MOUNT RUSHMORE NATIONAL MEMORIAL
“Hence, let us place there, carved high, as close to heaven as we can, the words of our leaders, their faces…
…to show posterity what manner of men they were. Then breathe a prayer that these records will endure until the wind and rain alone shall wear them away.”
— GUTZON BORGLUM (FULL ACCOUNT HERE)
Welcome to the Ultimate Mount Rushmore Trip Planning Guide
Carved high on the granite cliffs, four faces that represent the ideals of America are a sight to behold. Mount Rushmore reminds us of the birth, growth, development, and preservation of our country.
This memorial is an amazing place to learn and reflect in the heart of the beautiful Black Hills, and now it’s your turn to experience this enchanting place — it’s your turn to be a part of its story.
MOUNT RUSHMORE AT-A-GLANCE
Location: South Dakota
What It’s Famous For: Presidents faces carved into the granite cliffs.
Elevation of Mount Rushmore: 5,725 feet above sea level
Started: March 3, 1925
Finished: October 31, 1941
Crowd Levels: High, with around 2.5 million visitors each year.
COMMON MOUNT RUSHMORE TRIP PLANNING QUESTIONS
Where is Mount Rushmore, and how do I get there?
Mount Rushmore is located in western South Dakota about 30 minutes from Rapid City, 3.5 hours from Casper, WY, and 3 hours from Scottsbluff, NE.
I suggest flying into Rapid City. In this article, I share details about the best airports and roads in the area.
Is Mount Rushmore open year-round?
Mount Rushmore is open year-round — but that doesn’t mean that you’ll be able to do everything you’re hoping to do.
Learn more about the weather, hours, and common closures that may affect your trip to the park.
How many days should I spend at Mount Rushmore?
You’ll want at least 4-5 hours at Mount Rushmore, but you can easily spend a week in the Black Hills!
See my recommendations for the amount of time to spend in the memorial, as well as how to split your time between multiple parks.
When is the best time to visit Mount Rushmore?
If you’re just getting started with your Mount Rushmore trip planning but are unsure of the best time to go, I’ve got you covered!
Here are my suggestions if you’re hoping to:
- Beat the crowds: Late May or Mid-September
- Travel during the summer: June
- Save money: October
- Have a unique adventure: December
This article provides a month-by-month breakdown of what to expect at Mount Rushmore — including information on weather, closures, crowds, and which points of interest will be open.
THINGS TO DO AT MOUNT RUSHMORE
5 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit
- Avenue of Flags
- Sculptor’s Studio
- Presidential Trail
- TJ’s Vanilla Ice Cream
- Evening Lighting Ceremony
This popular article outlines each can’t-miss spot at Mount Rushmore in great detail. You’ll learn about the important things you need to know about each stop, and driving directions are included.
The Best Things to Do at/near Mount Rushmore:
IF YOU LOVE RANGER PROGRAMS
- Walks and talks
- Sculptor’s Studio
- Evening Lighting Ceremony
IN WINTER
- Grand View Terrace
- Snowmobiling
- Cross-country skiing
IF YOU DON’T WANT TO HIKE
- Self-guided tour
- Iron Mountain Road
- Ranger programs
IN A WHEELCHAIR
- Avenue of Flags
- Grand View Terrace
- Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center
This massive list of things to do at Mount Rushmore will cover the travel needs of your entire group.
In addition to the items mentioned above, it also includes high-adventure activities, things to do with a dog, biking, things to do with kids, best hikes, and more. There’s something for everyone!
The Best Easy Hikes
Looking for good beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, or wheelchair-friendly trail options? This list details the best easy hikes in and near Mount Rushmore.
Dog-friendly Activities
Learn about all the places you can bring your dog in and around Mount Rushmore.
SOUTH DAKOTA PARKS ITINERARY
Do you LOVE to have a plan while traveling?
You’ve probably been spending a lot of time and money to make your trip possible. But don’t forget about the most important part — the day-to-day details!
When you get to South Dakota, will you have all the information you need to confidently navigate around the park and avoid the crowds?
This hour-by-hour itinerary will make sure you see the best of the South Dakota National Parks and the Black Hills — no more research needed!
LODGING NEAR MOUNT RUSHMORE
Where Should I Stay?
This article provides information on the gateway towns and lodging options in the Mount Rushmore area.
All About Camping
Learn all about my favorite campgrounds near Mount Rushmore and how to snag a site.
GETTING AROUND MOUNT RUSHMORE NATIONAL MEMORIAL
Cars
When you arrive at Mount Rushmore, you will pay your parking fee and then park in the large garages near the entrance. After parking, you can easily walk to all of the sights at the memorial!
Oversized Vehicles
The Mount Rushmore parking garages have space for large and oversized vehicles. The parking fee collector can direct you to the parking area for oversized vehicles.
Planning a trip to South Dakota can be overwhelming.
How do you make a solid plan if you’ve never been to the parks before? How do you keep everyone in your group excited and engaged?
You can spend hours on the internet searching for things to do, but you still won’t find the insider tips and first-hand knowledge that I’ve gained from working as a park ranger.
If you’re hoping to see the best sights without getting stuck in traffic, circling parking lots, or being surrounded by people, check out this South Dakota Parks Itinerary.
You will see all of the can’t-miss spots, plus get lodging and dining guides, driving directions, and insider tips!
Thanks for using the Ultimate Mount Rushmore Trip Planning Guide
You may also be interested in one of these nearby national parks:
Badlands National Park
Wind Cave National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Disclosure: This Mount Rushmore Trip Planning Guide may contain affiliate links, which means that (at no extra cost to you) I receive a small compensation if you make a purchase. I don’t recommend anything that I don’t personally love and use myself! Thanks for your support. — Ash