Our Story & Mission
Whether you grew up in western South Dakota or you’re just passing through, there is no doubt that the Black Hills is considered a “peace of Heaven on earth”. Rolling prairies, wooded forests and abundant wildlife make the Black Hills a special place.
Growing up in South Dakota, I loved to go on drives in the “Hills” with my family. One of the most memorable drives was the historic Iron Mountain Road into Custer State Park. Iron Mountain Road challenges every driver to simultaneously keep his eye on the road while absorbing all of the natural scenery. It was an adventurous ride through switchbacks, breathtaking scenery and the famous pig-tail bridges which bear a cork-screw shape and the three single-lane granite tunnels that perfectly frame Mt. Rushmore National Memorial in the distance.
The building of Iron Mountain Road was directed by Peter Norbeck, former governor of South Dakota and U.S. Some of Norbeck’s projects included the development of Custer State Park, obtaining funding for Mount Rushmore, conservation issues (Peter Norbeck Wildlife Refuge), establishing Grand Teton National Park and building Iron Mountain Road leading to the monument.
At the end of every journey in the “Hills:, my family wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to play “tourist” in Keystone, have ice cream and pick up a souvenir or two. I always looked forward to walking along the Keystone boardwalk and exploring the various retail shops. As I grew older, I became a coffee connoisseur of sorts and loved taking short drives through the Black Hills sipping my favorite espresso drink. My favorite times were during the early morning hours when the wildlife was abundant and during the fall when the leaves where changing. The experience is one that I wanted to create for anyone who ventured to the Black Hills, hence the concept of Iron Mountain Coffee was born.
Throughout history, coffeehouses have been meeting places to hold conversation, from playful banter to insightful discourse. They are also popular gathering grounds to create entertainment and to be entertained. Named after the historic Iron Mountain Road, Iron Mountain Coffee provides a unique, rustic atmosphere centered in the beautiful Black Hills. We specialize in high-quality espresso, coffee drinks, smoothies, teas and pastries. Visitors and locals alike can retreat for relaxation, conversation and enjoy God’s natural beauty. What better way to enjoy a cup of coffee than cruising through the Black Hills!
Our mission is to provide a quality experience for families and individual travelers alike. Parents can relax while enjoying their favorite drink and children can entertain themselves with the Wii gaming station. We also offer local news papers, books and complimentary WiFI service.
We hope you enjoy your visit to the Black Hills and to the Keystone area. Whether you need a morning kick-start or an afternoon pick-me-up, we hope you will join us at Iron Mountain Coffee.
Mike & Joanna Franke
___________________________________________
About Mike & Joanna Franke
Both Mike and Joanna Franke were born in raised in Rapid City SD. Aside from attending college in other states for a short period of time, they have remained in the Black Hills. Both have a long working history in the tourism and retail industry. Mike holds a bachelor’s degree from Black Hills State University in Business and Tourism and Joanna holds a bachelors degree in Accounting from Black Hills State University. She is also a licensed CPA of 13 years and operates her own firm.
In their spare time they can be found spending time with their boys, camping, fishing, hiking, skiing and playing tourist in the Black Hills.
Photography provided by Thru Our Eyes Photography (www.thruoureyesphotos.com). Additional prints and products are available at On Eagles Wings Inspirational Gifts in Keystone, SD (605) 666-4220
