Welcome
Your Relaxing Place and Venturing-Out Point
In-Home Black Hills Cabins at
Chokecherry Bed and Breakfast
Unique Cabin Vacation Nightly Rental Lodging
in the Central Black Hills
Hill City, South Dakota
Black Hills Wild Chokecherry Latte
and Smiling Bear's EspressMo Menu
at Chokecherry BnB
Chokecherry BnB — in-home Black Hills Cabins in town
Our Story, in Brief
Our Breakfast MENAGERIE
Our Story, in Brief
Chokecherry Bed and Breakfast is our second bed and breakfast from the ground up. The first one, which was also in Hill City, we loved for 15 years, and nurtured as an in-home cabin vacation nightly rental lodging place for travelers to the beautiful Black Hills—until deciding we should downsize a little, to make ourselves available in th
Chokecherry Bed and Breakfast is our second bed and breakfast from the ground up. The first one, which was also in Hill City, we loved for 15 years, and nurtured as an in-home cabin vacation nightly rental lodging place for travelers to the beautiful Black Hills—until deciding we should downsize a little, to make ourselves available in the event of future great-grandchildren. Antiques have been a part of our lives since we were married 30 years ago, and in 2006 all our treasures gathered into the name Smiling Bear Antiques. Any news about us would usually be about our grandchildren, outdoor adventures, antique hunts, or our NEW location IN Hill City in the central Black Hills National Forest near Mount Rushmore—Chokecherry Bed and Breakfast. On leafing through this website, you might think we are all about chokecherries, but foremost of all, our sincere desire is to offer hospitality that shows you are on our minds. Our BnB ideals were mutually founded on the enduring principles of hospitality, warmth and community, and we endeavor from our hearts to make each and every guest feel welcome.
We're old enough
to be young enough
at heart.
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GUEST COMMENT
2023 3 nts Eloosive Moose —
T and I would like to thank you for your lovely bed and breakfast. It is absolutely beautiful and handy for everything we wanted to do. Your kindness will be cherished. Thank you again. T&DS, Columbus, NE
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Don't miss our BLOG on Home page.
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When time permits, Smiling Bear, busy again after a year's hibernation, enjoys whipping up some award winning jams and jellies, to sell with a pretty Black Hills Wild Fruit label. Can't keep that bear out of the forest! Smiling Bear is also deliriously fond of creating an amazing (not just our opinion) Black Hills Wild Chokecherry Latte for those with adventure coursing through their veins!
Smiling Bear will leave the woods in quest of antiques to decorate his den, however! And, happily, he has been known to share. Please visit our Smiling Bear Antiques Online Shop—inventory is being added—button below.
Our Accommodations
Our Breakfast MENAGERIE
Our Story, in Brief
Two In-Home Black Hills Cabins—Eloosive Moose and Chokecherry Hideout—are under one roof with our own living quarters, and provide personal private entrances, private full baths, queen pillowtop beds, WiFi, Smart TV, Roku, heat, AC, ceiling fans, and many useful pleasing features. Fun decor! Easy going rates. Smoke and pet/animal free (NO
Two In-Home Black Hills Cabins—Eloosive Moose and Chokecherry Hideout—are under one roof with our own living quarters, and provide personal private entrances, private full baths, queen pillowtop beds, WiFi, Smart TV, Roku, heat, AC, ceiling fans, and many useful pleasing features. Fun decor! Easy going rates. Smoke and pet/animal free (NON-smokers only. Please click button below to visit our detailed Policies and More page). Smiling Bear Antiques items are displayed in a cabinet in each cabin. Smiling Bear's EspressMo coffee menu is available for our staying guests. We are situated an easy short walk or drive to everything Hill City offers downtown—Guests may take the Mickelson Trail to get there! Many visitor attractions, truly great iconic magnets that winsomely call out to travelers, are conveniently nearby. Come to the Heart of the Hills and make Black Hills Home Cabins at Chokecherry Bed and Breakfast your relaxing place and your venturing-out point. Our NEW modern mountain cottage hospitality home featuring two Black Hills Cabins with personal entrances, opened early August, 2023.
