Traveler Tip:
MORNING: MAJESTIC MT. RUSHMORE – AN AMERICAN ICON
Rise and shine, adventurers! The golden secret to experiencing Mt. Rushmore is to arrive early, beating the crowds and basking in the soft morning light. Your drive from Lake Park Campground to the “Shrine of Democracy” is a picturesque prelude to the grandeur ahead.
Parking Pro-Tip: While the Memorial has no entrance fee, parking does. The fantastic news? Your parking pass is valid for a whole year, making a return trip for the magical Evening Lighting Ceremony a breeze!
ADVENTURE AWAITS ALONG YOUR DRIVE
As you journey along scenic Highway 16 and then Highway 244 towards Mt. Rushmore, keep your eyes peeled! The stunning granite formations and cliffs you’ll pass aren’t just beautiful backdrops. The Black Hills National Forest is a premier playground for rock climbers. You might even spot some adventurers scaling the crags! If you’re feeling inspired by the vertical world, be sure to check out our guide to thrilling rock climbing routes available throughout the region for all skill levels.
- 1. Start by exiting Lake Park Campground onto Chapel Lane.
- 2. Make a right turn onto Jackson Boulevard (SD Highway 44 West).
- 3. Continue on SD Highway 44 West (also known as Rimrock Highway as you leave the city) for about 2-3 miles.
- 4. Turn left onto US Highway 16 West (Mount Rushmore Road). Keep an eye out for clear signs!
- 5. Follow US-16 W for approximately 15-16 miles towards Keystone. Enjoy the Black Hills scenery!
- 6. As you approach Keystone, follow signs and turn right onto SD Highway 244 West.
- 7. Continue for about 3-4 miles; the entrance to Mount Rushmore National Memorial will be clearly marked on your right.
STAYING CONNECTED:
Public wifi is not available at Mount Rushmore. Cellular coverage varies depending on your carrierbut is generally available around the main buildings. Beyond these central visitor areas, service can be very spotty.
UNFORGETTABLE ON-SITE EXPERIENCES
Avenue of Flags:Take a stirring stroll down this walkway, flanked by flags representing all 50 states, U.S. territories, and districts. It’s a vibrant welcome!
Grand View Terrace: This is THE spot for that iconic, jaw-dropping photo with Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln. Get your cameras ready!
Presidential Trail: Immerse yourself in the monument’s presence on this 0.6-mile loop. For an easier walk with fewer uphill climbs, head clockwise! You’ll get incredibly close to the base, offering unique perspectives of the colossal faces above. It has 422 stairs, so wear comfy shoes!
Sculptor’s Studio: Sculptor’s Studio:Don’t miss this! Open during summer months, this original workspace houses Gutzon Borglum’s 1/12 scale plaster model along with tools and exhibits detailing Gutzon Borglum’s vision and the incredible tenacity of the workers. Best part? You can experience sitting in a replica bosun chair, the same type that suspended workers 500 feet up the mountain face! Ranger talks here offer fascinating insights.
THE LINCOLN BORGLUM VISITOR CENTER: THE STORY BENEATH THE STONE
Don’t miss the hidden gem located directly beneath the Grand View Terrace – the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center. Many visitors walk right over it, unaware of the treasures within! This immersive museum, named after Gutzon Borglum’s son who completed the project, is your gateway to understanding the heart and soul of Mt. Rushmore. Uncover the full story of its creation and the historical tapestry of the Black Hills.
Interactive Exhibits: Spanning 5,200 square feet, you can listen to actual worker interviews and watch historic carving footage. Try your hand at “detonating dynamite charges” in the interactive worker exhibit – a blast for all ages!
Exhibits & Artifacts: Explore detailed displays showcasing the incredible carving process. See the actual tools that shaped the mountain, examine plaster models, and view to life. Learn about Gutzon Borglum’s vision, the challenges faced, and the significance of the four presidents.
“Mount Rushmore: The Shrine” Film: Catch the compelling 14-minute film, screened every 20 minutes. It offers a fantastic overview of the monument’screation, packed with rare footage and personal stories that add profound depth to your visit.
Learn About the Presidents & Dedications: Discover more about the lives and legacies of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln, and the history of the United States as it relates to this incredible feat of engineering and artistry.
FAMILY FUN AT THE FOREFRONT
Junior Ranger Program: A huge hit with the kids! Pick up a free activity booklet at the Information Center or Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center. Upon completion, your little explorer will be sworn in as an official Junior Ranger and receive a coveted sticker badge – a fantastic souvenir!
Audio Tours: Enhance your exploration! Rent a multimedia device on-site for a narrated tour filled with music and historic recordings. Alternatively, download the popular GyPSy Guide GPS Tour app for a self-paced, engaging experience that shares stories and facts as you drive and walk.
GUIDED TOUR OPTIONS: SEE MORE, LEARN MORE!
Regional Sightseeing Tours: Several excellent local companies offer comprehensive guided tours of the Black Hills. These often bundle Mt. Rushmore with other iconic stops like Crazy Horse Memorial and Custer State Park, complete with expert commentary, comfortable transport, and sometimes even meals or entertainment. It’s a hassle-free way to see the highlights!
AFTERNOON: ADVENTURE AWAITS! (AND YOUR STOMACH RUMBLES!)
Carvers’ Café (at Mt. Rushmore): Conveniently located on-site, it’s perfect for a quick bite or a full meal. Enjoy burgers, hearty buffalo chili, pizza, fresh salads, and, of course, thatcan’t-miss Thomas Jefferson’s ice cream.
Thomas Jefferson’s Original Recipe Ice Cream: Yes, you read that right! Cool down at Carver’s Café with a scoop of vanilla ice cream based on a recipe penned by TJ himself. It’s a deliciously historic treat!
EVENING: A GRAND & INSPIRING FINALE
CEREMONY TIMES:
- 9:00 PM: MAY 24 THROUGH AUGUST 10, 2025
- 8:00 PM: AUGUST 11 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2025
As dusk begins to settle, make your way back to Mt. Rushmore for the truly spectacular EVENING LIGHTING CEREMONY. This is the most attended program in the entire National Park Service, and for good reason! From May 23 through September 30, 2025, this moving 45-minute event features a ranger talk, a poignant film about the memorial, and a powerful tribute to U.S. veterans. It’s an experience that will give you goosebumps.
After the stirring ceremony, it’s a peaceful drive back to Lake Park Campground – one of the top RV campgrounds near Mt. Rushmore. Settle in under the vast, starry Black Hills sky, sharing stories of your incredible day around a crackling campfire.
We know pets are cherished family members! Here’s how to explore the area with your four-legged companion:
At Mount Rushmore: Leashed pets (max 6-foot leash) are welcome in the parking garages and on the grassy areas between them.
Follow the helpful yellow paw prints from the parking structure to designated pet exercise areas, which offer great views! Your leashed pal can also join you for a view of the sculpture from the entrance columns.
However, they are not permitted on the Presidential Trail, Grand View Terrace, Avenue of Flags, or inside any buildings (service animals are, of course, excepted).
For a pet-friendly hike nearby, the Blackberry Trail, located across Highway 244 from the parking structure, is a 1-mile trail that welcomes leashed pets and even connects to the longer Centennial Trail.