Are you visiting Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota and are wondering what to expect? Looking for information on what to see and do at Mt. Rushmore, where to stay, and how much time you need?
by Jurga – FullSuitCase.com
Are you visiting Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota and are wondering what to expect? Looking for information on what to see and do at Mt. Rushmore, where to stay, and how much time you need? Or maybe you are planning a trip to the Black Hills and Badlands area and are looking for ideas for things to do near Mount Rushmore?
This article should answer all your questions!
Our guest writer Jen from Travel With A Plan visited Mt. Rushmore with her family and wrote this very comprehensive guide to the area.
Whether you are looking for inspiration or practical information for your visit to Mount Rushmore or places to visit nearby, this article should answer all your questions. Find out!
When Is the Best Time to Visit Mt Rushmore
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is open year-round, except on December 25th, when it’s closed for Christmas.
Mt Rushmore National Memorial is a popular destination for families, so the busiest time to travel here is during the summer months of June, July, and August. It is then that school is out of session and the weather is the warmest.
Despite crowds being at their peak during this time, you should know that the park is still very doable when it is busy.
Though temperatures will be much cooler, spring and fall are two other great times to visit the Black Hills region. Along with fewer crowds, the spring and fall months feature seasonal multi-colored trees and plants that are unique to this area.
Visiting Mount Rushmore
A national treasure in the United States, Mount Rushmore National Memorial symbolizes the ideals of freedom and Democracy. Completed in 1941, Mount Rushmore features the 60-foot high faces of four United States presidents intricately carved out of a granite mountainside.
Located in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, Mount Rushmore is often considered a rite of passage to see in one’s lifetime. Drawing in more than 3 million tourists per year, visitors from around the world travel here to take in the awe-inspiring views of this patriotic site.
Below you can find my tips on visiting Mount Rushmore National Memorial and things to do in the breathtaking area nearby. Read on!
Things to Do at Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Along with admiring the enormous sculpted faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, there are many activities available to immerse yourself in the history and beauty of Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
Here is a short summary of what you can expect to see and do when visiting Mount Rushmore.
1. Stroll the Avenue of Flags
The Avenue of the Flags is the main pathway to the Mt Rushmore memorial. Here, guests are greeted by a walkway flanked on both sides by the flags of all 50 states and territories of the United States.
Arranged in alphabetical order, the names of each state, district, commonwealth, and territory are listed on the pillars directly below each flag.
This impressive scene is both eye-catching and welcoming, as it looks as if the 56 flags are waving guests into the memorial.
2. Enjoy the Monument from Grand View Terrace
The Avenue of the Flags is the pathway that leads to Grand View Terrace. Grand View Terrace is the primary platform where visitors have a clear view of the gigantic Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
The unobstructed views from this platform provide the classic visuals of the monument that most tourists are familiar with.
Be sure to take advantage of using the free telescopes located here, as well as take plenty of iconic photographs and selfies.
3. Visit the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center
The Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, Museum, Theater & Bookstore is located below the Grand View Terrace. This free visitor center offers interactive museum exhibits, a short film, and an information desk staffed by park rangers.
I recommend spending time here in order to truly appreciate the history and construction of Mount Rushmore.
By watching Mount Rushmore: The Shrine, visitors gain a true understanding of the immense amount of detail and work that it took to carve the faces of these four former U.S. Presidents.
Likewise, the Exhibit Hall provides education on the sculptor and his workers, and even contains some of the original tools used for the carving.
4. Walk the Presidential Trail
The Presidential Trail is a paved half-mile observation loop that begins at Grand View Terrace and leads to viewing areas at the base of the mountain.
This family-friendly trail is a series of steps and vantage platforms that provide a closer view of the sculptures. Its winding walkways also give visitors a chance to get away from the crowds on the terrace.
The Presidential Trail is a paved surface that is suitable for both, wheelchairs and strollers. Plan to spend 40 minutes walking the Presidential Trail loop as it also includes a nature trail full of interesting wildlife, plants, and stones.
5. Join a Guided Tour
During the summer months, free ranger-led programs and guided walks are held each day at various locations throughout the memorial. Ranger Talks last 30 minutes and cover a variety of natural, cultural, and historical topics.
Rent an audio tour wand or multimedia device that features music, interviews, and sound effects that narrate your way around the park.
