Cabin

Black Hills Home Cabins—ELOOSIVE MOOSE—in Hill City, near Lake, Mickelson Trail!

Cabin in Hill City with free breakfast

Photo gallery for Black Hills Home Cabins—ELOOSIVE MOOSE—in Hill City, near Lake, Mickelson Trail!

The ELOOSIVE MOOSE in-home cabin's entrance is in front of our overall cottage.
ELOOSIVE MOOSE has an electric grill,  vintage furniture: swing, chairs & table.
Entering the parking area to ELOOSIVE MOOSE shows white willow and pretty berm.
We would be pleased if you book a stay & use this nice entry to ELOOSIVE MOOSE!
Inside ELOOSIVE MOOSE are pops of red; several 'moose' make subtle appearances.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
  • Place, Major Lake Park
  • Place, 1880 Train
  • Place, Museum @ Black Hills Institute
  • Airport, Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional)

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Eloosive Moose

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Eloosive Moose Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchenette
Dining area

About this property

Black Hills Home Cabins—ELOOSIVE MOOSE—in Hill City, near Lake, Mickelson Trail!

Black Hills Home Cabins at Chokecherry BnB, located IN Hill City (a neighborly very likable mountain town), features 2 in-home cabin style nightly vacation rentals, under the one roof of our NEW modern mountain cottage. This listing offers ELOOSIVE MOOSE, spacious, thought-out carefully for your comfort and convenience, and the rates are easy going while the benefits are exceptional! Owners Sam and Linda live in the all new hospitality residence, separately from your ‘moose farm’ (
said tongue-in-cheek, because the decor, besides faux moose sightings, includes an eclectic variety of farm artifacts, gleaned from the childhoods of your host and hostess.) The overall BnB cottage consists of three individual distinct units: owner quarters; Eloosive Moose (in-home cabin); and Chokecherry Hideout (in-home cabin Vrbo ID 3539428). Yes, you do have your own personal porch entrance, with the inviting look of a good-natured cabin!

NOTE 1—Our Vrbo calendar is set for showing availability from present to six months out, and adjusts automatically to always show six months availability.

NOTE 2—Please take time to read the House Rules/Policies (at bottom) provided with this listing, as well as to look at the amenities available or not available. It is IMPORTANT to do so before sending a Request To Book. For instance, we are firm on renting to NON-SMOKERS only [people who do NOT smoke]. Under no circumstances can we accommodate people who smoke, even if they smoke off-property. (If this policy is relevant to you, please read About Our Non-Smokers Only Policy at bottom of this description page.) Again, please read the rules and policies, and check the amenities shown elsewhere in this listing. Thank you.

CHECKIN window between 4:00-6:00 p.m.—The checkin window is to let you know that we are not ready to receive guests before 4:00, so that isn’t an option; however, after 6:00 we usually have more flexibility. (The morning of your arrival date we will email to ask if you must be later than 6:00, and approximately what time to anticipate your arrival.)
CHECKOUT by 11:00 a.m.—Necessary particularly when we have guests arriving later the same day as your checkout.

A suggestion—if you are three or four adults traveling together, you may check to see if Chokecherry Hideout is also available and, if so, you could rent both in-home cabins! 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, a 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.

2006-2021 (Vrbo since 2013) — 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!

