A Guide to Planning Your Mount Rushmore Trip

Want to go on a huge adventure? Imagine being in front of huge faces carved out of rock. Each face would tell a story from American history. That and a lot more can be found at Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

But wait, there’s more. Don’t pack your bags yet. We are amazed by this famous site, but it also has some problems. Planning your trip can be just as hard as climbing the mountain itself, what with the busy tourist seasons and the site’s controversial past. Do not be afraid! We have insider tips and tricks that will make your trip to Mount Rushmore truly memorable.

Are you ready to go on a trip through nature and time? Everything you need to know will be in this guide, from smart ways to plan your trip and must-see sights to useful tips for a smooth experience. We’ll even tell you about the best places to stay and eat close, as well as fun things to do outside of the monument. Let’s make your trip to Mount Rushmore more than just a break! 🇺

Plan Your Visit

Best time to go

Mountain View’s best times to visit are in late spring or early fall, more specifically in late May or late September. The weather is warmer and there are fewer people there during these times, which makes the whole experience better. The summer months are when most people come, so if you want a quieter atmosphere, you should try to avoid peak season.

How to get there

Along SD-244, near Keystone, South Dakota, Mount Rushmore is easy to get to. The monument is easy to get to from Rapid City Airport, making it a simple place for travelers from all over the world to visit. Most people get to the spot by car, and the roads that lead to the memorial are in good shape.

Entrance fees and passes

Visitors to Mount Rushmore National Memorial do not have to pay to enter, but they do have to pay to park. The fee to park right now is $10 per car. For this fee, you can use the memorial grounds and other services on-site.

Recommended duration

Most people can see everything at Mount Rushmore in three hours. This amount of time lets you enjoy major sites like

• Amphitheater for Lincoln Borglum
• Studio of a Sculptor
• Trail of the President

For a more complete experience, think about doing the following:

1. Taking a walk down Avenue of Flags
2. Looking around the Grand View Terrace
3. Going to the Visitor Center for Lincoln Borglum
4. Going to a class led by a ranger (seasonal)
5. Taking part in the event to light the trees at night (late May through September)

Keeping these things in mind, let’s look at the “Must-See Attractions” at Mount Rushmore. These will give you a better idea of the specific features and activities that make this national monument so amazing.

Must-See Attractions

Now that we’ve talked about how to plan your trip to Mount Rushmore, let’s look at the must-see sights at this famous national monument.

Grand View Terrace

The Grand View Terrace is where you should start your trip around Mount Rushmore. From this large viewing area, you can see the four presidential faces carved into the granite hillside in a stunning panorama. By walking along the Avenue of Flags, which has 56 flags that represent American history, you’ll arrive at this breathtaking view.

Sculptor’s Studio

Visit the Sculptor’s Studio to learn more about how Mount Rushmore was made. Gutzon Borglum was the visionary artist who started this huge project in 1927. Here, you can learn about his impact. The studio displays the materials and tools that were used to make the memorial, giving visitors an interesting look at the sculpting methods that were used over the 14-year building time.

Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center

The Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center is a must-see if you want to learn more about how important Mount Rushmore is. This center for learning has:

• A short movie about how the monument was built
• There are interactive displays that tell the tale of the memorial.
• Guided walks and Ranger Talks that teach you something

Presidential Trail

The Presidential Trail gives people who want to get closer to the monument:

This beautiful path gives you different views of the presidential carvings and great chances to take pictures that you’ll never forget.

Evening Lighting Ceremony

At the end of your stay, don’t miss the beautiful Evening Lighting Ceremony, which happens every year starting the Friday before Memorial Day. You will see the following during this event:

• The way the leaders’ faces were lit up
• A Park Ranger gave a talk about the background of the president
• A patriotic atmosphere that makes the landmark look even more impressive

Now that we’ve talked about these must-see spots, let’s move on to some useful tips that will make your trip to Mount Rushmore go more smoothly.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Experience

Now that we’ve talked about the must-see sights at Mount Rushmore, let’s move on to some useful tips that will help you have a great time there.

What to wear

It’s important to dress right for the weather and events when you go to Mount Rushmore:

• Walking shoes that are easy to wear for visiting the trails
• Layers for weather that can change quickly
• Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, and shades)
• Clothing that fits the weather (check the news before you go).

Essential items to bring

To get the most out of your trip, you might want to bring these things:

• Bottles of water to stay hydrated
• Food to have a picnic with next to the memorial
• For a better look at the sculpture’s features, binoculars
• A camera for keeping memories alive
• You can take your things in a small backpack or daypack.

Photography advice

Follow these tips to take beautiful pictures of Mount Rushmore:

• The best lighting is in the early morning or late afternoon.
• Grab some glasses and look for interesting angles.
• For unique pictures, you might want to go during the evening lighting ritual.
• Check out the lookouts on Highway 244 and Iron Mountain Road to get different views.

Accessibility information

Mount Rushmore tries to make itself easy for all tourists to get to:

It is important to know that there is no fee to enter Mount Rushmore, but there is a $10 parking fee per car.

