Top 11 Essential Tips for Exploring Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore remains one of the most recognized landmarks in the United States, making it a worthwhile destination for those traversing the Black Hills of South Dakota.

This national memorial showcases the monumental faces of four U.S. presidents meticulously carved into the granite. In addition to its visual grandeur, the monument attributes a rich historical context.

Here are 11 tips for your initial visit to Mount Rushmore.

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1. Morning Is A Great Time To Visit

The optimal time to visit Mount Rushmore is in the morning. During this period, crowds are minimal, temperatures are more comfortable (especially in summer), and the lighting conditions are ideal for photography.

This timeframe provides the best opportunities for capturing the monument on camera. Midday lighting tends to be quite flat, while sunset can obscure the faces in shadow.

Arriving at 8 AM proved perfect for us, as we enjoyed the grounds with fewer visitors and captured images unobstructed by crowds. By 10 AM, we noticed an increase in visitors.

2. The Entrance Fee Is A Bit Confusing

While Mount Rushmore is under the management of the U.S. National Park Service, its operational procedures differ somewhat from those of other national parks and monuments.

Access to Mount Rushmore does not require an entrance fee; however, a parking fee is imposed. This fee is not included in the annual or lifetime U.S. park passes, which may be somewhat unexpected.

To find the current parking rate, you may visit the NPS website here. This fee is reasonable, and only one ticket is required per vehicle. Payment can be made via cash or credit card at the entrance.

3. There’s A Night Lighting Ceremony

For a distinct perspective of Mount Rushmore, the faces are illuminated after sunset every evening throughout the year.

In the summer months, a lighting ceremony also takes place, featuring a ranger-led discussion about the presidents and significant events in U.S. history.

For details about the seasonal schedule, visit the NPS website here.

Note: The parking fee you pay at Mount Rushmore is valid for one year from the date of purchase, so retain your receipt if you anticipate returning.

4. It’s An Impressive Feat Of Engineering

The sculpture at Mount Rushmore represents a remarkable achievement in engineering.

Each head stands six stories tall, with noses measuring approximately 20 feet and eyes about 10 feet wide.

The monument’s sculpting required 14 years, from 1927 to 1941, engaging almost 400 workers, with 90% of the granite removed using dynamite.

Despite the inherent dangers of the project, it was successfully completed without any fatalities.

5. There’s Some Neat History Behind It

The sculpture of Mount Rushmore was conceived by Gutzon Borglum, who dedicated it to four pivotal U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt.

Washington symbolizes the origin and establishment of the nation, Jefferson represents territorial expansion through the Louisiana Purchase, Lincoln signifies national preservation during the Civil War, and Roosevelt portrays the nation’s rise as a global power in the early 20th century.

Borglum initially intended to portray the presidents in full body, but after his passing in 1941, the final design was limited to their heads.

I aspire to create a monument so inspiring that individuals from all corners of America will be drawn to visit and return as better citizens.

Gutzon Borglum, sculptor of Mount Rushmore

6. It’s Pretty Easy To Get There

Mount Rushmore is conveniently located just a 30-minute drive from Rapid City, South Dakota, which offers many accommodation options and has a regional airport.

Ample parking is available at the monument, as most visitors opt to drive to the site.

Although public transportation to Mount Rushmore is unavailable, guided tours by various companies may be arranged for those who prefer assistance with transportation, navigation, and itinerary planning.

7. It Doesn’t Take Long To Visit

For those pressed for time, a visit to Mount Rushmore can be accomplished in as little as 30 minutes.

Start by strolling through the Avenue of the Flags, which displays 56 flags representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, three territories (Guam, American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands), and two commonwealths (Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands).

Then, enjoy the iconic view of the presidents’ faces from the main terrace, capture photos, and continue on your journey. Even a brief visit is significantly better than forgoing it entirely!

If you have 1 or 2 hours, you can complete the aforementioned activities, walk the Presidential Trail, and spend time at the Visitor Center to learn about the monument’s creation.

Mount Rushmore is a celebrated symbol of the United States, and witnessing it is a delightful experience!

8. Ranger Programs Are Available

Throughout the day, ranger-led programs are offered at the memorial, and participation does not require a reservation.

These programs feature ranger talks that present fascinating insights and historical context about the monument, as well as a Lakota hoop dance performance on the main terrace.

For the schedule of these events, refer to the NPS website here.

9. There’s A Hiking Trail

Indeed, Mount Rushmore offers a short hiking opportunity known as the Presidential Trail, providing a closer perspective of the monument.

This trail is a half-mile loop that begins and ends at the main viewing terrace, navigable in approximately 20 to 40 minutes.

Starting clockwise, the first 0.2 miles is a flat, handicap-accessible path. The remaining 0.4 miles involves 422 stairs, which can be considered challenging but is manageable.

This trail features two unique viewpoints typically free from large crowds.

One viewpoint is the Borglum View Terrace, where Gutzon Borglum stood during the planning stages of Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

The other is the Historic View Terrace, an original viewing area for the monument.

Additionally, hikers will have the opportunity to visit the Sculptor’s Studio, a small museum detailing the monument’s creation and offering intriguing insights.

10. There’s A Museum & Gift Shop

The visitor center at Mount Rushmore includes a small museum where visitors can gain insights into the monument’s creation.

An educational video is continuously displayed, along with a room featuring various exhibits that are engaging to explore.

Following your visit to the museum, a gift shop located near the entrance offers Mount Rushmore-themed apparel, coffee mugs, magnets, and other souvenirs.

11. There’s More To Do In The Area

Beyond Mount Rushmore, numerous attractions await discovery in the Black Hills region of South Dakota.

Consider these suggestions:

• Custer State Park: A fantastic location for hiking or enjoying a scenic drive along Needles Highway, where wildlife such as bison can be spotted.
• Wind Cave National Park: Home to one of the longest cave systems globally and a historically significant national park.
• Bear Country USA: An animal sanctuary offering views of both baby and adult black bears, alongside other wildlife.
• Crazy Horse Memorial: A monument dedicated to the Lakota chief Crazy Horse, still under construction since 1948, though accessible to visitors.
• Black Hills Institute Of Geological Research: A small museum showcasing extraordinary dinosaur fossils, including a T-Rex.
• Badlands National Park: Renowned for its striking scenery, with many areas accessible by vehicle as well as hiking opportunities like the Notch Trail.

Thank you for reading! We hope you find these tips beneficial for your visit to Mount Rushmore.