National memorial · Keystone, South Dakota
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
The defining landmark of the Black Hills—and the starting point for an unforgettable South Dakota vacation.
Photo: Thomas Wolf, www.foto-tw.de · CC BY-SA 3.0
An American landmark in the Black Hills
More than a famous view
Mount Rushmore brings visitors face to face with a monumental work carved into Black Hills granite. The 60-foot portraits of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln overlook a visitor complex designed to help travelers explore the sculpture, its construction and its place in American history.
The strongest visit goes beyond Grand View Terrace. Walk beneath the flags, follow the Presidential Trail for changing perspectives, study the original sculptor’s model and leave time to understand the many people and stories connected to the mountain and surrounding landscape.
Make the most of your stop
Things to do at Mount Rushmore
A thoughtful visit can fill two or three hours, while summer programs and evening illumination make it easy to stay longer.
Grand View Terrace
Begin with the classic straight-on view of the sculpture beyond the Avenue of Flags.
Presidential Trail
Follow the loop for closer viewpoints and changing angles beneath the granite faces.
Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center
Explore exhibits and films about the memorial’s design, construction and legacy.
Sculptor’s Studio
See Gutzon Borglum’s scale model and learn how measurements were transferred to the mountain.
Ranger Programs
Check the current park schedule for talks that add context to the people and history of the site.
Evening Lighting
See the sculpture illuminated after sunset; a seasonal ranger-led program is offered in warmer months.
Know before you go
Plan your Mount Rushmore visit
Operating hours and facility schedules vary by season. Confirm current conditions with the National Park Service before leaving.
For viewpoints, the Presidential Trail and visitor exhibits.
The concession-operated parking facility charges a separate fee.
At 13000 Highway 244 in the central Black Hills.
Arrive outside peak midday hours for a more relaxed visit.
Accessible parking, elevators and routes serve the main visitor areas.
Standard memorial visits do not require advance reservations.
Seasonal schedules, weather and temporary closures can change.
Continue through the Black Hills
What to see near Mount Rushmore
Pair the memorial with scenic roads, wildlife and welcoming Black Hills communities.
Plan the complete vacation
Mount Rushmore travel guides
Go beyond the memorial with practical guides for lodging, dining, timing, itineraries and the wider Black Hills.
Common planning questions
Mount Rushmore FAQs
Is there an entrance fee for Mount Rushmore?
No. Mount Rushmore National Memorial does not charge an entrance fee. The concession-operated parking facility charges a separate parking fee.
How much time should I allow at Mount Rushmore?
Most visitors should allow about two to three hours for the main viewpoints, Presidential Trail and exhibits. Add time for dining, ranger activities or the evening lighting program.
Do I need a reservation to visit Mount Rushmore?
No reservation is required for a standard visit to the memorial.
Is Mount Rushmore accessible?
The main visitor areas include accessible parking, elevators and accessible routes to major viewing areas. Some trail sections include stairs, so consult the current NPS accessibility guidance for your group’s needs.
Build your Black Hills route
Save Mount Rushmore to your trip
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