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ONLINE REVIEWS
2024 June 2 nts — We stayed at Chokecherry Hideout during our epic adventure west. Our main goal was to find a comfortable location to stay while we rode our bikes on the Mickelson Trail. Chokecherry was more than comfortable. It was a little oasis. It is beautifully decorated and we were provided with all of the necessities at this home away from home. It is in a perfect location for those interested in riding the rail trail, exploring a small western town, and visiting national monuments. Our hosts were certainly champions for South Dakota and were very knowledgeable about the local sites. We also appreciated the goody basket filled with organic goodies to nourish us on our 47 mile bike ride. Hill City is a town with a lot to do, friendly people, and great small restaurants. We would highly recommend Chokecherry Hideout as a base for all of your adventures. T&TC
2023 2 nts Chokecherry Hideout — We loved everything about our stay. Very clean and is equipped with everything we needed for our stay. It exceeded our expectations. Love the goodie basket full of breakfast and snack items. It was the perfect location in close proximity to all the Black Hills attractions. Love how close it is to the Mickelson Trail. The hosts communicated well and are very welcoming. They are very knowledgeable of the area. It was a bonus to find out they knew the people we traveled here to meet. We recommend trying one of their specialty drinks - the chokecherry latte was delicious! L&TN, Kansas
GUEST COMMENT
2023 7 nts Chokecherry Hideout —
A most calm and relaxing environment! Absolutely beautiful decor and attention to detail. Such a homey feeling :) Thank you Sam and Linda for your splendid hospitality! All the Best, JE, Regina, Sk, Canada
Our Breakfast MENAGERIE
Our Breakfast MENAGERIE
Our Breakfast MENAGERIE
The pictured Charcuterie Style breakfast is an example of the substantial breakfast upgrades available at Chokecherry Bed and Breakfast. ~ Other upgrade breakfasts are generally hot, and include Smiling Bear's traditional Country Style (an example might be homemade pancakes or waffles, fried or scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes, fresh fru
The pictured Charcuterie Style breakfast is an example of the substantial breakfast upgrades available at Chokecherry Bed and Breakfast. ~ Other upgrade breakfasts are generally hot, and include Smiling Bear's traditional Country Style (an example might be homemade pancakes or waffles, fried or scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes, fresh fruit - or a frittata - and so on - while grits could show up anywhere, by Southern Sam a.k.a. Smiling Bear); ~ and we take pleasure in serving our Happiness Custom Omelet (with bacon or sausage, fresh fruit, homemade bread toast, and often our Black Hills Wild Fruit jam or jelly which is made in-house); ~ plus the Chef's Pick (could be Buffalo Pasties, or something else to take you by surprise). The upgrades add $20 per two-person-breakfast to the standard modest rates. Provided with the standard modest rates is a complimentary snack style basket breakfast*. If an upgrade is requested, it replaces the complimentary basket breakfast for that day. The upgrade breakfasts are available to Eloosive Moose on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; to Chokecherry Hideout on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. *Note—For the light- or non-breakfast-minded guests, the basket breakfast (which accompanies the standard modest rates) consists typically of simple breakfast takeaways (often organic), in case guests need a burst of energy prior to searching out one of the eateries in Hill City or the surrounding area. The basket breakfast might include fruit; breakfast bar or bagel or homemade bread or muffin or other pastry or oatmeal packets; milk (for oatmeal or coffee or simply to drink); cheese or boiled egg or yogurt . . . provided in the accommodations.
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ONLINE REVIEWS
2024 5 nts Eloosive Moose —
We had an outstanding stay. Linda and Sam were terrific people. They are very friendly and the basket of goodies we received sustained for each of our six mornings. The area is quiet and the decor of the property matched what we enjoy. We hope to be regular customers in the future. We truly enjoyed our stay, it was a top notch experience. R&KW, Iowa
2023 7 nts Chokecherry Hideout—
I was looking for a comfortable quiet location for rest and relaxation and found this quaint, cozy BnB in a quiet neighborhood of Hill City. The host was very hospitable, kind and helpful. Received a lovely welcoming basket of goodies which I enjoyed throughout the week. Very clean and accommodating property. Will definitely stay there again!
