Why go
Mount Rushmore is undoubtedly South Dakota's most famous landmark and one of the most famous monuments in the United States. The four monumental Presidential heads – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln – are a symbol of American history worldwide.
But Mount Rushmore is much more than a short photo stop. The impressive location in the Black Hills, the superbly designed visitor center, various hiking trails and evening lighting make the visit a special experience.
Many travelers spend only one to two hours here. However, if you bring a little more time, you will discover numerous details that are often overlooked.
At a glance
Category | Information
Completion | 1941
Height of the presidential heads | approx. 18 m
Ideal stay | 2–4 hours
Fifth-wheel access | Check your vehicle, specific campsite and approach road.
Photography | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Family Friendly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Grand View Terrace
The large viewing terrace offers the classic view of Mount Rushmore and is the first stop for most visitors.
From here the well-known postcard motifs are created.
Photo Tip
Shortly after sunrise or during evening lighting, the most beautiful mood prevails. During the day, the light can be very hard.
Avenue of Flags
The path from the visitor centre to the viewing terrace is lined by flags of all US states and other territories.
A nice atmosphere for the visit.
Presidential Trail
The most beautiful walk of the complex.
Distance: about 1 km
Duration: 30–45 minutes
Difficulty: easy
The path leads closer to the rocks and opens up new perspectives on the monument.
Insider tip
Many visitors are already turning back on the viewing terrace. The Presidential Trail is much quieter and offers better photo opportunities.
Sculptor-Studio
Here you will learn more about the sculptor Gutzon Borglum and the origin of the monument.
Models, tools and historical photos provide an exciting insight into the mammoth project.
Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center
The modern visitor centre shows films, exhibitions and original photographs of the construction of the monument.
Plan for at least 30 to 45 minutes.
Presidential Trail Hiking
The best way to experience Mount Rushmore from different perspectives.
Evening lighting ceremony
From the end of spring to autumn, Mount Rushmore is lit after sunset.
Many visitors see this atmosphere as more impressive than visiting the day.
Insider tip
Stay a few minutes after the lighting. Once most visitors have left, it will be surprisingly quiet.
Junior Ranger Program
Ideal for families with children.
The tasks lead playfully through the entire visitor centre.
Shopping
In the visitor center there is a large souvenir shop with:
Books
Clothing
National Park Articles
Christmas ornaments
regional products
For larger shopping, we recommend:
Keystone
Rapid City
Carvers Café
Located directly in the visitor centre.
Known for:
Bison Burger
Sandwiches
Salads
homemade ice cream
Love of the locals
The vanilla ice cream is made according to a historical recipe from the time of Thomas Jefferson.
Ruby House Restaurant (Keystone)
Rustic cuisine with regional specialties.
Powder House Lodge Restaurant
Just outside Keystone.
Known for:
Steaks
Wild game dishes
Bison
Rafter J Bar Ranch
One of Black Hills' most popular campgrounds.
Benefits:
Full Hook-up
Large pull-through pitches
quiet forest location
ideal for Fifth Wheels
Just a few minutes from Mount Rushmore.
Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch
One of the largest campsites in the region.
Benefits:
Pool
Restaurant
Shopping
Full Hook-up
numerous leisure activities
Perfect for families.
Horse Thief Campground
Quiet nature campsite with beautiful forest location.
RV tip
The access roads are well developed, but the parking spaces directly at the Memorial are only limited for large teams. Place your Fifth Wheel at the campsite and drive with the pickup truck.
Photo Tip
A less well-known view of Mount Rushmore can be seen from the Iron Mountain Road tunnel. The monument appears perfectly framed there – one of the most popular photo motifs of experienced road trip travelers.
Insider tip
Visit Mount Rushmore either directly after the opening or only in the late afternoon. Between 10 am and 3 pm most coaches arrive.
Avoid frequent errors
Plan enough time for the Presidential Trail – it's part of the actual experience.
Don't forget to visit the visitor center.
No entrance is required for the monument itself, but there is a parking fee.
In the summer it can become very crowded even in the morning.
Our recommendation
Mount Rushmore is one of the places that you should have seen at least once in your life. Despite its fame, the monument looks more impressive than it can convey photos at first sight.