Let’s explore a variety of benefits you may expect from Black Hills Home Cabins. ~ First of all, and importantly, we are near Mt. Rushmore, in the Central Black Hills, which is ideal for adventurous day-trips into unparalleled diverse scenic vistas everywhere in the length and breadth of the Black Hills. ~ No less advantageous, the in-town location of Black Hills Home Cabins provides easy access, even on foot, to everything Hill City has to offer. ~ Black Hills Home Cabins 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. We are situated across the football field from Major Lake, where there is access to the 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 to dreamy ice cream and homemade fudge to a world class dinosaur museum, and Dahl’s Chainsaw Art. Many local artists make their offerings available for purchase at Art Forms downtown! Savor the choices of cafes, grills and restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Track down fine gifts, as well as trinkets, t-shirts and antiques. ~ Also available for purchase are antiques displayed in a special log cabinet in your cabin, direct from our former retail shop Smiling Bear Antiques. ~ And our Smiling Bear-verage menu will be provided to you, reminiscent of Smiling Bear’s Espresso Bar, highlighting our exclusive and popular Wild Chokecherry Latte and other original tasty creations of Smiling Bear’s. ~ When time permits, Smiling Bear also may whip up some award winning jams and jellies, sold as Black Hills Wild Fruit.

Please review all the PHOTOS provided with this listing, and we recommend that you indulge in reading the informative captions. You will see your private full bath, with a 5’ curved tub with a shower having 6 handy shelves; and an assortment of amenities throughout—linens and towels are provided, as well as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap, dish soap. The bed is a queen-size pillowtop. For holding baggage and unpacked items, there is a closet with shelves as well as a short round table and a hoosier cabinet. A comfortable wingback chair and antique rocking chair are great for enjoying the view through the windows.

You may spread your wings to the outdoors and let the porch swing know its intended use. Perhaps you would like to practice your grilling skills using the beautiful dome-lidded electric grill, situated beside an enamel-topped dropleaf table on the porch. You may be entertained by deer grazing, or bunnies or sometimes wild turkeys! 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.

The kitchenette has a sink, dishes, utensils, coffee and tea, salt and pepper, an undercounter refrigerator, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, and more. NOTE—With the standard modest rate that we offer on Vrbo, a mini breakfast (in a basket) will be provided in the accommodations, consisting typically of simple breakfast takeaways, in case guests need a burst of energy prior to searching out one of the eateries in Hill City or the surrounding area. The mini breakfast might include fruit; breakfast bar or bagel or muffin or other pastry or oatmeal packets; milk (for oatmeal or coffee or simply to drink); cheese or boiled egg or yogurt.

Though the accommodation is serviced regularly, your host and hostess are generally available by text if anything is needed, since we have our own quarters in the residence.

Smart TV with Roku is provided, also cable programming for local channels. WiFi internet service through our cable provider is included.

We very much enjoy the role of host and hostess at our Black Hills Home Cabins. 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 cabins—Chokecherry Hideout and Eloosive Moose—here in Hill City, under our roof. 
_________________________
It is our Policy that strong lingering scents and products are not used in the guest cabins, for the sake of guests who will be staying after you. Thank you for understanding and complying if you stay.

ONLY microwave cooking is allowed indoors. The grill is for you to enjoy outdoor cooking.

NO pets or animals of any kind can be accommodated.

ABOUT OUR NON-SMOKERS ONLY POLICY, referring back to NOTE 2 above, it does mean that we can accommodate NON-smokers only. Even if potential guests who smoke would not smoke on our property but would smoke off our property, the smoke residue would be carried back inside the guest cabin where it permeates curtains, bedding, carpet, etc, and is virtually impossible to clean adequately prior to arrival of the next guests, who may be sensitive or allergic to smoke residue; also, our own health does not tolerate it. If you are smokers who may feel it would be acceptable to smoke off-property and simply not smoke in the accommodations, we must ask that you do not request a stay at Black Hills Home Cabins. Thank you for understanding, and be assured it need not be taken as a personal affront, but it is of utmost importance to us. There are many accommodations available that welcome smokers.
_________________________
Moderate Cancellation, as found with this Vrbo listing: Travelers who cancel at least 30 days before check-in will get back 100% of the amount they've paid. If they cancel between 14 and 30 days before check-in, they'll get back 50%. Otherwise, they won't get a refund.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Breakfast included
Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Parking available
Barbecue grill

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 13–17
Children 9-12 are also allowed; 1 adult, 1 child.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
NON-smokers only; NO tobacco products, marijuana, vapors and/or illegal drugs/substances; NO smoke/scent masking products; NO diffusing of anything.
By reserving a stay, at all times while on the premises you agree to assume full responsibility for your selves and for your and your party’s safety.
NO pets/animals of any kind. All Rules are in consideration of the well-being of all our Guests, of the Owners, and of the Owners' Personal Guests.

