Where is Mount Rushmore located?

Mount Rushmore is located in the scenic Black Hills of western South Dakota, just outside the small town of Keystone . The closest major city is Rapid City , about a 30-minute drive, making it an easy hub for lodging, dining and day trips throughout the region. The memorial sits along a well-signed stretch of U.S. Highway 244, with easy access from other Black Hills attractions like Custer State Park and Crazy Horse Memorial® .

What is the closest airport to Mount Rushmore?

Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) — located 30 miles from Mount Rushmore National Memorial — is the closest hub to South Dakota’s most famous park. Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, United and Boutique Air all fly in to and out of this airport.

What is the driving distance to nearby U.S. cities from Mount Rushmore?

Mount Rushmore is located in a remote part of the country, far from major cities like Minneapolis, Minnesota (596 miles away) and Denver, Colorado (367 miles away). Larger cities in the region include Casper, Wyoming (232 miles away), Rapid City and Sioux Falls (23 and 369 miles away, respectively) and Bismarck, North Dakota (321 miles away).

What is the best time of year to visit Mount Rushmore?

Mount Rushmore is open year-round, but the experience varies by season. June through August are the busiest months, when temperatures are warmer and many families visit. September and October offer some of the best visiting conditions, with cooler, drier weather and vibrant fall scenery. Travelers looking for a quiet visit can also enjoy late spring or winter, when the memorial is peaceful and lines are minimal, though weather can be more unpredictable.

When is Mount Rushmore busiest, and how can I avoid the crowds?

Throughout the year, but especially during the busy summer season, Mount Rushmore sees its highest traffic volume around midday and on holiday weekends. If you want to avoid crowds, plan a visit early in the morning or later in the evening, when crowds thin and the lighting is ideal for photos. Visiting outside peak hours also helps with easier parking and shorter wait times along the Presidential Trail.

What are Mount Rushmore's hours?

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is open every day of the year. Most facilities are open year-round except Christmas Day (December 25), when buildings are closed and only the grounds and parking area remain accessible, weather permitting. Operating hours for the parking area and memorial grounds vary, with extended hours during peak season: March 10–September 30: 5 a.m.–11 p.m. October 1–31: 5 a.m.–9 p.m. November 1–March 9: 6 a.m.–9 p.m. Note that visitor services like the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center and Information Center typically open around 8 a.m., with closing times that vary by season. The Sculptor's Studio opens at 8 a.m. Memorial Day through September 30, and closes for the season starting October 1. For the most current hours, check the National Park Service website .

How much time do I need at Mount Rushmore?

Most visitors spend 2-3 hours exploring Mount Rushmore, which allows plenty of time to enjoy the Grand View Terrace, walk the Presidential Trail, browse the museum exhibits and stop by the gift shop. Travelers who want to photograph the memorial at different angles, watch the Evening Lighting Ceremony (seasonal) or enjoy a relaxed meal at Carvers' Café may want to stay a bit longer.

Does it cost anything to visit Mount Rushmore, and do I need tickets?

There is no entrance fee to visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The only required cost is a parking fee, which is paid on-site (and is good for the entire year). Because the memorial does not charge admission, there are no tickets to purchase in advance — simply arrive, park and enjoy the grounds, museum and viewpoints at your own pace. Current Mount Rushmore parking fees for non-commercial cars, motorcycles & RVs: $10 per vehicle $5 for seniors 62 and older Free for active duty military

Is Mount Rushmore illuminated at night?

Yes — Mount Rushmore is dramatically lit after sunset, creating one of the most memorable views in the Black Hills. From late May through September, the Evening Lighting Ceremony includes a ranger-led program followed by the illumination of the sculpture. Outside the summer months, the memorial is still lit nightly, though without a formal program.

What is the climate, geographic information and history of Mount Rushmore?

Mount Rushmore’s summer temperatures can reach as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and winter high temps can sometimes only reach 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Geographically, the granite that the famous sculpture is composed of is part of a rock formation that is among the oldest in the western United States. The setting of Mount Rushmore — the Black Hills — is high country, at 5,725 feet above sea level. As for Mount Rushmore’s background, it was an effort of fundraising and engineering that lasted for years, reaching completion in late 1941 just days before the U.S. entered World War II.

Mount Rushmore | South Dakota's Great 8 Landmarks

10 Must-Do Experiences

Visitors view a scale model of Mount Rushmore National Memorial at the Sculptor's Studio. — Visit the Sculptor's Studio to learn about Gutzon Borglum's vision for Mount Rushmore, see a 1/12 scale model and hear ranger talks about the people who brought the monument to life.

Hiker along the Presidential Trail at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. — Walk the 0.6-mile Presidential Trail to see the monument from different angles and explore the site's Lakota, Nakota and Dakota heritage.

Mount Rushmore at night — During peak visitor season, attend the Evening Lighting Ceremony to see a majestic view of the presidents' faces bathed in light.

A Junior Ranger sign displayed in front of Mount Rushmore National Memorial — Kids can become official Junior Rangers through the paper or digital Junior Ranger Program.

A young boy holds an audio tour wand to his ear at Mount Rushmore National Memorial — Rent a handheld photo/video tour or audio tour wand to learn even more about the sculpture and its history.

A park ranger leads a tour for a large group at Mount Rushmore National Memorial — Take advantage of the immense knowledge of the memorial's park rangers when you join a ranger walk or talk.

A family enjoys ice cream cones in front of Mount Rushmore National Memorial — Enjoy a scoop of Thomas Jefferson ice cream from the Carver’s Cafe, based on the first written ice cream recipe in the United States.

A man takes a photograph of his family members with a park ranger at Mount Rushmore National Memorial — Capture stunning shots of the sculpture from unique vantage points like Carver’s Cafe, Borglum View Terrace and the Sculptor’s Studio.

People browse souvenirs at a Mount Rushmore gift shop. — Hunt for a treasure in the gift shop that will forever remind you of your Mount Rushmore experience.

Visitors browsing at gift shop at Mount Rushmore National Memorial — Find a book or memento at the Mount Rushmore Bookstore in the Information Center or Sculptor's Studio.

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Plan Your Visit

A person ziplining through the trees, wearing a yellow helmet with Mount Rushmore in the background.

Things to Do

Interior view of a glamping tent at Under Canvas Mount Rushmore in Keystone, South Dakota. The tent features modern furnishings and an expansive view of the surrounding forest.

Places to Stay

A hand holding up an ice cream cone in front of Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Keystone, South Dakota.

Where to Eat

“

...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

Mount Rushmore Sculptor, 1930