Mount Rushmore is famous for the heads carved on the mountain, but if you just come to look and leave, you’re missing out! Let’s talk about all of the cool things to do at Mount Rushmore.
My name is Ash, and I’m a former park ranger. I lived in South Dakota for a while, and I love returning to the area to explore. Mount Rushmore is a great place to spend half a day, and the area surrounding the memorial can keep you busy for a long time!
This article includes information on family activities, hiking, biking, winter activities, and so much more.
Keep reading (or if you want to fast-forward, click on the links below) to find the perfect activities for your specific interests!
The Top 5 Things To Do at Mount Rushmore
When you visit Mount Rushmore for the first time, you want to be sure to see all of the highlights. Don’t just come, see the mountain, and leave — there’s more to do here!
If you make it through this top five list, you can relax knowing you’ve had a well-rounded visit to Mount Rushmore!
When you are ready for more detailed information on the top things to do, including directions and trip planning help, click over to this list of things you can’t miss on your first visit to Mount Rushmore
Avenue of Flags
The Avenue of Flags is a magnificent welcome to the park! As you walk up to the memorial, you’ll walk past this dramatic line of flags—one for each state. You can find any of your favorite flags or just enjoy the walk.
Sculptor’s Studio
The Sculptor’s Studio is where Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor of Mount Rushmore, worked on his plans for the monument.
Visit this spot to learn more about how the memorial was built!
Presidential Trail
The Presidential Trail is the best hike you can take to get up close to the memorial. You’ll love the unique views of Mount Rushmore along this 0.6-mile loop.
TJ’s Vanilla Ice Cream
Did you know that Thomas Jefferson brought the first ever written recipe for ice cream to the United States?
Try out a scoop of TJ’s Vanilla Ice Cream, based on Thomas Jefferson’s original recipe, here at Mount Rushmore!
Evening Lighting Ceremony
The Evening Lighting Ceremony might just be my favorite ranger program in the entire country, which is saying something because I used to be a park ranger!
Experiencing the memorial in lights is truly a breathtaking experience.
For more trip-planning information (including directions) on each of these stops, check out this list of things you can’t miss on your first visit to Mount Rushmore.
How long does it take to see the top five things at Mount Rushmore?
You can get to all of these activities in half a day! But, the Black Hills area is overflowing with activities that could easily keep you busy for days.
If you’d like more help planning your time at Mount Rushmore and the surrounding area, I have a whole article devoted to helping you figure out how many days to spend here.
Traffic and crowding in the Black Hills can be terrible.
Did you know that it’s common for parking lots to be full and sights to be packed with people, especially during the busy summer season?
Are you hoping to see the best sights without getting stuck in traffic, circling parking lots, or being surrounded by people?
Stay ahead of the crowds with this South Dakota National Parks Itinerary. You will see all the can’t-miss spots, plus get lodging and dining guides, driving directions, and insider tips!
Mount Rushmore National Memorial has an adventure for every age and skill level! Now that we’ve covered the top 5 things to do, it’s time to dig deeper into your own personal interests.
Things to Do at Mount Rushmore With Kids
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a great destination for kids! Keep them engaged by completing the Jr. Ranger Program, going on a hike, or swimming in a nearby lake.
If you’re visiting Mount Rushmore with your kids, definitely check out the Jr. Ranger Program! Pick up a booklet at the visitor center to get started. You’ll find activities for your child to complete, each one helping them learn more about Mount Rushmore. When they’ve finished the activities, they can claim a free Jr. Ranger badge.
In addition to the Jr. Ranger Program, you can also take your kids to the Youth Exploration Program, where they can participate in interactive programs with the rangers.
Complete one of the best easy hikes in and near Mount Rushmore while you’re here with your kids. Hiking is a great way to get out some energy and see something cool! You’ll find my whole list of favorite easy trails here, but I recommend at least completing the Presidential Trail. And don’t forget to get some ice cream as a reward!
A great way to take your Mount Rushmore trip to the next level is by visiting Keystone, a nearby town full of great things to do. Check out the 1880 Train, a steam train that travels through the Black Hills, or the Rushmore Tramway Adventure Park or Rush Mountain, both of which have an alpine slide and ziplines! Plus, you’ll find lots of shopping and restaurants in Keystone, too!
