Summary
Mount Rushmore is one of the most popular national monuments in the United States. Located in The Black Hills of South Dakota, this national treasure attracts more than two million visitors each year. The faces of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and Thomas Jefferson have been overlooking the valley below since 1941, representing the Shrine of Democracy. However, Mount Rushmore serves as a unique starting point for a multitude of experiences during your visit to South Dakota.
About Mount Rushmore
Faces of Mount Rushmore include: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
Mount Rushmore opened in 1941 after 14 years of construction. It was sculpted by Danish-American sculptor Gutzon Borglum and his son Lincoln Borglum. The aim was to create a sculpture that would attract tourists to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Four pivotal American presidents were chosen to embody this vision.
Initially, there was consideration given to sculpting western American heroes such as Lewis & Clark, Sacagawea, Buffalo Bill Cody, and Oglala Lakota Chief Red Cloud. However, after thoughtful deliberation, it was decided that “great presidents” would appeal to a wider audience. Consequently, they chose the faces of presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
Construction of Mount Rushmore began in 1927 during the Great Depression, with George Washington being the first president sculpted. When Mount Rushmore finally opened on October 31, 1941, it was indeed a success, attracting more than 2 million tourists annually.
Visit Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
We recommend making Rapid City, South Dakota your base for an enriching Mount Rushmore and Black Hills experience.
- Suggested hotel in Rapid City – Rushmore Hotel and Suites, conveniently located in the historic district.
- We highly recommend renting a car to explore the Black Hills and surrounding areas. Compare car rental prices here.
After a day exploring town, we started our Mount Rushmore visit with an evening tour. Arriving a couple of hours before sunset allowed us to explore the grounds, walk the avenue of flags, visit the museum, and learn about the monument before witnessing the lighting ceremony.
The next day, we returned early to further explore Mount Rushmore. Arriving first thing in the morning enabled us to enjoy the site without the crowds before the tour buses arrived.
- Parking passes are valid for 24 hours from purchase, allowing flexibility for your visit times.
Things to Do at Mount Rushmore
The Lighting Ceremony
The evening lighting ceremony at Mount Rushmore is captivating, albeit somewhat kitschy. It narrates the story of the monument’s creation alongside snippets of American history, primarily focusing on the presidents, while the narrative surrounding the Native American past is often overlooked. We found the setup a bit too touristy, but many around us enjoyed it.
While the video sharing the history of Mount Rushmore is informative, it feels somewhat outdated. There’s potential for a more engaging production that could also include greater emphasis on Native American history. Following the video presentation, the faces of Mount Rushmore are beautifully illuminated.
A particularly touching aspect of the ceremony is when the national park ranger invites all active and retired military personnel on stage to honor their sacrifices. This poignant moment is befitting of such a significant monument in America.
Avenue of Flags
Your first experience upon arriving at Mount Rushmore is walking along the Avenue of Flags, which features flags from all 50 states as well as six additional flags representing one district, three territories, and two commonwealths of the United States. Keep an eye out for your home state’s flag for a memorable photo opportunity.
Grand View Terrace
After walking through the Avenue of Flags, you will arrive at the Grand View Terrace, offering the most breathtaking view of Mount Rushmore. This stunning vantage point is perfect for capturing iconic photographs of the presidents before you continue your exploration.
Presidential Trail
The Presidential Trail is a scenic, paved loop just over half a mile long. This easy trail guides you to the base of Mount Rushmore, allowing you to appreciate the monument from various angles. Departing from the Grand View Terrace, the path leads you away from the crowds and up close to the monument. Along the way, you will encounter informative plaques about the presidents. Be prepared, as there are 422 stairs to navigate; the trail is not wheelchair accessible.
Sculptor’s Studio
On your return to the Grand View Terrace from the Presidential Trail, it’s worthwhile to stop by the Sculptor’s Studio. Here, you will discover how Mount Rushmore was meticulously carved and completed. Open from 8 am to 8 pm during the summer months, this studio is wheelchair and stroller accessible, showcasing plastic models and tools used by Gutzon Borglum.
Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is free to enter and features an interactive museum, a 14-minute film, and opportunities for shopping. It is conveniently situated just below the Grand View Terrace.
