Mount Rushmore National Memorial, established in 1925, features 60-foot sculptures of these four US presidents in the black hills of South Dakota. The memorial, designed by sculptor Gutzon Borglum, covers 1,278.45 acres and sits 5,725 feet above sea level. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln are carved into the mountain at Mount Rushmore.
How to get there
The closest airport to Mount Rushmore is Rapid City which is 35 miles from it. From Rapid City, take U.S. Highway 16 to Keystone and South Dakota Highway 244 to Mount Rushmore. Views of Mount Rushmore on the way there.
Entrance Fee
There is no entrance fee for Mount Rushmore National Memorial, but you have to pay $10 for parking at the memorial. You can use the same parking ticket if you plan to visit the next day again. Upon arrival, the attendants will direct you to the entrance gates. Take the parking ticket to open the gate and then park the car. The ticket machine is located in multiple locations, and you can pay for your ticket either before or after visiting Mount Rushmore. The paid ticket is needed to open the gate to exit.
Things to do at Mount Rushmore
Grand View Terrace
The Grand View Terrace is the main viewing area of Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the first to offer a closer and unobstructed view, making it a popular spot for photos.
Avenue of Flags
View the flags of all 50 states, one district, three territories, and two commonwealths of the United States of America.
Walk the Presidential Trail
This 0.6-mile trail provides changing views of Mount Rushmore as you walk among granite outcrops and through ponderosa pine trees. As you face the mountain, go to the far left side to begin the trail. The final 0.4 miles has 422 stairs and brings you back to the Grand View Terrace.
The Presidential Trail provides close-up views of the sculpture, and you can learn more about the four presidents on the informational signs.
Visit the Sculptor’s Studio
Visit the Sculptor’s Studio to learn more about Gutzon Borglum, his scale model, and the process of carving Mount Rushmore. During the summer months, rangers present 15-minute talks here focusing on the workers who helped Borglum create Mount Rushmore and the tools and techniques they used.
Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center
Visit the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, located beneath the Grand View Terrace, to view exhibits and a 14-minute film describing the reasons for and methods used in carving Mount Rushmore.
Evening Lighting Ceremony
Join a park ranger in the outdoor amphitheater for an inspirational 45-minute program focusing on the presidents, patriotism, and the nation’s history. Beginning with a ranger talk, this program continues with the film “Freedom: America’s Lasting Legacy” (captioned) and culminates with the lighting of the memorial. Program held nightly from late May through the end of September.
Mount Rushmore Profile View
After visiting Mount Rushmore, you can make your way about half a mile so to the west of the entrance on Highway 244. A small parking lot will afford you a wonderful view of George Washington’s Profile.
Where to stay
The closest town is Keystone, SD, 3 miles from Mount Rushmore. If you are visiting other places in the area, it can also be done as a day trip from Rapid City, SD, or Custer, SD. We stayed a night in Keystone, SD.
Where to eat
There is one restaurant Carvers Cafe on site, which serves a variety of food. There are many other food options in Keystone, SD, Custer, SD, or Rapid City, SD.
When to visit Mount Rushmore
Summers are the hottest and busiest time to visit Mount Rushmore. Fall and spring is the best time to visit when the weather is nice and the crowd is minimal. Visit in the morning or evening to avoid crowds. It is more crowded during the day and on weekends in peak season.
How much time in Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore can easily be seen in 3-4 hours. This includes taking the traditional selfie in front of the faces, walking the Presidential Trail, visiting the Museum and gift shop, and enjoying the Evening Lighting Ceremony. We stayed one night in Keystone, SD, and visited Mount Rushmore in the evening for Lighting Ceremony and in the morning again for some more pictures.
Nearby Attractions
If you visit Mount Rushmore as part of a road trip, you can also include Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Jewel Cave National Monument, Wind Cave National Park, The Mammoth Site, and Devil’s Tower in your trip.