Lastly, Sylvan Lake is a fun place to visit with your kids. This lake is in Custer State Park, a 30-minute drive from Mount Rushmore. This area is so picturesque, with towering trees and beaches that are perfect for the entire family. Be sure to get out on the lake in a canoe or paddleboard!
Things to Do at Mount Rushmore if You Love to Hike
Mount Rushmore doesn’t have much by way of longer hiking trails, but the surrounding area does. Here are a few of my favorite longer trails near Mount Rushmore!
If you want to go on a long hike right from the memorial, check out the Blackberry Trail. This trail starts near the parking garages and connects you to the Centennial Trail, a 113-mile trail through the Black Hills.
Cathedral Spires is a one-of-a-kind hike in nearby Custer State Park. It’s named after the tall rock formations that resemble cathedral spires stretching into the sky! This trail is about 30 minutes from Mount Rushmore.
Another great hike, Old Baldy, is arguably one of the most iconic mountains in the Black Hills—you’ll see it towering in the distance near Mount Rushmore. The Old Baldy Mountain Trail is a fan-favorite hike around here — this trail includes some rock scrambling portions, magical forests, and amazing views at the summit!
If you’re looking for an amazing long dayhike, check out the trail to the summit of Black Elk Peak. This trail travels through a beautiful section of the Black Hills as it works its way to the top of a mountain.
Do you love to have a plan?
Get the inside scoop for your upcoming vacation —> this itinerary is the most detailed, epic, and easy-to-follow guide to the South Dakota parks!
Things to Do at Mount Rushmore if You Don’t Want to Hike
If hiking isn’t something you can do or want to do at Mount Rushmore, you’re in luck! This memorial doesn’t have much by way of hiking, so you can still see and do many things while you’re here.
One of the best ways to experience Mount Rushmore without hiking is to rent a self-guided tour. You don’t need to visit each spot to enjoy the tour — you can find a comfortable seat and learn about the memorial from there!
You’ll find several buildings around the memorial that tell the story of Mount Rushmore, so be sure to stop in at the Sculptor’s Studio and the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center to learn more from the interesting interpretive displays.
Mount Rushmore has a nice variety of ranger programs offered during the summer months. Talks are offered at the Sculptor’s Studio, the Youth Exploration Area, the Amphitheater, and all over the memorial grounds throughout the daytime and evening hours.
For an amazing scenic drive with views of Mount Rushmore, head over to the Iron Mountain Road in Custer State Park. If you drive this road from south to north, you’ll be able to see Mount Rushmore framed in the historic tunnels as you drive!
Winter Activities at Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore is open year-round, even during the winter. It’s cold, snowy, and quiet — your experience here in the winter will be much different than it would be in the summer!
Ranger programs don’t typically run during the winter months, but you can still rent a self-guided tour to take you around the memorial. The visitor center, restaurant, and gift shop stay open in the winter as well. And you can hike the Presidential Trail to get an up-close view of Mount Rushmore.
To see a list of what is open/what to expect during your winter visit to Mount Rushmore, check out this article.
You’ll find many opportunities for cross-country skiing in the Black Hills! I recommend checking out the Big Hill or Beaver Creek Ski Systems if you’re looking for a fantastic place to get out on a groomed trail. The Mickelson Trail, found just a few minutes west of Mount Rushmore, is also open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.
If you’re looking for downhill skiing, you’ll find the Terry Peak Ski Area in the town of Lead, about an hour north of Mount Rushmore.
Snowmobiling is huge in this area — there is a 300-mile trail system out here near Mount Rushmore. If you want to go snowmobiling in the Black Hills, you’ll want to drive up to the Lead/Deadwood/Spearfish area for the best trail access and rentals.
Things to Do at Mount Rushmore if You Love Ranger Programs
Mount Rushmore is the perfect place to be if you love ranger programs! The memorial is best experienced with the help of a ranger, so be sure to plan some time to join a program during your visit.
Walks and talks are offered daily during the summer months at various locations around the memorial. You can often join a ranger on the Presidential Trail or on the Grand View Terrace for a 30-minute dive into the history and significance of Mount Rushmore.
Stop by the Sculptor’s Studio for a short program focused on the men who designed and built Mount Rushmore. This talk is fascinating if you’re interested in how the memorial came to be.