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
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 and a deadlock

About the area

Hill City

Hill City is home to this cabin. 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 Black Hills National Forest and Mount Rushmore. Things That Rock and Museum @ Black Hills Institute are also worth visiting.
Map
Hill City, SD

What's nearby

  • Major Lake Park - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • 1880 Train - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Museum @ Black Hills Institute - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Twisted Pine Winery - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Wade's Gold Mill - 19 min walk - 1.6 km

Getting around

  • Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) - 39 min drive

Restaurants

  • â€ȘAlpine Inn - ‬17 min walk
  • â€ȘBumpin Buffalo Bar and Grill - ‬18 min walk
  • â€ȘHigh Country Guest Ranch - ‬9 min drive
  • â€ȘLost Cabin Brewery and Beer Garden - ‬3 min drive
  • â€Ș1885 Steakhouse and saloon - ‬20 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Black Hills Home Cabins—ELOOSIVE MOOSE—in Hill City, near Lake, Mickelson Trail! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Black Hills Home Cabins—ELOOSIVE MOOSE—in Hill City, near Lake, Mickelson Trail!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Black Hills Home Cabins—ELOOSIVE MOOSE—in Hill City, near Lake, Mickelson Trail!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Black Hills Home Cabins—ELOOSIVE MOOSE—in Hill City, near Lake, Mickelson Trail!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Black Hills Home Cabins—ELOOSIVE MOOSE—in Hill City, near Lake, Mickelson Trail! located?

Situated in Hill City, this cabin is within a 15-minute walk of Major Lake Park and 1880 Train. South Dakota State Railroad Museum and Civilian Conservation Corps Museum are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 58 out of 58 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 58 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 58 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 58 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 58 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kim S.

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

Great little getaway

Had a wonderful time, cabin was great
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

George E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cabin is a nice, clean and tastefully decorated cabin that is close to downtown Hill City. We enjoyed our stay and will rent this unit again if we are back in the Hills next year
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathy F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had very enjoyable time. The hosts couldnt be nicer or more helpful. Already thinking about next year.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stefanie W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a great little place to stay. Easy to get to in a great location. Sam and Linda are excellent hosts! We will return!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brande W.

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

Cozy Stay

We really enjoyed our stay at the Elusive Moose. Great property, great location, and great hosts!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laura B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Eloosive Moose was cozy, quiet and clean. The best part was the extensive local knowledge our host shared with us. He shared with us all the local must-see destinations. The basket of treats was also fantastic! Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tatiana K.

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

Hiking the Black Hills

Welcoming and comfortable. Really enjoyed our stay!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carol F.

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

Met our needs

This property was very affordable and met our needs for the two days we set aside to be in or near Hill City. We’re a no frills type of couple. Had great luck fishing!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kale D.

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

July 4th Get-Away

Beautiful spot next to downtown Hill City, tucked away into a peaceful grassy enclave peppered with pine trees and set right alongside the middle of the Michelson Trail. Lodging is unique, quiet, cozy, very clean. Perfect get-away for July 4th weekend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Francesca P.

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

Review

Wonderful people and very welcoming!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Denise L.

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

A wonderful stay

Really had a good time. My husband caught some trouts few min close by. The Host /hostess were wonderful people. We would definitely come back. Nice cabin for people who want to go visit Mt Rushmore.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janice L.

