of the Black Hills’ most welcoming mountain retreats. While the landscape has changed over the years, its history, natural beauty, and spirit of hospitality remain at the heart of every guest’s experience.
Become Part of Our Story
For more than a century, Holy Smoke Resort has been a place where families, friends, and travelers come to relax, reconnect, and experience the beauty of the Black Hills. While much has changed since the mining days, our commitment to warm hospitality and unforgettable stays remains the same. We invite you to become part of the next chapter in Holy Smoke Resort’s story.
