Mount Rushmore National Memorial

The basics

Completed by sculptor Gutzon Borglum and his team in 1941, Mount Rushmore is operated by the National Park Service and includes an interpretive center and recreational trail network. Many travelers visit this popular South Dakota attraction on a day trip from nearby Rapid City.

A typical sightseeing tour includes a meal at Carver’s Marketplace, time to explore the national memorial and its visitor center, and a visit to other attractions in the heart of Black Hills National Forest. Head to nearby Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, or Sylvan Lake—or go for a scenic drive on the Needles Highway.

Things to know before you go

• Mount Rushmore is a must-see for history buffs, families, and visitors experiencing South Dakota for the first time.

• Combine your visit with stops at Crazy Horse Memorial and Custer State Park on a tour.

• Much of the memorial is wheelchair accessible, including the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center and the Presidential Trail.

• Don’t forget to bring water, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.

How to get there

Mount Rushmore National Monument is about a 30-minute drive southwest of Rapid City, South Dakota; most visitors arrive by car. There’s no entrance fee to visit the site, but there is a per-vehicle parking fee.

When to get there

To strike a balance between good weather and sparser crowds, visit in September or October. Expect rainy and cold conditions in spring, and peak crowds during June, July, and August. No matter what time of year you visit, plan to come once during the day and again when the sculptures are lit up at night.

Gutzon Borglum’s Sculptor’s Studio

While touring the landmark, be sure to see the Sculptor’s Studio: The space where Gutzon Borglum worked from 1939 to 1941 comes highly recommended. See the scale model of Mount Rushmore, and hear ranger-led presentations on the tools and techniques Borglum and others used in carving the American presidents.