If you remember these useful tips, your trip to Mount Rushmore will be one you’ll never forget. Next, we’ll look at nearby places to stay and eat to finish planning your trip.

Nearby Accommodations and Dining

Now that we’ve talked about useful tips for having a great time at Mount Rushmore, let’s look at some nearby places to stay and eat that will make your trip even better.

Hotels and camping options

Under Canvas Mount Rushmore offers camping, which is a unique way to stay. It’s only 2.5 miles from Keystone’s center. This choice gives you:

• Tents with shared or private bathrooms
• King-sized beds
• On-site restaurant
• Nature walks

K Bar S Lodge, which is close to Keystone, has both rustic comfort and urban conveniences:

• Stunning views of Mount Rushmore
• Flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi
• Complimentary breakfast
• On-site pub for dining

The Mt. Rushmore Resort at Palmer Gulch might be better for families or bigger groups because it has:

• Lodge rooms and multiple-bedroom cabins
• Activities like horseback riding and swimming

For those willing to stay a bit further, The Rushmore Hotel & Suites in Rapid City (26 miles from the memorial) offers:

• Eco-friendly and urban chic aesthetics
• On-site restaurant and bar
• Fitness center and business facilities

Other nice places to stay close to Mount Rushmore are:

Local restaurants

Even though restaurant names aren’t given, there are places to eat in the areas near Mount Rushmore. Some places to look for meals are:

• Tourism in South Dakota
• Association for the Tourism of the Black Hills and Badlands
• Business groups in Keystone, Hill City, Custer, and Rapid City

For people staying at locations, some possible places to eat could be:

• The Peak Grill & Tap Room: Offering gourmet Angus burgers, chicken, steaks, seafood, and ribs in a rustic cabin setting
• Chuck Wagon Dinner Show: A unique Old West experience with a horse-drawn wagon ride and traditional campfire dinner
• Wagon Master’s Breakfast Ride: Enjoy breakfast cooked over a wood fire in a scenic location
• The Prospector’s Tent: Known for all-you-can-eat pancakes and dinner offerings during summer
• Grapes & Grinds: Serving locally roasted coffee, wines, and gourmet fudge
• Turtle Town: A casual dining option with fast-food items and ice cream treats

Picnic areas

Even though the reference content doesn’t name any specific picnic areas, park guests who want to eat outside should call the park directly to find out where they can do so. Here are the park’s contact information:

• Address: 13000 Highway 244, Building 31, Suite 1, Keystone, SD 57751
• Phone: 605-574-2523 (leave a voicemail for prompt return)

If you remember these places to stay and eat, you’ll be ready for your trip to Mount Rushmore. Next, we’ll go outside the memorial to find other things to see in the area that will make your time in the Black Hills better overall.

Explore Beyond Mount Rushmore

Now that we’ve talked about places to stay and eat nearby, let’s look at the fun things to do outside of Mount Rushmore. There are many natural and cultural things to see and do in the Black Hills that will make your trip more enjoyable.

Black Hills National Forest

Over 1.25 million acres of wildness make up the Black Hills National Forest, which is a great place for nature lovers to play. People can enjoy:

• Trails for hiking with beautiful views
• Chances to go rock climbing
• Seeing wildlife
• Beautiful drives through dense woods and rocky outcroppings

Along the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway, you can take a very pretty drive through the forest that shows off the natural beauty of the area.

Crazy Horse Memorial

This carving in the rock is a tribute to Native American history and culture. When you go to the Crazy Horse Memorial, you can:

• Find out about the history of the Great Sioux Nation.
• Check out the interesting displays
• See how this huge creation is coming along.

There is a lot of Native American history in the area, and the memorial is an important part of that past.

Custer State Park

The wildlife in Custer State Park is safe, and the park is a natural beauty. Some important sites are:

• Large groups of bison moving freely
• Buffalo Roundup event held every year
• Different hiking trails
• Clear water so people can fish and play.

Badlands National Park

Although Badlands National Park is close to the Black Hills, it is very different because of its dramatic erosion patterns and unique rock formations. The public can:

• Hike through strange scenery
• Find fossils and learn about life in the past.
• Enjoy amazing chances to look at the stars
• Take breathtaking pictures of the rough scenery

This park is a must-see for both nature and science fans because of its strange beauty and long history with fossils.

Conclusion

Mountain Rushmore is a unique example of both natural beauty and human success. It is a reminder of American history and art. From the amazing sculptures of presidents to the beautiful Black Hills in the background, this national memorial gives everyone who visits an experience they will never forget. You can get the most out of your trip by using the tips in this guide, whether you’re only going to be there for a day or for a long time.

Don’t forget to take advantage of the nearby sights, scenic drives, and outdoor activities in addition to the monument itself. From the wildlife in Custer State Park to the natural beauty of Badlands National Park, the Black Hills area has a lot to offer. When you plan your trip to Mount Rushmore, take advantage of the chance to learn about American history, be amazed by its natural beauty, and make memories that will last a lifetime in this famous part of South Dakota.