If you want to take a tour of the memorial at your own pace, you can rent a self-guided tour that expands on everything around you!
My absolute favorite ranger program offered at Mount Rushmore is the Evening Lighting Ceremony. You’ll learn about the memorial as you watch a 20-minute movie and hear from a ranger. At the end of the program, the lights illuminate Mount Rushmore!
When you get to Mount Rushmore, stop in at the visitor center or the information center to see a ranger program schedule. You can get more details about each program here.
Wheelchair-Friendly Things to Do at Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore National Memorial has an extremely limited selection of wheelchair-friendly hiking trails. The only accessible trail here is the beginning section of the Presidential Trail (from the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center clockwise).
However, you will be able to see the highlights of this area in a wheelchair! The Avenue of Flags, Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, and amphitheater are all wheelchair-friendly. If you want to visit the Sculptor’s Studio, you can drive your vehicle to a closer parking lot that will allow you to bypass the stairs.
Check out the official Mount Rushmore website for more information about accessibility at the memorial.
Things to Do at Mount Rushmore With Your Dog
You’ll be limited in what you can do at Mount Rushmore if you decide to bring your pet, but there are still a few places you can go.
Read through this article to find out where pets are allowed and what you can do with them at the memorial.
High Adventure Activities at Mount Rushmore
If you’re looking for a high adventure activity near Mount Rushmore, you’ll find several fantastic options! The Black Hills are full of fun and heart-pumping adventures for your entire family.
ATVing and UTVing are extremely popular ways to see the Black Hills area surrounding Mount Rushmore. You can find rental options and trails in nearby Keystone, Hill City, and Custer.
Did you know that you can take a hot air balloon ride over the Black Hills? This is an extremely unique way to see the beautiful landscape and to have a big adventure.
For some family fun, check out an adventure park with ziplining, alpine slides, and ropes courses. You’ll find Rushmore Tramway or Rush Mountain just a few minutes away from Mount Rushmore in Keystone.
If you want to see Mount Rushmore from the air, take a helicopter flight! These flights travel all over the Black Hills, including Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore.
Things to Do at Mount Rushmore if You Love to Bike
The best spot for biking near Mount Rushmore is the George S. Mickelson Trail. This 100-mile trail weaves its way through the Black Hills!
The closest place to pick up the trail from Mount Rushmore is to drive west on Highway 244 and park at the Burlington Northern Hill City Trailhead (#8) in Hill City or The Mountain Trailhead (#9) near Custer. You can see a map of the trail and trailhead directions here.
As you travel north from Custer, you’ll get great views of Crazy Horse Monument and Black Elk Peak! This is a great route to take for some amazing scenery on your way up to Deadwood. The northern part of the Mickelson Trail is also where you’ll find the rock tunnels!
If you’d like to bike the whole trail, you can make a whole trip out of it by starting at the southern terminus in Edgewood and making your way up to the northern terminus near Deadwood. You can complete this trip in two or three days, staying in cities like Custer and Hill City along the way.
Things to Do Near Mount Rushmore
The area around Mount Rushmore National Memorial could easily keep you busy all summer long! You’ll find many incredible activities and points of interest within an hour or so of Mount Rushmore, so be sure to plan some extra time.
Most people visit many different national park sites during their time in the Rapid City area — this area is full of so many amazing parks! Check out Badlands, Devils Tower, Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, and the Minuteman Missile Site while you’re here.
A few more of my favorite places to visit in this general area are Historic Deadwood, Spearfish Canyon, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse, and the Mammoth Site.
Have a fantastic time working through this list of things to do at Mount Rushmore. See you out in the parks!
More Mount Rushmore Trip Planning Information
South Dakota Parks Itinerary — a detailed hour-by-hour sightseeing schedule.
How to Get to Mount Rushmore — the best airports and roads in the area.
How Many Days Should I Spend at Mount Rushmore? — itinerary ideas.
The Best Time to Visit — what to expect during each month of the year.
Weather, Hours, and Closures — important weather info and common closures.
Where Should I Stay? — the best options in and around the park.
All About Camping — learn about the park’s campgrounds and how to get a site.
5 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit — the top 5 spots.
The Best Easy Hikes — the perfect trails for kids, wheelchairs, and beginners.
The Ultimate Mount Rushmore Trip Planning Guide — everything you need to know.
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