Memorial Teams Ice Cream
You might wonder why we mention ice cream in connection with Mount Rushmore. The Memorial Team Ice Cream celebrates the Mount Rushmore carvers, who placed second in the 1939 state baseball tournament. Whether or not you choose to indulge in ice cream, don’t miss the life-sized photographs of the baseball team in their uniforms.
Take a Guided Tour
Although we typically prefer to explore independently, we recommend the free guided tours led by rangers at Mount Rushmore. These 30-minute walks occur daily during the summer months, providing deeper insights into the history and natural features of the area.
For a more self-directed experience, you can rent audio tours for $6, which present the complete history of Mount Rushmore through multimedia storytelling. These guides can be obtained at the information center.
Take a Helicopter Tour of Mount Rushmore
For a unique perspective, consider taking a helicopter tour to view Mount Rushmore from the air. Black Hills Aerial Adventures provides affordable helicopter tours that offer stunning aerial views of Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and the picturesque Black Hills of South Dakota.
While the helicopter does not get extremely close to the monuments—likely due to national security measures—and tends to give one side more view time than the other, the experience is well worth it for the price. For the most generous views of Crazy Horse, it’s advisable to sit on the left side of the helicopter.
The Mount Rushmore-Crazy Horse tour costs $205 per person, while there are shorter tours available for just one of the monuments at approximately $110. For first-time helicopter riders, discovery tours begin at $49.
Mount Rushmore and the Lakota People
We recently discussed our visit to the Crazy Horse Memorial, located just 15 miles down the road. This monument was commissioned by the Lakota People, who engaged sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski to honor their own hero in direct response to Mount Rushmore.
Importantly, Mount Rushmore was constructed on sacred land that the government seized from the Sioux Lakota People. Despite having settled on this land following the 1868 Treaty, the discovery of gold in the Black Hills in 1870 prompted the U.S. government to breach the treaty, forcing the Sioux Lakota People from their homes. This led to significant conflicts, including the famous Battle of Little Big Horn led by Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull, which they won in a battle often referred to as “Custer’s Last Stand.” However, the Lakota were later defeated at the Battle of Wounded Knee.
How were the Presidents Chosen for Mount Rushmore?
- George Washington – An obvious choice as America’s Founding Father and first president.
- Abraham Lincoln – For his leadership during the Civil War and his role in preserving the nation.
- Thomas Jefferson – Selected for his pivotal role as the author of the Declaration of Independence.
- Theodore Roosevelt – Recognized for ushering the United States into the industrial age and the 20th century.
Mount Rushmore Details
Mount Rushmore is undoubtedly America’s National Treasure, and it certainly draws crowds to prove it.
The entry to Mount Rushmore is free; however, there is a parking fee of $11.00 per vehicle, regardless of occupancy.
The peak tourist season runs from July to mid-August, leading to substantial crowding. Therefore, we recommend visiting during the shoulder season to experience a more relaxed atmosphere.
Mount Rushmore Visitor Hours
Mount Rushmore is open year-round, 365 days. Although the buildings are closed on December 25, the visitor facilities operate seven days a week throughout the year.
Parking structure and memorial grounds: 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Information Center: Closed
Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sculptor’s Studio: Closed
Sculpture Illumination: Sunset to 11:00 p.m.
Gift Shop: 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Carvers’ Café: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For additional information regarding your visit to Mount Rushmore, refer to the Mount Rushmore National Monument.
Where to Stay in Rapid City
- Rushmore Hotel and Suites – Located downtown in the historic district, within walking distance of popular attractions.
- Canyon Lake Resort – For an out-of-town experience, this resort is nestled in the Black Hills and provides a tranquil atmosphere.
We suggest arriving early in the day to avoid tour bus crowds, although visiting just before sunset also offers a peaceful experience as people transition to their seats for the light show. You can easily visit twice in one day.
It’s astonishing to think that these four 60-foot tall faces were sculpted and shaped with dynamite and sandblasting more than a century ago. The magnitude of such an achievement is hard to believe today.
I visited Mount Rushmore as a baby. My parents took a cross-country road trip through America, and although I can’t recall the moment, they shared that viewing Mount Rushmore required merely walking up beside it for a look. Indeed, those were the days of travel when one could appreciate such landmarks without the crowds.
