Mount Rushmore National Memorial
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As one of America's most popular landmarks, the Mount Rushmore National Memorial sees more than 2 million visitors each year. Doane Robinson, a historian in South Dakota, suggested that the state carve the heads of notable figures in the rock of Custer State Park. Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor for the project, found that the rock there was too weak and recommended Mount Rushmore. He also had the idea of choosing George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln as the figures to carve in the granite. The monument honors the country's foundation, rise as a global power and preservation of its ideals through the Civil War. It represents freedom and hope to many across the world.
How to Get There
Rapid City Regional Airport is 35 miles from the landmark. Nearby cities include Rapid City and Hot Springs. Some private tour companies offer trips to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
Rent an RV For Your Visit to Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial
June through August are the busiest months. September and October aren't as busy but are still popular months for visitors. Arrive at the memorial before 9 a.m. or after 3:30 p.m. for your best chance of avoiding crowds.
The operating hours are from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day of the week. On holidays, the operating hours are usually shorter. Be aware that other sites, such as the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, are open at different times, too. The visitor center is usually open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Take the Presidential Trail, only 0.2 miles long, to access viewing areas at the base of the mountain. Wheelchairs can access the trail.
A long staircase at the mountain ascends to the Sculptor's Studio. Those who use wheelchairs can find a way to the Sculptor's Studio via the studio's accessible parking area. The site is open from late May to the middle of October. Factors that affect availability include the weather and the number of staff.
In addition to the faces sculpted on the mountain, the flags of all 50 states set a grand stage at the base of the mountain. The Avenue of Flags was an addition to the site in 1976. There are six additional flags to represent United States territories, commonwealths and districts.
Ticket Information
You only need to pay parking fees at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Parking for noncommercial vehicles is $10 per vehicle. Seniors (62 and older) get a 50% discount. Active-duty military personnel don't need to pay parking fees. Your parking ticket is valid for a year from the date of purchase. You can pay via cash or with most credit cards.
Family-Friendly Options
Visiting Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a family-friendly activity because the trail leading to the viewing area is only 0.2 miles. The visitor center, the Sculptor's Studio and other on-site buildings are also family-friendly.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
There's a small parking area off Highway 244 that has a side-profile view of George Washington. Mountain goats live in the surrounding area, giving you a wildlife viewing opportunity.
Once you're at the national memorial, you can capture beautiful pictures at the entrance of the Avenue of Flags with the face sculptures showing in the distance. At the end of the walkway, snap another picture of just the sculptures. Take the Presidential Trail for a closer view.
At the end of the trail, stop by the Sculptor's Studio to learn about how Borglum pulled off such stunning carvings on the side of a mountain. For more information on the history and construction of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, visit the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, which is below the Grand View Terrace. There's a 14-minute film at the center.
Did you know that Thomas Jefferson made the first ice cream recipe in the U.S.? Try his ice cream at Carvers' Café.
Hike the Blackberry Trail, a 1-mile gravel trail, to explore more of the Black Hills area. It leads to the Centennial Trail for additional exploration options. The Centennial Trail is in the Black Elk Wilderness, an area that's sacred to Native Americans.
For another view of the national memorial, take the Iron Mountain Road scenic drive. It meanders through the Black Hills and offers two vantage points of Mount Rushmore inside two tunnels.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial Accommodations
Campgrounds Nearby
Just 10 minutes north of Mount Rushmore on Highway 16, Kemp’s Kamp is extremely close to nearby attractions and very conveniently located. The town of Keystone is only 5 minutes away, and you’ll find any major amenities you could need. The area is lovely and wooded and right next to Battle Creek, offering great scenery around your campsite.
Just minutes down the street from the visitor’s center for Mount Rushmore tiol Park, the Grizzly Creek Campground is one of the closest campgrounds to Mount Rushmore. In the small town of Hill City, you’re next to a few convenient amenities, including a museum, a market, a cafe, and a diner. Major Lake and Spring Creek are great places to spend a sunny day.
About 10 minutes up US-244 you’ll find the Mount Rushmore KOA, tucked away into the Black Hills yet easy to access. The area does offer Palmer Creek and horse stables, but there’s not much else in the immediate vicinity. That being said, it makes for a peaceful stay surrounded by nature. Hill City is only 10 minutes away, and you’ll find everything you need there.
Activities Near Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Things to Do
The Crazy Horse Memorial
The Crazy Horse Memorial, 17.8 miles from the national monument, honors notable Native American figures with a mountain carving and museum. Try Native American cuisine at the on-site Laughing Water Restaurant. The Nature Gates, another site to see at the memorial, features depictions of the 219 animals that are native to South Dakota.
Big Thunder Gold Mine
You can pan for gold and gems at Big Thunder Gold Mine. Guided tours of the mine are available to learn about its history and geology.
Black Hills National Forest
Nicknamed Island in the Plains, the Black Hills National Forest has open grasslands, blue lakes, canyons and gulches. You can go hiking, horseback riding and fishing in the national forest.
National Parks
National Sites
Weather, Safety & Accessibility
Weather & Packing
Fog might block your view of Mount Rushmore from late May to early June. May and June are the wettest months of the year, too. Make sure that you pack plenty of rainproof gear so that you can stay dry. In the summer, afternoon thunderstorms happen often. You should take shelter inside a building when you hear thunder or see lightning. Snowstorms occasionally occur during the winter, but the snow melts within a few days. Be sure to bring lots of warm clothes and layers if you visit during this time of year. Mount Rushmore is warmer than Rapid City because of temperature inversions.
Safety & Accessibility
Report suspicious activity to Mount Rushmore Dispatch at 847411 with a "Rushmore" text. For emergencies, you should always call 911 instead. Stay on the established walking surfaces. Although you can't climb Mount Rushmore, there are other areas of the mountain where you can go rock climbing. Accessible parking is available through Lane 4 of the parking area. RVs, trailers and buses can park in Lane 4, too.
You can check out manual wheelchairs at the visitor center. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The viewing area, the Sculptor's Studio, and Carvers' Café and Gift Shop are wheelchair-accessible. All areas of the site allow service animals but not emotional support animals. Brochures are available in braille, and you can ask for an audio description device at the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center.
Conclusion
The Mount Rushmore National Memorial is one of America's top attractions for the 60-foot face sculptures of four of the most impactful presidents in the country's history. The surrounding Black Hills will take your breath away, too.
FAQ
There are 30 campgrounds in the Black Hills National Forest. Custer State Park, 20 miles from Mount Rushmore, has camping options, too.
Yes, there is a parking area that can accommodate RVs. Some of the nearby lodging options also allow RVs.
Although your parking pass lasts for one year, the site only allows two visits per day. Sometimes, there are 45-minute lighting ceremonies in the evening. You can check in advance if you'd like to see the ceremony.
Yes. Mount Rushmore National Memorial doesn't require a lot of walking. Everyone in the family from kids to the elderly can enjoy this national memorial.
Pets are only allowed in the parking garage, the pet exercise area and outside of the developed area. They need to be on a leash that's no longer than 6 feet long. The Blackberry Trail also allows pets.