As one of the nation’s most iconic memorials, in Keystone, South Dakota, The Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a bucklist item for many. The carved 60 foot granite memorial honors George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, all of whom symbolize freedom and democracy. Luckily, we had awesome weather for our one epic day at Mount Rushmore. The bright blue skies contrasted with the white granite made for excellent photos.
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How to Get to Mount Rushmore for Your One-Day Itinerary
Mount Rushmore is a simple day trip from almost anywhere in the . Nestled in the Black hills of South Dakota near Jewel Cave National Monument, Wind Cave National Park and Custer State Park. The closest airport is Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), which is 45 minutes away. Rental cars are available at the airport..
From Rapid City, SD-Head south on US-16 W/Mt Rushmore RD-Continue straight onto SD-244 W. Follow the signs to the memorial entrance.
From Custer, SD-Head west on Custer St/Mt Rushmore RD-Turn right at the 1st cross street onto US-16 E/US-385 N/N 5th St-Turn right onto SD-244 E. Follow the signs to the memorial entrance.
How Much Time Do You Need for a Perfect Day Trip to Mount Rushmore?
There are many ways to enjoy Mount Rushmore, from taking a few pictures to hiking the trails. You could spend all day at the monument just reading through the informational materials in the visitor center or just take a quick photograph and move on. Realistically, the memorial can be covered in 2-3 hours.
Important to Know Before You Go to Mount Rushmore National Monument
Mount Rushmore is an impressive sight to behold, but keep in mind that the memorial sees over 3 million visitors a year. Here’s everything you need to know before you embark on an unforgettable adventure at Mount Rushmore.
- Entrance Fees: there are no national park entrance fees for the park. Still, you will need to pay the $11.00 parking fee. The pass is good for 7 days. If you’re traveling in a larger group or by bus, there are group rates available, so be sure to check the official website for up-to-date pricing.
- Hours of Operation: Mount Rushmore National Memorial is open every day of the year, though hours of operation vary by season. During the summer months, the monument is open daily from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM. From October 1 through early March, hours are 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center opens daily at 8:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM.
- Visitors can explore interpretive nature trails, the visitor center, the Sculptor’s Studio, Carver’s Café, the Gift Shop, and take ranger-led tours of this iconic landmark.
- Pets: Pets are welcome in the outdoor areas, including the Avenue of Flags, the parking lot, and the Presidential Trail (although it’s recommended to keep your pet on a leash). Pets are prohibited inside the visitor center and all indoor areas, such as the museum and auditorium. If you’re planning to hike, bring plenty of water and watch out for the heat—pets can get overheated quickly in the summer months.
- Accessibility: Mount Rushmore strives to be accessible to everyone. The main viewing area, pathways, and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. If you or someone in your group has mobility challenges, you’ll find plenty of options for parking and accessing the monument. If you’re visiting with kids, they’ll love the Junior Ranger Program, where they can complete fun activities and learn more about the park’s history.
When is the best time to visit Mount Rushmore National Monument?
The best time to visit is typically between May and September. The summer months offer pleasant weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities, but expect higher crowds. If you want to avoid the crowds, the shoulder season months are best to visit — in April, May, September, and October., when the weather is still mild, and there are fewer tourists. Winter visits are less crowded, but can be quite cold.
How were these 4 Presidents Chosen?
We often see Mount Rushmore as a monument to four individuals, but together they symbolize much more: they represent the beginning of our nation, its growth, and its preservation.
- As the nation’s first president, they naturally chose George Washington for his significance and role in establishing our great nation.
- Sculptor Gutzon Borglum chose to include President Thomas Jefferson as he contributed significantly to the expansion of the country through the Louisiana Purchase. Besides originating the Declaration of Independence, his portrait is used to symbolize growth.
- In order to symbolize the preservation of the country, Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the USA, was chosen. This resulted from his words and actions related to the Civil War and slavery’s abolition.
- As a result of the Panama Canal construction and his economic efforts, Theodore Roosevelt represents development.
Top things to do at Mount Rushmore in One Day
Our epic day began with a stroll down the Avenue of Flags. It will amaze you, adorned with flags from all 56 states, Guam, American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands. Also represented are the Commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands. They arranged the flags in alphabetical order when they widened the pathway during renovations. It is a sight to behold the flags lining the pathway perfectly frame the sculpted faces of the presidents. The avenue ends at the Grandview Terrace.
If you are renting the self-guided audio or multimedia tour, you can listen to the narrations given by Gutzon Borglum, Lincoln Borglum, native indigenous peoples and workers. The tour begins as you enter the park and has 29 stops. The gift shop offers a self-guided tour at a reasonable price.
Stand on the Grandview Terrace
Unobscured views of the magnificent mountain are best at the end of the Avenue of Flags. Excellent spot for photographs and selfies. Early in the morning, you get a sense of peace sitting on the benches. The Grandview Terrace is just one of the 29 stops on the audio/multimedia tour.
Learn more at the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center and Museum
Directly beneath the Grandview Terrace is the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center and Museum. Stairs or elevators on the left or right will take you down to the Visitor Center. We found this visitor center is very informative. There are exhibits, a museum, and it has a large theater. The “Mount Rushmore: the Shrine” is a 14-minute video, played every 20-minutes. The film details the story behind the creation of Mount Rushmore National Memorial. It gives great insight into the early planning stages of the memorial. The exhibits cover a great deal of information about the history, conflict and the carving process.
