Mount Rushmore

Mt. Rushmore National Monument is one of the most popular Black Hills’ destinations, featuring the faces of four US Presidents carved in granite and other facilities including a museum and sculptor’s studio.

Overview

Mount Rushmore is one of the most popular national memorials, symbolizing freedom and democracy in America. The Monument features the faces of four United States Presidents – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln – carved in granite by the late sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, with each chiseled face as tall as a 6-story building.

Completed in 1941, this impressive public sculpture is open year-round, except for Christmas Day. The Presidents’ faces appear the most expressive in the morning and late afternoon sunlight, when the reflection gives them a life-like look.

There is no admission fee to view Mount Rushmore, however a $10 annual parking pass applies. Additional on-site facilities include the sculptor’s studio, a museum, information center, and more.

Location/Directions

Mount Rushmore National Monument is located 23 miles southwest of Rapid City, SD.

North: From Rapid City, take HWY 16 southwest to Keystone, then follow HWY 244 to Mt. Rushmore.

South: Follow HWY 385 north to HWY 244. Follow to 244 to Mt. Rushmore.

Contact Information

Mail:                                                                                                                                                                                                          13000 Highway 244
Building 31, Suite 1
Keystone, SD 57751-0268

Phone Numbers:
Park Headquarters (605) – 574 -2523
Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center (605) – 574 – 3165
Visitor Information (recording) (605) – 574 – 3171

Website:
www.nps.gov/moru/index.htm

Season

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is open every day except for December 25. Most Mount Rushmore facilities are open year-round, with a few exceptions.

There is no admission fee to view the Memorial, but an annual $10 parking fee applies. ($50 parking fee for buses.)

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

  • Summer season: Early May – late September
  • Summer hours: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
  • Summer parking:  7:00 am – 9/10 pm
  • Winter season: Early October – late April
  • Winter hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Winter parking: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm

Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center

  • Summer hours: 8:00 am – 9/10 pm
  • Winter hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Information Center

  • Summer hours: 8:00 am – 9/10 pm
  • Winter hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Sculptor’s Studio

  • Open from late-May through early-September, from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Early-September through late-September, open from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
  • Winter – closed

For additional facilities and hours, call (605) 574 – 2524 or check the Mt. Rushmore website.

Activities

During your Mt. Rushmore vacation, be sure to check out all of the on-site facilities, including the Lincoln Borglum Museum, or take an audio tour, guiding you through different Memorial features.

In summertime, check out the sculptor’s studio, showcasing Borglum’s tools and carvings, and the process involved for Mt. Rushmore’s construction.

Browse the gift shop and then dine at Carver’s Café, or enjoy an ice cream cone from Memorial Team Ice Cream during the summer months.

Additional Information

Visit Mount Rushmore at dusk and enjoy the evening lighting ceremony, featuring a ranger-led talk.

Season and Times
May – August, 9 pm
September, 8 pm
October – April, illuminated at dusk (no formal program)

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