Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Near Rapid City

Mount Rushmore National Memorial, located 25 miles southwest of Rapid City, is an awe-inspiring experience and a “must-see” on your vacation. The faces of four American presidents—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln—are carved from a granite mountainside high above the treetops of the Black Hills. Carving took 14 years to complete and cost $1 million but this Shrine of Democracy is priceless to all Americans.

Things to Do at Mount Rushmore

Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center: The Visitor Center houses an impressive collection of Mount Rushmore facts and artifacts. A simulated dynamite blast and a 14-minute narrative film give visitors an overview of how and why the mountain was carved.

Seasonal Hours:

Guided Tours and Interpretative Programs

Mount Rushmore offers a variety of seasonal Ranger-guided tours and interpretative programs. Tour the Sculptor’s Studio, walk the Presidential Trail or learn about the Lakota heritage of the area with a Mount Rushmore expert. Tour and program schedules are posted at the Information Center and Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center.

Audio Tour

Hear the story of Mount Rushmore through narration, historic recordings and interviews when you rent the award-winning Mount Rushmore Audio Tour. This unique experience offers in-depth history as you walk the scenic route around the park. The tour (available in English, German, Spanish and Lakota) can be rented for $5 during the summer months at the Audio Tour Building across from the Information Center.

Sculptor’s Studio

The Sculptor’s Studio houses the tools used to carve the mountain and original plaster model workers used for measurements and scale. Ranger talks and demonstrations are given throughout the day during the summer months.

Seasonal Hours:

Evening Lighting Ceremony

Park Rangers lead an inspirational and patriotic program focusing on the presidents and the nation’s history. The program ends with a film, veteran’s tribute and lighting of the monument. Located in the park’s outdoor amphitheater during the summer, weather permitting.

Presidential Trail

Walking the Presidential Trail is a great way to get a closer view of Mount Rushmore. The trail makes a loop from the south side of the Grand View Terrace to the Grand View Terrace and Sculptor’s Studio on the north side. The first quarter mile is accessible.

Things You Should Know Before Visiting Mount Rushmore

• Open Year Round/ Closed Christmas Day

• Located 25 miles southwest of Rapid City – Hwys. 16A and 244.

• Fees: There is no admission to the park but there is a parking fee

  • $11.00 (Annual pass) Cars, Motorcycles and RV's 

  • $50.00 (Commercial Bus/day)

  • PARKING ATTENDANTS DO NOT ACCEPT CREDIT AND DEBIT CARDS. Cash, Travelers Check or Local Check only. 

• Park offers onsite restaurant, Presidential Trail, visitor services, visitor centers, Sculptor’s Studio, audio tour building, Lincoln Borglum Museum, gift shop and bookshop.