JE, Canada
2023 2 nts Chokecherry Hideout — We really enjoyed our stay here. It was a short stay but the cottage had a very warm and welcoming feel. Sam was very helpful. The snacks and little breakfast options were great when on the go early in the morning. We will be back!!! JH
GUEST COMMENT
2023 3 nts Eloosive Moose —
What a homey and delightful spot and you were both so warm and welcoming. Thank you for your kindness and hospitality. Your basket of goodies was enjoyed throughout our stay. Thank you, Linda for the delicious scones, too. Hope to see you again! God bless you both. L&SR, Cedar Falls, IA
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Also available to guests in their accommodations is Smiling Bear’s EspressMo Menu—cash only (tax included in price), Monday through Saturday, 9:00-4:00, or later if we are available, by text or call. Smiling Bear uses stainless steel Moka Pots to create (our moniker) EspressMo concentrated coffee based beverages reminiscent of Smiling Bear Espresso Bar's original tasty espresso Bear-verages at our previous location of 15 years. "Better than espresso," some say. We say, try it!
Our Location
Our Breakfast MENAGERIE
Our Breakfast MENAGERIE
You may take pleasure in the peaceful quiet surrounding our two In-Home Black Hills Cabins, and amusement from the infrequent novelty of an event taking place on the football field, afternoon or early evening, on rare occasions. It is overall delightful that we are located IN Hill City, a community of both family and tourism that extends
You may take pleasure in the peaceful quiet surrounding our two In-Home Black Hills Cabins, and amusement from the infrequent novelty of an event taking place on the football field, afternoon or early evening, on rare occasions. It is overall delightful that we are located IN Hill City, a community of both family and tourism that extends a strong welcoming hand to all who want to linger awhile in the profound natural beauty of this exceptional area. From Chokecherry Bed and Breakfast you can choose a pleasant easy and leisurely walk—Guests may take the Mickelson Trail—or a short drive to historic downtown shopping, dining and entertainment; and the BnB is very near the well-stocked grocery store! Your first or next adventure to the beautiful Black Hills would doubtlessly be well-served by a stay in one of our cabins—handily near Mt. Rushmore, in the central Black Hills, scenic drives every which way. Reserve your nightly rental here; stay in a home sweet In-Home Black Hills Cabin in town, an experience, and satisfy your yearning for the best of both worlds; Hill City is small enough to feel as if out in the piney woods (which, well, it is), yet has everything you need when you are ready to wind up a day of touristing at your relaxing place. And then there is tomorrow!
Specific details on location will be provided with a confirmation email when a reservation is made.
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GUEST COMMENTS
2024 June 3 nts Eloosive Moose —
Thank you for the hospitality and sharing your home. We loved staying here, such a fun town. Your place is very central to many sights to enjoy. Linda, the basket was so thoughtful. :) Sam, your knowledge of the area was incredibly helpful. Thanks for helping us build some great memories! M&S, Allendale, MI
2023 2 nts Chokecherry Hideout — Thank you for your cabin! We loved it, so cute and fun! A great location for us. Hospitality is great! We will be back! C&JM, DeSmet SD
ONLINE REVIEWS
2024 August 5 nts
Chokecherry Hideout —
The cabin was clean, charming and comfortable! Hosts were awesome! We came to Hill City to ride our bikes on the Mickelson trail, which is very convenient to the cabin since it runs right through the neighborhood. Thanks so much!
T&RD
2023 2 nts Chokecherry Hideout — We drove up to find deer in the yard! Sam and Linda were so pleasant and friendly! From the welcome basket to notes throughout, it had all the personal touches and had a warm and homey feel. The location is perfect! Would definitely recommend and will stay there again! C&JK, Sioux Falls, SD
2 Black Hills Cabins in Hill City in the Central Black Hills
Where We Live · Chokecherry Bed and breakfast · Smiling Bear Antiques
Black Hills Home Cabins at Chokecherry Bed and Breakfast, located IN Hill City (a very likable and friendly mountain town), features two In-Home Black Hills Cabins—nightly vacation rentals, cabin style, under the one roof of our new modern mountain cottage.