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

Great central location to discover South Dakota

Very clean, cozy cabin and the owners were awesome! Sam provided lots of details on how to travel in SD and sights to see. Linda provided great breakfast and goodies basket. Just an extremely charming couple that made us feel welcomed and like family. Will defintely book again the next time we travel back to SD.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Wild West trip

We found that this location was the perfect place to do/see all we wanted to do in the area. Sam & Linda gave us great tips on the area, gave us some goodies, and even turned on the porch light when they knew we would be arriving home late.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sally N.

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

Perfection!

This cozy cabin-type space is the perfect mix of woods &wildlife & quiet comfort—yet with all the “luxuries” like on-site coffee shop just for the guests, premium TV, large bathroom & well-equipped kitchenette. The hosts are phenomenal & go out of their way to make sure you are comfortable and are enjoying your stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Randy R.

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

Volksmarch experience

Very comfortable with the nicest snacks, and we thank you for them! Quiet and cozy! Fresh shampoo and conditioner etc, much appreciated!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda A.

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

Beautiful

This is one of the nicest places I have ever stayed in. It was immaculately clean. We found it to be very safe and cozy. Sam and Linda made us feel so at home. Sam gave us great ideas on what to spend our time on in the black hills. Our only regret is that we could not stay longer. We absolutely recommend this place. It is close to shopping and many black hills attractions.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathy R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an amazing stay here. Perfect location for day trips out and about in SD. The cabin is adorable and has everything one would need. The owners are so kind and accommodating. We hope to come back one day and bring our bikes as the Mickelson Trail is right by the property.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lane H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was an excellent place to stay. Sam and Linda were very friendly and hospitable.Very comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

James H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice place, clean and had everything we needed for our stay. The host were friendly and very informed about the area. Would stay here again, highly recommend.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Judy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful clean and comfortable lodging. Our hosts Sam and Linda were great. Would stay again if the opportunity arose.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Fredrick H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was very welcoming and comfortable! Sam & Linda made us feel right at home, giving us a nice goodies basket and tips for exploring the Black Hills. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

gayle e.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved our room. Porch was so relaxing in the evening. Hosts are amazing.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Penny S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Enjoyed a lovely stay in this quaint, comfortable rental. The location was convenient to Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park and close enough to take a day trip to the Badlands State Park. The bed was comfortable and the place was clean and charming.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barbara J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sam and Linda are very good hosts. Very welcoming. They gave great advice on where to visit and where to dine. We would stay here again if ever in the area.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

James K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The owners were very nice and accommodating. We loved the place.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

About the host

Hosted by Sam and Linda Brown

Host profile image
Over the years (fifteen so far) many satisfied guests have taken time to write genuinely fond online reviews, as well as heart-warming notes in our many guest books, on the cleanliness and comfort of their guest nests, on the deliciousness of their breakfasts, and on the friendliness of their hosts. Our former hospitality business was pleasingly intermingled as both bed and breakfast and Black Hills Home Cabins. And over the years there were many happy expressions by our guests referring to their space as their CABIN. We love the excitement about cabins, and so that is what our vacation rental business transition has settled into, just on a smaller scale than what we grew into for 15 years with the help of two amusing summer-granddaughters.

We love that our new place is built in the beating heart of this charming mountain town, especially since Hill City is so friendly and brimming with history. And we love the central location in the beautiful Black Hills National Forest. Hill City truly is the HEART of the Hills!

There are so many intriguing choices for recreational direction that we often pause before driving into our adventure and inquire of each other, 'Which way should we go?' One of our favorite things to do is to take the scenic drive to Sylvan Lake and hike around the lake, soaking in the beauty from granite vantage points along the way. Another favorite is to take the scenic drive along Mount Rushmore Road and park at Horsethief Lake, where we can begin at the boardwalk for a hike around the lake. Serene, lovely, enchanting! Often on Sunday afternoons, we will pick a way to go to Custer State Park or perhaps Wind Cave National Park, where we may begin our outing with a nap, then view buffalo and other wildlife, and go for a nature walk.

(This listing is under the auspices of Smiling Bear, LLC)

Languages:

English

Premier Host

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