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.

Ways to explore

Operated by the National Park Service, Mount Rushmore 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 Carvers’ Café, time to explore the national memorial and its visitor center, and a trip 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.

Accessibility

The memorial is largely accessible—from boardwalks to visitor centers—apart from the Nature Trail and certain sections of the Presidential Trail.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, binoculars, water, snacks

What to wear

Layers depending on the weather, sunglasses/hat, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes

Not allowed

Littering, climbing the mountain, disturbing local flora and fauna, drones

Amenities

Visitor center, bookstore, restaurant and café, overlooks, trails, restrooms, Wi-Fi, gift shop, amphitheatre

Address 

Mount Rushmore can be found in South Dakota’s pretty Black Hills, not too far from Interstate 90. Most visitors drive to the national memorial, but you can also book a guided tour that includes transportation.

Driving

Mount Rushmore is about 24 miles (39 kilometers) from Rapid City, a roughly 30-minute drive through the Black Hills National Forest. There are plenty of signs and on-site parking at the memorial.

Public transportation

Public transit is not available at Mount Rushmore. If you don’t have a car, your best bet is to hop on a guided tour—there are tons of options out of Rapid City.

Best times to visit

Early in the morning or late at night (close to opening and closing) are far and away the best times to visit. You’ll avoid the crowds and you’ll get cool light on the sculpture itself.

Best days to visit

Come on a weekday to avoid the largest crowds—though you may run into school tours.

Best months to visit

Fall (September and October) is the time to explore the Black Hills, including Mount Rushmore. You’ll get fabulously crisp weather, great foliage, and summer’s peak crowds are gone.

Special events

If you can time it right, catch the evening lighting program. It happens daily from May to September, typically around 8–9pm.