With the experience of 15 years as host and hostess in our first owner-occupied BnB, we have acquired a strong sense of what works for and appeals to travelers. Our stack of guest books, filled with happy satisfied expressions from former thousands of guests, attests to our earnest desire to extend hospitality that shows you are on our minds. As we look forward cheerfully to meeting all our future vacationers who will be visiting the beautiful Black Hills and choose to book here, we are reminded of our gratitude for those past wonderful years which we were blessed to enjoy, and for all the new friends we made because they chose to stay with us, some of whom followed us forward! If you are inclined, please click on the wild chokecherry photo to visit our About page!
NOTE—As it is important to do so before reserving a stay, please take time to read Policies and More (click link. Or find in the top menu; in some browsers the heading may fall under More).
Let’s explore a variety of advantages and amenities you may expect from Chokecherry Bed and Breakfast. ~ First of all, and importantly, we are near Mt. Rushmore, in the Central Black Hills, ideally situated for adventurous day-trips into unparalleled diverse scenic vistas everywhere in the length and breadth of the Black Hills. ~ No less advantageous, Chokecherry Bed and Breakfast is IN Hill City, and the in-town location of the BnB provides easy access, even on foot, to everything Hill City has to offer. ~ The BnB is in near proximity to the George S. Mickelson Trail, for exercise, or bird and wildlife viewing out in nature. The ever-popular trail strides through town along Railroad Avenue. The BnB is a few minutes walk from Major Lake, where there is access to the Mickelson Trail from the lake (and a fishing/resting pier). ~ Don't miss the iconic tourist attraction, Black Hills Central Railroad's 1880 Train, stationed along the trail. ~ Bike rentals are locally available as well. ~ For your grocery needs, Hill City's full service Krull's Market is only a few blocks away. ~ There are two laundromats in town. ~ And several churches grace this small community. ~ Probably you will devote some leisurely time to historic downtown Hill City. That's where you will find everything from a hair salon to filet mignon (at renowned Alpine Inn Restaurant) to dreamy ice cream and homemade fudge to a world class dinosaur museum with Everything Prehistoric gift shop, and Dahl’s Chainsaw Art. Many local artists make their offerings available for purchase at Art Forms and Jon Crane Gallery downtown. Savor the choices of cafes, grills and restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Track down fine gifts at elegant shops, as well as trinkets, t-shirts and antiques. ~ Also available for purchase are selections from Smiling Bear Antiques displayed in a special log cabinet in each in-home cabin at Chokecherry Bed and Breakfast, direct from our former retail shop. ~ Also, our own Smiling Bear EspressMo Menu is available to staying guests, reminiscent of Smiling Bear’s Espresso Bar, highlighting our exclusive signature Wild Chokecherry Latte and other original tasty creations by Smiling Bear. ~ When time permits, Smiling Bear may whip up some award winning jams and jellies, sold as Black Hills Wild Fruit.
Please allow 6-1/2 minutes to review all photos in the Gallery (click) near top, and we recommend that you indulge in reading the informative captions. Amenities are pictured, and they are also detailed on the Rates and Cal page. The calendar indicates dates that are already reserved, and therefore not available.
If you stay in Eloosive Moose, the larger of our two In-Home Black Hills Cabins, you may spread your wings to the outdoors and let the vintage porch swing know its intended use, while you breathe deeply of fresh mountain air. Perhaps you would like to practice your grilling skills using the beautiful dome-lidded electric grill, situated beside a vintage enamel-topped dropleaf table on the porch. Besides the swing there are three other chairs. You may be entertained by deer grazing, or bunnies nibbling, or sometimes wild turkeys wandering through. You may enter the football field near the bleachers to take advantage of its track for walking or running. Inside, the well-equipped kitchenette is sure to please, as well as other amenities detailed here—Stepping Stones, Rates, Dates, Calendar.
