We aren’t romanticizing our lives nearly enough anymore. The majority of us are obsessed with efficiency: checking boxes, moving tasks from one to-do list to the next, rushing through the day as if speed were its own reward. I’m guilty of it, too, but I’ve recently made an effort to get off the hamster wheel.
Sometimes that means indulging in something small, like a bowl of ramen so rich and savory that it feels almost illegal to find in a South Dakota city. Other times, it means wandering through an old-growth forest, where the trees appear to be holding their breath for centuries, waiting for someone to notice. And sometimes it means spending the weekend as the undisputed queen of my own castle in South Dakota’s Black Hills.
Yes, a castle. Not the cold, drafty kind that needs a torchlight and a moat to keep marauders at bay, but a true castle-style Airbnb that is both whimsical and incredibly comfortable. If you’ve ever watched Beauty and the Beast and thought, “I could get used to this library situation,” or admired the Stark family home in Game of Thrones but wished it had central heating and Wi-Fi, you’ll love this Rapid City castle.
The Black Hills Castle, located near Mt. Rushmore and Rapid City, can accommodate up to ten guests, with an additional two children who dream of sword fights and royal banquets. With five bedrooms, seven beds, and three bathrooms, no one is competing for shower time. You’ll arrive on three acres of rolling Black Hills scenery, the kind of green that makes you consider writing poetry even if your last verse was in seventh grade. From the moment you pull up, the house delivers on its promise: it truly feels like royalty could walk around the corner at any moment, goblet in hand.
Inside, the castle embraces its theme with just enough flair. The decor is unique without falling into costume-drama parody, and the space is generous. Two dining tables allow adults and children to coexist peacefully, whether the younger generation is playing board games or planning their royal succession. The kitchen is fully equipped, so you can prepare a medieval feast (or simply order takeout, which feels infinitely more noble when eaten in a castle). Stepping out onto the back patio, you’ll find privacy, wooded views, and, if you’re lucky, the occasional deer wandering through as if auditioning for the next Disney remake.
Let’s talk about location. The castle is located just outside Rapid City, South Dakota’s vibrant hub for food, shopping, and art. Mount Rushmore, where granite presidents watch over the hills, and Custer State Park, where bison roam and trails twist through breathtaking scenery, are both a short drive away from here. Outdoor enthusiasts will find countless hiking and cycling routes, each more picturesque than the last. Families appreciate the ease of access to everything from charming tourist towns to epic outdoor adventures. You’ll never run out of things to do, but the castle is also a great place to relax with a book, host a party, or stage your own low-stakes royal court.
The amenities are as convenient as any modern home. Fast Wi-Fi, a washer and dryer, air conditioning, and a dedicated workspace allow you to strike a balance between play and functionality. (Yes, you can send an email from a castle, which is undoubtedly the most glamorous way to disappoint your boss.) It is ideal for family reunions, anniversaries, or group getaways where everyone requires some extra breathing room.
South Dakota may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of castles, but that could be intentional. Romance, after all, thrives on surprises. And nothing shakes you out of checklist mode like unlocking a door with a keypad and realizing you’ve walked into your own fairy tale.
So, the next time you’re planning an escape, skip the typical hotel and instead book a romantic overnight castle stay in South Dakota. Rapid City awaits, complete with world-famous attractions such as Mount Rushmore, and this Airbnb is ready to crown you royalty for the weekend. You have earned it. After all, life is too short to continue living as a court jester when you can be queen (crown optional).
