History
 Alex, Vice President of the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad, was founder of this grand hotel that bears his name. An admirer of Native Americans, he spoke of a shrine and tribute to the Sioux Indian Nation. The structural design is a successful blend of two spirits: the heritage of the Plains Indians and the Germanic Tudor architecture representing German immigration to the Dakotas.
In 1927 construction began on the hotel the day before work began on Mount Rushmore. Less than a year later, on July 1, 1928, the first guest registered to begin a long successive line of presidents, celebrities and happy visitors to the Hotel Alex Johnson. The walking tour will take you over the same paths that thousands have taken through the years. As you learn more about its rich past, you will begin to understand why the Hotel Alex Johnson is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Hotel Alex Johnson has been a member of NTA since 1981. Member of Association of Historic Hotels of the Rockies. Recipient of the First Governor's Great Service Award and Governor's Service Star.
 History of The Hotel Alex Johnson
Alex Carlton Johnson, Vice President of the Chicago-Northwestern Railroad set out to build a grand hotel, "The Showplace of the West", and a tribute to the Native Americans of the area in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Alex Carlton Johnson's involvement with the railroad, his love of the Native American culture of the Lakota Sioux located here in the Black Hills and the western history involved in the South Dakota heritage all are reflected in the architecture and the memories surrounding this hotel.
 Hotel Alex Johnson Lobby
As you walk into the Lobby, you'll notice the bricks you step on are all original and some have Native American symbols imbedded in them. One of those symbols looks suspiciously like a Swastika. (Now, do you really think we'd have Swastika's in our hotel? Of course not.) It's actually an ancient symbol that means the "four sacred corners of the earth" and was adopted by the Native Americans a couple hundred years ago. (and because it was here long before Hitler, we decided to keep it - and explain it - again & again & again...) That same symbol is reflected in the one of a kind chandelier, made of war spears, that has hung from the decorative rafters for over 75 years.
 From the Native American symbols and original art work on display in the lobby designs and the guest rooms and hallways, to the archives display of railroad artifacts and photographs of celebrities, movie casts, politicians and presidents who made the Alex their "home away from home" just enhance the rich history of this grand hotel.
Restoration of the hotel based on original photographs and plans has returned the hotel's surroundings to those of the 20s, from the guest rooms to the ballroom to the restaurant and lobby, all displaying her past for those to be a part of today.
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