If you stay in Chokecherry Hideout, you may create your own evening warmth by lighting up the firepit; and perhaps CharBroil something good, to eat sitting on a stump (rustic camp-style), or at your picnic table, or to enjoy on the Hideout’s patio while gently swinging the glider and basking in the view. The pebble base surrounding the firepit, when first walked on by our granddaughter, gave Shelby occasion to remember with pleasure the beaches in Florida where she was raised. So, we have dubbed the nostalgic pebbles, Shelby’s Beach . . . which she styled with a pretty bowl of seashells and a duo of cranes. Beyond that, you may even be entertained by egrets, deer, bunnies or wild turkeys, or locals walking their pets on the track around the football field. You also may enter the football field to take advantage of its track for walking or running. Inside, the kitchenette is nicely equipped, and also see a variety of other amenities detailed here—Stepping Stones, Rates, Dates, Calendar.
Indeed, you may take pleasure in the peaceful quiet surrounding our two in-home cabins, and amusement from the infrequent novelty of an event taking place on the football field, afternoon or early evening, on rare occasions, which we ourselves find entertaining.
We are exhilarated to again delve into the role of host and hostess, at our new Black Hills Home Cabins at Chokecherry Bed and Breakfast. Without question, we are deeply grateful for the glorious years we have been enriched by, getting to know so many of the wonderful travelers who venture to the alluring Black Hills that are our home. Excitedly we are anticipating meeting many more, maybe you, as we offer two engaging in-home cabin accommodations—Eloosive Moose and Chokecherry Hideout—here in Hill City, under our roof.
2 BLACK HILLS CABINS AND AN OFFER
ELOOSIVE MOOSE—Spacious, thought-out carefully for comfort and convenience. The rates are easy going while the perks are exceptional! Owners Sam and Linda live in the all new hospitality residence, separately from your ‘moose farm’ (tongue-in-cheek, because the décor, besides diverting you with elusive moose sightings, includes an eclectic assortment of farm artifacts, gleaned from the childhoods of your host and hostess.) Eloosive Moose has a covered porch with a vintage porch swing, several chairs, a dropleaf table and electric CharBroil for cooking outdoors.
CHOKECHERRY HIDEOUT—Smaller than Eloosive Moose, but thought-out carefully for comfort and convenience. The rates are relaxed while the benefits are outstanding! Owners Sam and Linda live in the all new hospitality residence, separately from your ‘hideout’. (The décor is themed harmoniously of restful scenic vintage pictures, bears, raccoons, fish and even some fishing paraphernalia!) Chokecherry Hideout has a patio with a glider, picnic table, firepit, charcoal CharBroil for cooking outdoors.
The overall In-Home Black Hills Cabins / BnB cottage consists of three individual distinct units: owner quarters; Eloosive Moose (in-home cabin); Chokecherry Hideout (in-home cabin).
Yes, whether renting Eloosive Moose or Chokecherry Hideout, you do have your own personal entrance and outside area, with each unit having the inviting look of a cute and good-natured cabin.
A suggestion—if you are three or four adults traveling together, you may check the two calendars on the Stepping Stones Dates & Rates page to see if both in-home cabins (each accommodates two) are available for your preferred dates, and possibly rent both! We have accommodated guests who did just that. The benefits include two full bathrooms, privacy between the in-home cabins, two places to spend time together, the picnic table, two grills (one electric and one charcoal), and probably you could think of other benefits as well. Please inquire if you have questions. Click the button below for Rates, Dates, Calendar and plan your stay.
Can you see yourself here? Any season you please . . . Through the soft snow of spring the wild crocus peeks; Summer, in the sunset of wild raspberries, we reap; The crisp fall leaves tell of neighbors in the forest deep; And winter quiets the thoughts of everything that breathes.
Copyright (c) 2007 to Present - Linda L. Brown
to Black Hills tourists . . . breathe in the mountains, spend time in the forest— It's like a youth fountain.
Copyright (c) 2022 to Present - Linda L. Brown
