Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a national memorial run by the National Park Service in South Dakota.

In the park service’s words

Majestic figures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln, surrounded by the beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota, tell the story of the birth, growth, development and preservation of this country. From the history of the first inhabitants to the diversity of America today, Mount Rushmore brings visitors face to face with the rich heritage we all share.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

• Visit The Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center (30 to 60 Minutes): View exhibits and the 23-minute film "Mount Rushmore: Carved in Stone" which takes viewers on a journey through the history of America's most recognized mountain carving, from long before its conception to the present day. This story reveals Mount Rushmore as more than just a landmark but as a living symbol whose meani
• Walk the Presidential Trail (20 to 45 Minutes): The Presidential Trail provides changing views of Mount Rushmore as you travel through ponderosa pine forest and granite outcrops.
• Visit The Sculptor's Studio (15 to 30 Minutes): Visit the Sculptor's Studio to learn more about Gutzon Borglum, his scale model and the process of carving Mount Rushmore.
• Hiking The Blackberry Trail (30 to 60 Minutes): Looking to experience the natural surroundings of the Black Hills? Try hiking the Blackberry Trail.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee. Parking: Mount Rushmore National Memorial does not charge an entrance fee. However, a parking fee is required to park in the concession-operated parking facility.

Hours: Daily, 5:00AM - 11:00PM. Weather permitting, the grounds at Mount Rushmore are open every day of the year. The Information Center, Visitor Center, Gift Shop and Carvers' Cafe are open every day except December 25th.

Getting there

Visitors traveling by car from the East use Exit 61 off I-90 and follow the signs for Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Coming from the West use exit 57 exit at Rapid City and follow U.S. Highway 16 southwest to Keystone and then Highway 244 to Mount Rushmore. Visitors coming from the south should follow Highway 385 north to Highway 244, which is the road leading to the Memorial.

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center: Daily, 8:00AM - 10:00PM. The Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center is open every day, except December 25th. Opens at 8:00 am daily. Late May through mid-August closes at 10:00 pm. Mid-August through September 30 closes at 9:00 pm. October 1 through October 31 closes at 6:00pm. November 1 through late May closes at 5:00pm.
• Information Center: Daily, 8:00AM - 10:00PM. Find basic information about the memorial as well as information about the local area. Opens at 8:00 a.m. daily (closed December 25th). Late May through September 30 closes at 9:00 pm. October 1 through October 31 closes at 6:00pm. November 1 through late May closes at 5:00pm.

Weather

Weather at Mount Rushmore can be highly variable in any season. Summer high temperatures range from 70 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Fall high temperatures range from 45 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter high temperatures range from 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring high temperatures range from 30 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Typically, July and August are the warmest months and January and February are the coldest. March and April receive the most snow, while May and June receive the most rain.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Wind Cave, about 21 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: Mount Rushmore National Memorial (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.