You can learn more about the entire project at the visitor center. We read that these sacred mountains are not without controversy. The Great Sioux Nation, especially the Oglala Lakota Sioux, has deep spiritual and physical connections to Pahá Sápa (Black Hills). The Lakota name for Pahá Sápa means “hills covered with black pines.” From far away, these hills look black. The Oglala Lakota Sioux have a strong and lasting bond with the Black Hills.
History of the Black Hills: The Beginning of Mount Rushmore
During the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868, the U S Government and the Sioux Nation agreed to set aside the Black Hills, sacred Indigenous lands, completely for the Sioux people. Nevertheless, when gold was found in French Creek in 1874, now part of Custer State Park, prospectors, settlers, and speculators flooded in, leading the government to breach the agreement. The issue remains unresolved to this day.
The mountain was originally called “Tȟuŋkášila Šákpe,” meaning six grandfathers, by the Lakota Sioux. They later renamed it after New York lawyer Charles E. Rushmore. He traveled to the Black Hills in 1885 to inspect mining claims in the region. It became the official name in 1930.
It was historian Doane Robinson who suggested building a giant sculpture in the Black Hills. Tourists would flock to the hills because of the iconic structure, he suggested. In 1925, Calvin Coolidge provided the funding, firmly establishing the memorial.
Listen to a Studio Talk at the Sculptor’s Studio
A stop at the sculptor’s studio can be a wonderful learning experience. Open daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, it is tucked away in a pine grove at the base of the President’s Trail. Here we listened to a 15-minute Ranger-led studio talk. There is an original 1/12th scale model of the mountain that is the centerpiece of the studio. Used in 1939 by Gutzon Borglum. The narrative does a great job of presenting the history of the carving of the mountain.
Dutch-American Gutzon Borglum is known for sculpting the Mt Rushmore National Memorial. His previous efforts included the carving of Stone Mountain in Georgia. Borglum’s original vision was to include not just the faces but the upper bodies of each president. As funding became an issue, he was required to par down his vision. Sadly, Gotzon died 6-months prior to the completion of the memorial. His son Lincoln, who aided in the project, completed it after his father’s death.
You might remember the filming of “National Treasure: Book of Secrets.” Borglum did design a hidden chamber behind the right front lobe of Abraham Lincoln. He designed this to be the Hall of Records to keep documents and artifacts. Although Borglum never completed the room, his son Lincoln later completed it. In 1998, a small titanium vault was placed on the floor of the Hall of Records entryway.
Don’t Forget: passport cancellation stamps and NPS Junior Ranger programs are available at the Sculptor’s Studio.
The Building of Mount Rushmore
It took 14-years between October 1927 and October 1941 before they completed the chiseled presidential profiles. A total of 400 workers worked on the project. Incredibly, there were no fatalities reported during the sculpting process. The principal method (90%) of rock removal was dynamite blasting. A series of steel cables supported bosun chairs, lowering the carvers to the faces each day. Many of the workers labored through the seasons in harsh conditions. Additional methods included jackhammering and chiseling the finer features. We could see all the tools of the trade laid out in the studio. In detail, the ranger explains how each tool was used.
Take the Time to Hike the Presidential Trail
To get a closer look at the sculpted faces, we walked through the ponderosa pine forest. There are 422 steps along the 0.6-mile looping path. A series of interpretive signs provided the history of each president. Plenty of stairs, so it may be more difficult for those with mobility issues. There is wheelchair access if you go clockwise that skips the stairways. There are some amazing close-up views of the sculpture from the Presidential Trail at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. It is an enjoyable walk early in the morning.
Remember: bring lots of water – it gets hot in the summer
Get Ice Cream at Carver’s Cafe
We started our Mount Rushmore one-day itinerary bright and early, with breakfast at Carvers Café, the only onsite dining option at the memorial. It’s a perfect stop on your day trip to Mount Rushmore, offering generous portions and a full breakfast menu at a reasonable price. Sitting by the beautiful stone fireplace with a direct view of the memorial made it a memorable and relaxing way to kick off our visit. Whether you’re grabbing a full meal or just need a pick-me-up, the café’s coffee bar serves a variety of hot and cold beverages with plenty of comfortable indoor seating—one of the top things to do at Mount Rushmore in one day, especially if you arrive early.
I would suggest before leaving, to stop by the Memorial Ice Cream shop for a taste of history with Thomas Jefferson ice cream. It is a bit pricy, over $7, but you get two huge scoops. It was delicious!
What to See at Mount Rushmore: The Iconic Evening Lighting Ceremony
In the summer, from late May to September 30, enjoy the Evening Lighting Show. It’s incredibly impressive. The evening program begins at 9:00 pm. Programming comprises a 10-minute ranger talk, with a recognition ceremony for veterans and active duty military. The playing of the national anthem, and honoring of our nation’s veterans, includes a flag folding and lighting the sculpture with a white light. Every year on Independence Day, the memorial puts on a spectacular fireworks display.
For a fantastic side view of George Washington, stop at the profile turnout on Highway 244. A two-minute drive just west of the park. It is a one-of-a-kind view.
Final Thoughts: How to Have One Epic Day at Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Mount Rushmore is an iconic American landmark. It should be on your bucket list if it isn’t already! An absolutely stunning sight. Still, I can smell the pine scent as if I were walking through the forest. You can never forget the experience of seeing the monument in person. It gives you a strong sense of patriotism. A great way to spend a part of your day in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Easily combine a day at Rushmore with side trips to Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, Jewel or Wind Cave.
Have you been to Mount Rushmore? What did you think of it? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