These are available at the Audio Tour Building across from the Information Center for $6 in English, French, German, Lakota, and Spanish.
6. Complete the Junior Ranger Program
Mount Rushmore’s Junior Ranger Program was designed to educate children on the importance of preserving and protecting national treasures. Likewise, they help teach about nature and history while encouraging kids to have fun exploring the outdoors.
Children aged 3 and up who want to participate can pick up a free age-specific Junior Ranger activity book at the Visitor Center.
Upon returning a completed activity packet to the Visitor Center, children are awarded a Junior Ranger Badge and certificate.
7. Sample Historic Ice Cream
Make a point to grab a taste of history at the Memorial Team Ice Cream Station.
Named in honor of the 1939 baseball team formed of Mount Rushmore carvers, Memorial Team Ice Cream features ice cream, snacks, fountain drinks, and specialty floats.
Favorites here include the popular soft-serve or hand-dipped “Monumental Scoop” and “TJ’s” vanilla ice cream. Locally produced by a small dairy farm, TJ’s ice cream is based on Thomas Jefferson’s original recipe from 1780.
8. Dine at Carver’s Marketplace
Open from early morning to late evening, Carvers Marketplace is Mount Rushmore’s only onsite restaurant.
With a perfect view of Mount Rushmore, many guests visit the cafe early in the morning for a hearty breakfast while watching a sunrise behind the sculpture.
Known for its locally sourced menu options such as bison burgers and bison stew, ample seating both indoors and outside on the patio can easily accommodate mealtime crowds.
9. Evening Sculpture Lighting Ceremony
From late May to late September, Mount Rushmore National Memorial holds a special program each evening at 9:00 PM to light the sculpture.
This program consists of a brief ranger talk and the “Freedom: America’s Lasting Legacy” film. It concludes with the lighting of the sculpture as the audience sings the National Anthem.
The entire ceremony lasts approximately 45 minutes. Similar to all other programs here, it is free and you do not need a reservation to attend. Please note that from October to April the sculpture is illuminated at dusk without a formal program.
Further below, you can find our selection of the best things to do near Mount Rushmore. But first – some practical information for your visit.
How to Get to Mount Rushmore
Somewhat off of the beaten path, Mount Rushmore is located in a rugged, rural area of South Dakota. A popular road trip destination for those living in the U.S., most visitors arrive here by personal vehicle.
For those traveling from further distances, the closest airport is Rapid City Regional Airport. It’s located 35 miles (56 km) from the memorial. From Rapid City, you can either rent a car, join a guided day tour, or hire a private tour company.
Upon arrival, you will find that Mount Rushmore National Memorial has several parking structures to accommodate its large number of visitors.
Though Mount Rushmore remains one of the few popular parks that has managed to avoid an entrance fee, there is a parking fee here.
Practical Tips for Visiting Mount Rushmore
Ready to plan your trip? Here is a recap of things to remember when planning your visit.
- Mount Rushmore is located 35 miles from Rapid City, South Dakota.
- There is no entrance fee to visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial, but you have to pay for parking.
- The Mount Rushmore parking structure and memorial grounds are normally open from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM. The Visitor Center is open at 8:00 AM and closes at 10:00 PM.
- Plan on at least 2-4 hours to explore all that Mount Rushmore has to offer.
- Mount Rushmore does not have overnight accommodations onsite.
Things to Do Near Mount Rushmore
Since visiting Mount Rushmore National Memorial itself doesn’t require more than half a day, many people wonder what other interesting places there are to see and things to do in the Black Hills.
Below you can find some ideas for fun things to do and the best places to visit near Mount Rushmore. At the bottom of this article, you can also find some itinerary suggestions for what to do near Mount Rushmore in 1, 2, 3 days. Read on!
But first, here are some of the best things to do near Mount Rushmore:
Custer State Park
No trip to the Black Hills would be complete without a visit to Custer State Park. Custer has been named one of the World’s Top 10 Wildlife Destinations and is one of the few truly wild places that remain in the United States.
Home to a famous herd of 1,400 free-roaming bison, the park is known for its majestic wildlife, awe-inspiring scenery, and prairie dog towns.
TIP: Use this helpful park map to customize your family’s adventure throughout this wildlife oasis.
- 14 miles from Mount Rushmore
- Minimum time needed: 1-2 hours