Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Things To Do Near Mount Rushmore National Memorial

There's so much more to Mount Rushmore National Memorial than meets the eye — this unique spot offers a remarkable history and beautiful hiking trails that wind through the distinctive Black Hills landscape. Keep the fun going in the nearby town of Keystone. Once a mining town, the city has reinvented itself as a center for history, entertainment, shopping, and dining.

Hiking Trails

• Presidential Trail

  The Presidential Trail is the most popular route inside Mount Rushmore National Memorial. This hilly, paved route starts and ends at the visitor center, taking you through the trees around the memorial itself. As you hike, you'll have plenty of opportunities to see Mount Rushmore from different angles. Keep in mind that this route has many sets of stairs, so it can be a challenge for small children and families with strollers. 

  Location

  Visitor center

  Length

  0.5 mile round-trip

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Nature Trail

  If you're looking for a short, family-friendly hike, check out the Nature Trail. It starts at the Borglum View Terrance and travels down the hill to the parking area and the official park entrance. It's a great way to get back to your RV without backtracking along the main entrance path.

  Location

  Borglum View Terrace

  Length

  0.3 mile round-trip

  Intensity

  Easy

• Horsethief Lake Trail

  Drive 2 miles west of Mount Rushmore National Memorial to reach the Horsethief Lake Trail. This beautiful trail takes you through the distinctive Black Hills terrain, traveling past granite peaks and bizarrely shaped rock formations. Park at the Horsethief Lake day-use area

  Location

  SD-244, Keystone, SD 57751

  Length

  2.7 miles one way

  Intensity

  Moderate to Strenuous

Sightseeing

• Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center

  The Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center is the first stop on any trip to Mount Rushmore. It's the perfect place to get acquainted with the sculpture you're about to see. Watch a video about how the faces were carved in the rocks, and check out the photos of the fascinating and laborious process. The visitor center brings to life the stories of the workers, artists, and other key figures who were involved in the construction of this remarkable monument.

  Location

  13000 Highway 244, Building 31, Suite 1, Keystone, SD 57751

• Avenue of Flags

  You can't miss the Avenue of Flags; it's one of the first things you see upon entering Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Here, the walkway is lined with the flags of the states, districts, territories, and commonwealths that make up the United States.

  Location

  13000 Highway 244, Building 31, Suite 1, Keystone, SD 57751

• Sculptor's Studio

  One of the most fascinating places at Mount Rushmore National Memorial is the Sculptor's Studio. Here, artist Guzton Borglum painstakingly designed a one-twelfth scale model of the monument. The process took two years, and the resulting sculpture is well worth a visit. It's a chance to see what the final product would have been had it not been limited by money and geology. In the summer, rangers give fascinating talks here.

  Location

  13000 Highway 244, Building 31, Suite 1, Keystone, SD 57751

Museums

• Rushmore Borglum Story Museum

  If you're interested in learning more about the history of Mount Rushmore, visit the Rushmore Borglum Story Museum. Small and interesting, this spot focuses on the life and work of Gutzon Borglum. There's even a full-scale replica of Abraham Lincoln's stone eye to give you a better sense of the monument's scale.

  Location

  342 Winter St, Keystone, SD 57751

• National Presidential Wax Museum

  You'll feel like you're meeting some of the most famous people in world history at the National Presidential Wax Museum. Here, all of the American presidents are memorialized in life-size wax statues in historically accurate settings. While you're there, watch a short video to learn about the work that goes into each statue.

  Location

  609 US-16A, Keystone, SD 57751

• Keystone Museum

  Discover the history of the Black Hills at the Keystone Museum, which is located in a schoolhouse built in 1899. Although it looks historic, the building was the town's main school until 1988. Check out historic photos, learn about the mining tradition of the town, and wander through restored classrooms.

  Location

  410 3rd St., Keystone, SD 57751

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Mount Rushmore Gift Shop

  Located inside the memorial, Mount Rushmore Gift Shop is the most convenient spot to pick up a souvenir. Options range from colorful T-shirts to educational books about American history; you'll also find locally made products and South Dakota-themed gifts.

  Location

  13000 SD-244, Keystone, SD 57751

• Rattlesnake Jake's

  Rattlesnake Jake's is one of the many friendly gift shops located in Keystone. It offers the usual range of treasures, including cards and souvenirs. Make sure to take your photo with the Mount Rushmore cutout in the front of the store.

  Location

  804 US-16A, Keystone, SD 57751

• Carvers' Café

  The most convenient place to grab a meal at Mount Rushmore is Carvers' Café, which is located right by the entrance. Cool off with an ice cream cone, or head inside to find everything from chili to full meals.

  Location

  13000 South Dakota 244, Keystone, SD 57751

• Sherpa's Kitchen

  Sherpa's Kitchen serves Indian and Nepalese food just 3 miles from Mount Rushmore. Stop there on your way to or from the monument to enjoy biryani, naan, curries, and more.

  Location

  610 HWY, US-16A, Keystone, SD 57751

How To Get To Mount Rushmore National Memorial

If you're driving from Rapid City to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, take US-16 south to US-16A south. After you pass the town of Keystone, head west on SD-244 and follow the signs to the memorial. If you're coming from the west, connect to US-385 in Hill City or Custer, and turn east on SD-244 to reach Mount Rushmore.

Address

13000 Highway 244, Building 31, Suite 1, Keystone, SD 57751

Fee: Parking fee $10.0

Fee: Entry fee $0

The famous sculptures are only the tip of the iceberg at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Take the time to walk through the Black Hills and discover the fascinating stories behind the inception and construction of the park, and you'll find the humanity behind this American icon. An RV is a fantastic way to make the most of your trip; nearby campgrounds make it easy to enjoy Mount Rushmore at your leisure.